Brain Tumors

D / Dalia Hussein
Group : B6
 Outlines
 Introduction and Definition
 Pathophysiology
 Causes and risk factor
 types
 Signs and symptoms.
 Diagnosis
 lab investigation
 complication
 prevention
 Medical management Pharmacological
 nursing interventions
Introduction and Definition :
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells that develop
within the brain or surrounding tissues. They can be benign
(non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and can vary
greatly in size, location, and rate of growth.
Brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. It can
be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and it
can arise from brain tissue or spread from other parts of the
body.

Pathophysiology:
Brain tumors cause neurological manifestations through
multiple mechanisms, including increased intracranial
pressure and hydrocephalus obstruction. Tumors can disrupt
normal tissue function and replacement. Tumors may lead to
raised intracranial pressure and distorted cerebral perfusion.
Slow-growing brain tumors may be larger when discovered,
and may show signs and symptoms similar to primary brain
tumors.
Causes and Risk factor :
Doctors don’t know why some cells begin to form into tumor
cells. It may have something to do with a person’s genes or his
or her environment, or both. Some potential brain tumor
causes and risk factors may include:
 Exposure to some forms of radiation, and certain
chemicals.
 genetic disorders and family history (like
neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome).
 immune system disorders.
 Age, gender.
 Cancers that spread from other parts of the boody

Types:
1. Gliomas: These tumors originate in the glial cells of the
brain and can be either benign or malignant. The most
common type of glioma is glioblastoma multiforme,
which is a highly aggressive and fast-growing tumor
2. . Meningiomas: These tumors develop in the meninges,
the protective membranes that surround the brain and
spinal cord. Meningiomas are usually benign and slow-
growing, but they can cause symptoms if they grow large
enough to press on surrounding structures.
3. Pituitary tumors: These tumors develop in the pituitary
gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that
 regulates hormone production. Most pituitary tumors are
benign and can often be treated with medication or
surgery.
4. Medulloblastomas: These tumors develop in the
cerebellum, which is located at the back of the brain and
is responsible for coordinating movement and balance.
Medulloblastomas are most commonly found in children
and are considered a type of embryonal tumor.

Signs and symptoms:

1- common symptoms :
 Headache
 vomiting
 visual disturbance
 seizure

2-Localized symptoms:
 sensory or motor abnormalities
 visual disturbance
 language disturbance
 altration cognition
Diagnosis:
1- History:
The history of the disease and the manner and time at which
the symptoms developed are the main medical components…
and family history (through evaluation of previous diagnosis,
surgery or treatment related to the brain tumor).

Physical examination:
A physical examination is necessary to assess the patient's
current condition and identify any signs or symptoms related
to a brain tumor.

Physical examination should includes

a) Assess vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure,
and pulse and see if there is anything abnormal.
b) Examine the skull for any a swollen lump or change in
size.
c) Examination of the neck to evaluate the stiffness of the
neck movement Look for signs of swelling and pain.
d) Ear examination : Hearing evaluation Using different
hearing tests
 e) Neurological examination: Evaluation of mental status,
evaluation of the patient's memory, attention and
concentration Level of consciousness.

2- Clinical Manifestations:
Brain tumors can produce both focal or generalized neurologic
signs and symptoms.
-Generalized symptoms reflect increased ICP.
if any one of skull components increases in volume, ICP
increases unless one of the other components decreases in
volume. Consequently, any change in volume occupied by the
brain (as occurs with disorders such as brain tumor or cerebral
edema) produces signs and symptoms of increased ICP.
-The most common focal signs and symptoms result from
tumors that interfere with functions in specific brain regions.

lab investigation:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) :
This test evaluates the number and types of blood cells in your
body. Anemia or abnormal white blood cell counts may
sometimes be associated with certain types of brain tumors
Blood Chemistry Tests :
These tests assess various markers in the blood, such as
electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function, and other
metabolic parameters that can be affected by the presence of
.a brain tumor or its treatment

Tumor Markers
Specific proteins or other substances produced by some types
of tumors can be detected in the blood. However, tumor
markers for brain tumors are not as commonly used as in
.other types of cancers

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis :

In cases where a tumor is suspected to be affecting the central
nervous system, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) can be
performed to collect and analyze the cerebrospinal fluid. This
can help in diagnosing certain types of brain tumors,
infections, or inflammatory conditions.
Genetic Testing :
In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to look
for specific gene mutations associated with certain types of
brain tumors. This can help in guiding treatment decisions and
assessing the risk of developing other related conditions.
Hormone Levels :
Some brain tumors, such as pituitary tumors, can affect
hormone levels in the body. Testing hormone levels may be
necessary to evaluate the function of the pituitary gland and
other hormone-producing structures in the brain.

Complication:
1. Headache
It was found that nearly half of people with brain cancer
suffer from constant headaches, even though the tumor itself
does not cause headaches, but when it grows, it puts pressure
on the nerves and vessels.
2. Digestive system disorders
One of the complications of brain cancer is disorders
The incident occurs in the digestive system, where a tumor
can occur Cerebrovascular accident can cause you to:
* Stomach pain, due to pressure from the tumor Areas
responsible for bowel movement.
Nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy
For cancer.
3. Insomnia
Many people with brain cancer suffer from their inability to
sleep due to their feeling of abnormal fatigue and exhaustion,
which results from the body consuming its full energy.

Prevention:
Ways toprevent brain cancer:
 Stay away from carcinogenic chemicals.
 Avoid radiation as much as possbile.
 Quit smoking.

Medical management:
1. Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the first
line of treatment if the tumor is accessible and can be
safely removed without causing significant damage to the
surrounding brain tissue. The goal of surgery is to remove
as much of the tumor as possible, which can help relieve
symptoms and provide a tissue sample for further
analysis.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy
beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used
after surgery to eliminate any remaining tumor cells or as
the primary treatment if surgery is not possible.
Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (external
 beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy), depending
on the specific case.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of
drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered orally or
intravenously and may be used alone or in combination
with other treatments. Chemotherapy is sometimes used
for brain tumors that are difficult to treat with surgery or
radiation therapy, such as certain types of malignant
brain tumors.
4. Targeted therapy: Certain brain tumors may have
specific genetic or molecular characteristics that make
them susceptible to targeted therapies. These therapies
5. are designed to specifically target and disrupt the growth
of cancer cells while minimizing damage.

Nursing interventions :
Nursing interventions for a patient with a brain tumor focus
on managing symptoms, providing supportive care, and
promoting optimal functioning. These interventions may
include:
 Pain Management: Administering medications for pain
relief and implementing non-pharmacological pain
management techniques such as relaxation techniques or
distraction methods.
 Monitoring Neurological Status: Assessing and
monitoring the patient's neurological status regularly to
detect any changes in mental status, motor function,
sensory perception, or cranial nerve function.

 Seizure Management: Implementing seizure

precautions, administering antiepileptic medications as
prescribed, and providing education to the patient and
family on seizure management and safety measures.

 Managing Symptoms: Addressing symptoms such as

headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in vision or
cognition through medication administration,
positioning, and other comfort measures.

 Nutritional Support: Monitoring the patient's

nutritional status, providing nutritional counseling, and
assisting with feeding if necessary to maintain adequate
nutrition and hydration.

 Psychosocial Support: Offering emotional support to

the patient and family members, providing information
about the disease and treatment options, and facilitating
access to support groups or counseling services.