Abstract
Brain tumors are common, requiring general medical providers to have a basic understanding
of their diagnosis and management. The most prevalent brain tumors are intracranial
metastases from systemic cancers, meningiomas, and gliomas, specifically, glioblastoma.
Central nervous system metastases may occur anywhere along the neuroaxis, and require
complex multidisciplinary care with neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical
oncology. Meningiomas are tumors of the meninges, mostly benign and often managed
by surgical resection, with radiation therapy and chemotherapy reserved for high-risk
or refractory disease. Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive malignant primary
brain tumor, with a limited response to standard-of-care concurrent chemoradiation.
The new classification of gliomas relies on molecular features, as well as histology,
to arrive at an “integrated diagnosis” that better captures prognosis. This manuscript
will review the most common brain tumors with an emphasis on their diagnosis, oncologic
management, and management of medical complications.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 23, 2018
William J. Mullally, MD, Neurology Series EditorFootnotes
Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: EQL has performed consulting for Eli Lilly.
Authorship: Both authors had access to the data and a role in writing this manuscript.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
