In the article, we will consider what a volumetric formation of the brain is.
Cancerous diseases are diagnosed annually in tens of thousands of people. These pathologies are characterized by the rapid growth of atypical tissues, as a result of which the functionality of the organ in which the neoplasm is located is disrupted. In addition, general intoxication arises in the body, provoked by products formed during the life of the tumor.
Similar lesions can develop in the head, and they can form from various cells. Oncological pathologies are diagnosed in both adult patients and children, and the mechanisms of neoplasm development may differ. Formations in the brain are not a common type of tumor, but they are the most dangerous. During the degeneration of nerve tissues, severe multiple organ disorders occur, and the treatment of the disease is difficult due to its specific location.
An important criterion in assessing the prognosis is the degree of malignancy of the volumetric formation of the brain, determined by the difference between the tumor cells and the original organ cells. The closer their structure is to the natural, the better the prognosis will be for the patient. The most effective method of dealing with neoplasms is surgery, but this approach is not always possible. Most often, experts recommend a comprehensive fight against a problem that involves exposure to cancer cells in various ways.
By their definition, tumors are volume formations of the brain that have a mixed nature.
Causes of brain tumors
Modern medicine does not know the exact causes of the development of volumetric formations of the brain. Experts suggest that such changes occur under the influence of a combination of factors. In pediatric patients, genetic factors of neoplasm prevail. They are associated with a mutation of some parts of the chromosomes that control the growth, cell division. Such changes most often provoke the formation of a tumor in newborns, young children. In adult patients, cancers can also be of a genetic nature. Scientists identify a number of factors that can provoke a cell cycle failure and the development of volumetric brain formation (ICD code D33):
- Ultraviolet, infrared radiation can change the structure of DNA, as a result of which the likelihood of the formation of a neoplasm, including melanoma, increases.
- Some viruses have the ability to potentiate uncontrolled cell growth, which then degenerates into oncology. Such viruses include, for example, papillomavirus, which causes the appearance of warts.
- The use of foods that contain GMOs. They are able to exert a teratogenic effect - cause cancer and the formation of malformations.
Classification of tumors in the brain
The prognosis for recovery with volumetric brain formation (according to ICD-10 D33) depends on the stage of the pathological process, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the histology of tumor formation. Cerebral lesions are divided into two large groups: gliomas, the formation of which occurs directly from the nervous tissue; negliomas formed from the meninges, lymphoid elements. Secondary formations are also distinguished, which are the result of metastasis of the primary lesion along the lymphatic pathways and blood vessels. As a rule, a similar process is found in organs where active blood flow is present - the spleen, lungs, and liver.
Gliomas
A group of gliomas is represented by various pathologies, they are the most common volume formations of the corpus callosum of the brain. They are diagnosed in 80% of cases. Gliomas are distinguished by the level of malignancy, and therefore the prognosis and clinical picture may vary. The most common type of glioma is glioblastoma. Allocate also:
- Oligodendrogliomas. This pathology is very rare, a neoplasm is formed in this case from protective elements that also support the process of hemostasis in the brain. A feature of such volumetric formations of the brain stem is that most often they form in middle-aged patients. Such neoplasms are moderately malignant.
- Astrocytomas. This neoplasm is diagnosed in 3/5 cases of brain cancer. Astrocytomas are formed from cells that delimit neurons from blood vessels. These cells (astrocytes) are involved in the nutrition and natural development of nerve tissue. Astrocytomas differentiate according to the degree of malignancy.
- Ependymomas. They are formations formed by the cells of the inner layer of the cerebral ventricles. These cells take part in the process of producing cerebrospinal fluid, and therefore the symptoms of ependymoma are associated with a violation of this particular function. Ependymomas are classified into malignant and highly differentiated.
- Mixed gliomas. This type of tumor is formed from several types of tissues that are normally present in the brain.
A volumetric formation in the parietal lobe of the brain can be detected suddenly. Neurological symptoms with localization of the tumor in this area is manifested in violations of the sensitivity of the trunk on the side opposite to the lesion. Disorders of orientation in parts of one's own body, opto-aphasic disorders are noted.
Ocular pathology occurs only with large volumes of the tumor and appears in less than half of patients. A characteristic feature is the appearance of a partial lower-quadrant homonymous hemianopsia as a result of damage to the upper part of the Graziole bundle, the nerve fibers of which pass in this lobe. Subsequently, when the process spreads to the occipital lobe, a complete homonymous hemianopsia develops.
Negliomas
Such tumors are represented by three types, some of which are benign, and some are associated with a poor prognosis and often lead to death of the patient. Doctors distinguish:
- Meningiomas These tumors form the membrane of the brain. Specialists differentiate them according to the degree of malignancy, in addition, they can be accompanied by clinical manifestations of varying intensity.
- Pituitary adenomas. They represent a specific problem, which is always accompanied by changes in the endocrine functions of the organ. A similar pathology affects more often than women. In most cases, it is a benign formation; therapy lends itself well.
- CNS lymphomas. This type of neoplasm is characterized by a severe course. Tumors are made up of regenerated cells of the lymphatic system. The prognosis and treatment regimen depends on the type of tissue involved in the process.
What are the signs of brain volume formation?
Characteristic symptoms
Manifestations of tumor formations in the brain depend on many factors. Localization of the neoplasm is of no small importance, since the nervous structures are subdivided into zones of functionality. Symptoms of the tumor may also vary from the stage of the pathology.
Early manifestations are as follows:
- The development of migraines that accompany almost every disease of the central nervous system. Most often they arise as a result of puffiness. Migraine can disturb the patient, even if the formation in the brain is small. The maximum intensity of pain is observed at night, in the morning. Given only this symptom, it is impossible to recognize the tumor.
- Vomiting often associated with migraines. Moreover, they do not have a relationship with the presence of food in the digestive tract.
- Cognitive impairment, for example, memory impairment, impaired ability to concentrate. The cause of such disorders can only be determined by a thorough examination.
If there is no therapy above the indicated signs, and the neoplasm in the brain is malignant, the symptoms are aggravated:
- Depression, drowsiness, depression develops. As a rule, such manifestations are associated with severe pain and fever.
- Other symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. The patient may have impaired speech, impaired vision, impaired coordination of movements. These clinical signs are important in the diagnosis of pathology, as they allow you to determine the location of the tumor.
- In complicated cases, seizures are observed, followed by respiratory arrest. If the patient is not helped in time, there is a possibility of a fatal outcome.
How is a volumetric brain formation diagnosed?
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of pathology involves a thorough examination, which includes laboratory tests of blood, MRI. A study of the clinical manifestations of the disease by a neurologist and oncologist is also being conducted.
Therapy of formations in the brain
Therapy of neoplasms involves an integrated approach, which is based on surgical intervention aimed at the complete elimination of the tumor. Unfortunately, surgery, due to the localization of pathology, is not always possible. In such cases, the patient is prescribed chemotherapy, drug therapy and other methods of influencing the neoplasm, allowing to suspend its growth and improve the patient's condition. Most often, it is impossible to completely cure the disease.
Surgical intervention
Surgical removal of the tumor can be done exclusively within healthy tissue. With this approach, a satisfactory effect is achieved. In this regard, a neoplasm that has clearly defined boundaries can be called curable. Surgical intervention is carried out under the control of CT, MRI, which allows you to visualize the actions of the surgeon.
Radiotherapy
If there is no possibility of surgical excision of the tumor, the patient is recommended exposure to gamma radiation. Radiotherapy is also used to reduce tumor volume before further removal.
Radiation therapy is also indicated in those cases when during the surgical intervention it is not possible to completely remove the tumor or it is inoperable.
Chemotherapy
Cytostatics for brain tumors are rarely used, since not all substances can penetrate the BBB. Chemotherapeutic effect is used in cases of susceptibility of the formation to the administered substances.
In addition to these treatment methods, targeted therapy can be used, involving the introduction of drugs that affect only tumor cells, cryosurgery.
Forecast, dangerous consequences
Neoplasms in the brain can provoke the development of various disorders in the activity of internal organs. There is a defeat of the nerve centers (as a result of which convulsions, paralysis develop), a change in the mental state of the patient. With the defeat of important structures and metastasis, the pathology ends with the death of the patient.
Especially serious are the consequences of volumetric formation of the 3rd ventricle of the brain.
Tumors of the third ventricle are a relatively rare group of neoplasms of the brain. According to some authors, they make up from 1.5% to 2–5%. The most common tumors of the third ventricle in children are subependymal giant cell and pilocytic astrocytomas, neurofibromas, germinomas, gliomas, craniopharyngiomas, papillomas and pineal neoplasms. In adults, colloid cysts, metastases, lymphomas, meningiomas, gliomas, and pinealomas are most common.
During the course of the disease, the symptoms also fluctuate in intensity and are usually more pronounced in children.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation period after the treatment of neoplasms in the brain is aimed at adapting a person, returning him to normal life. In the rehabilitation period, the use of special supportive medicines, physiotherapy methods is indicated. Also, the patient is recommended special exercises.
Recovery is carried out by a multidisciplinary team, which includes a surgeon, chemotherapist, radiologist, psychologist, exercise therapy doctor, physiotherapist, exercise therapy instructor, speech therapist, nurses and paramedical personnel. Only a multidisciplinary approach will ensure a comprehensive quality rehabilitation process.
It is important to remember that the effectiveness of therapy and the prognosis in many cases depend on the nature of the formation and stage of its development, and therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of a disease.