Brain Cancer: Malignant Gliomas - Medical Jurisprudence, Inc.

Brain Cancer: Malignant Gliomas

Malignant Gliomas are tumors of the central nervous system and are located in the brain. Tumors which are found in the brain are noted to be either primary or secondary tumors. Primary tumors originate in the brain and can metastasize to other locations and secondary tumors originate elsewhere in the body and metastasize to the brain. Gliomas are also called primary intracerebral tumors because they originate in the brain. The incidence of CNS tumors increases up to the age of 70 and then the incidence decreases. These types of tumors are the most common in children.

Gliomas can vary in their characteristics. They can be encapsulated, non-encapsulated or invasive. Encapsulated tumors generally do not invade adjacent tissues, instead they displace and compress adjacent and distal CNS tissue and vasculature. Gliomas can be invasive meaning they invade and destroy the normal central nervous tissue. There are four different types of gliomas:

Astrocytoma
Glioblastoma multiforme
Oligodendrocytoma
Ependymoma

Clinical signs that usually bring the patient in for medical attention are typically as a result of the effects of the tumor being located directly on the brain which decreases cerebral flow. These manifestations include; seizures, visual disturbances, headaches, vomiting, unstable gait, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Some of the manifestations are caused by increased intracranial pressure which can lead to brain hemorrhages and cerebral edema (brain swelling).

The survival rate for this type of cancer is less than one year to five years. The principal treatment for cerebral tumors is surgical, radiosurgical removal or decompression if it is not possible. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be used for treatment. Supportive treatment includes reducing brain swelling and pain management.

Cases that involve gliomas can be clinically complicated. Our medical legal consulting services are designed to help alleviate the time and attention you would need to spend reviewing a medical record in a case like this. Contact our offices today at 630-551-0978 or email us at paulette@medicaljurisprudence.com to find

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