Central nervous system tumors are relatively common in the United States, with more
than 40,000 cases annually. Although more than half of these tumors are benign, they
can cause substantial morbidity. Malignant primary brain tumors are the leading cause
of death from solid tumors in children and the third leading cause of death from cancer
in adolescents and adults aged 15 to 34 years. Common presenting symptoms include
headache, seizures, and altered mental status. Whereas magnetic resonance imaging
helps define the anatomic extent of tumor, biopsy is often required to confirm the
diagnosis. Treatment depends on the histologic diagnosis. Benign tumors are usually
curable with surgical resection or radiation therapy including stereotactic radiation;
however, most patients with malignant brain tumors benefit from chemotherapy either
at the time of initial diagnosis or at tumor recurrence. Metastases to the brain remain
a frequent and morbid complication of solid tumors but are frequently controlled with
surgery or radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the mortality rate from malignant brain
tumors remains high, despite initial disease control. This article provides an overview
of current diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients with primary and metastatic
brain tumors.
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© 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
