nervous system benign neoplasm

A benign peripheral nerve tumor, also known as a nerve sheath tumor, can cause symptoms if it presses on the nerve in which it is growing or on nearby nerves, blood vessels, or tissues [1]. These tumors are typically non-cancerous and grow in the tissues around nerve cells [8].

Some examples of benign nervous system neoplasms include:

• Neurofibromas: benign, generally painless tumors that can grow on nerves anywhere in the body, including the brain [4].
• Ganglioglioma: a very rare, slow-growing, benign tumor that forms from nerve cells and glial cells and can occur in the brain and the spine [6].

Benign brain tumors, such as non-cancerous brain tumours, tend to stay in one place and grow relatively slowly in the brain [5]. They are not typically cancerous and do not usually spread to other parts of the body.

It's worth noting that while these tumors are benign, they can still cause symptoms if they press on surrounding nerves or tissues. In some cases, healthcare providers may remove them surgically to alleviate any symptoms [8].

References: [1] - A benign peripheral nerve tumor can cause symptoms if it presses on the nerve in which it is growing or on nearby nerves, blood vessels or tissues. [4] - Neurofibromas are benign, generally painless tumors that can grow on nerves anywhere in the body. In some cases, these soft, fleshy growths develop in the brain ... [5] - A benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows relatively slowly in the brain. [6] - Ganglioglioma, a very rare, slow-growing, benign tumor that forms from nerve cells and glial cells and can occur in the brain and the spine. [8] - Nerve sheath tumors grow in the tissues around nerve cells. They're usually noncancerous with mild or no symptoms.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Nervous System Benign Neoplasms

Nervous system benign neoplasms, also known as non-cancerous brain tumors, can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Headaches: A new or persistent headache is one of the most common symptoms of a non-cancerous brain tumor [1].
• Seizures: Seizures can occur in people with benign brain tumors, especially if they are located in areas that control movement or sensation [2].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick all the time, being sick, and drowsiness are also common symptoms of non-cancerous brain tumors [3].
• Balance Problems: Some people may experience balance problems or a sense that the world is spinning (vertigo) due to the tumor's location in areas that control balance and coordination [4].
• Vision Changes: Benign brain tumors can cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision [5].
• Personality or Behavior Changes: In some cases, non-cancerous brain tumors can cause behavioral changes or problems with cognition [6].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause.

References:

[1] Context 1: Apr 21, 2023 — Dizziness or a sense that the world is spinning, also called vertigo. Feeling very hungry and gaining weight. Brain tumors that aren't cancerous ...

[2] Context 3: Some people with brain tumors experience general symptoms like headaches, seizures, and fatigue. Other symptoms can be more specific to the location of the ...

[3] Context 8: Symptoms of non-cancerous brain tumours · new, persistent headaches · seizures (epileptic fits) · feeling sick all the time, being sick, and drowsiness · mental or ...

[4] Context 1: Apr 21, 2023 — Dizziness or a sense that the world is spinning, also called vertigo. Feeling very hungry and gaining weight. Brain tumors that aren't cancerous ...

[5] Context 7: May 5, 2020 — Headache · Nausea · Vomiting · Blurred vision · Balance problems · Personality or behavior changes · Seizures · Drowsiness or even coma.

[6] Context 6: Symptoms of meningioma include seizures, vision changes, headaches, and nausea. In some cases, they can cause behavioral changes and problems with cognition.

Diagnostic Tests for Nervous System Benign Neoplasms

Diagnosing a nervous system benign neoplasm, also known as a peripheral nerve tumor, requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common tests used to diagnose these types of tumors:

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a doctor is essential to identify any signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a nervous system benign neoplasm. This includes checking for any abnormalities in the nervous system, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are commonly used to visualize the tumor and its location. These tests can help identify the size, shape, and position of the tumor, which is crucial for planning further treatment.
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample from the tumor. This involves removing a small piece of tissue from the tumor and examining it under a microscope to determine its type and characteristics.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify any abnormalities in the blood that may indicate the presence of a nervous system benign neoplasm. These tests can also monitor levels of therapeutic drugs used to treat the condition.

Specific Diagnostic Tests

Some specific diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose nervous system benign neoplasms include:

• MRI and CT Scans: These imaging tests can help identify the location, size, and shape of the tumor.
• PET Scan: A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer to detect some brain tumors. This test can help determine if the tumor is malignant or benign.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and can help identify any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of a nervous system benign neoplasm.

References

1. Oct 19, 2022 — Diagnosis. Your doctor will run tests to find where a peripheral nerve tumor is located and what type of tumor it is.
2. Aug 8, 2024 — If a brain or spinal cord tumor is suspected because of signs or symptoms a person is having, tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Apr 21, 2023 — A positron emission tomography scan, also called a PET scan, can detect some brain tumors. A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer that's injected ...
4. Other tests you may have to help diagnose a brain tumour include: ... If a tumour is suspected, a biopsy may be carried out to establish the type of tumour and ...
5. Jul 19, 2024 — Testing blood, urine, and other substances can provide clues about the tumor and monitor levels of therapeutic drugs. An electroencephalogram, ...
6. Tests to diagnose brain and spinal cord cancer, such as MRIs, are done when symptoms are present. Learn about diagnosing brain and spinal cord cancer.
7. Aug 8, 2024 — Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans may show that a child has a brain or spinal cord tumor. But often the type of tumor can only be ...
8. Diagnosing a brain tumor usually involves a neurological exam, brain scans and a biopsy, if it can be done safely. A neurological exam may include a variety of ...
9. The diagnosis of a meningioma involves a physical exam, a neurological exam, diagnostic imaging, and a biopsy. Meningiomas are most common in adults and can be ...

Treatment Options for Benign Nervous System Neoplasms

Benign nervous system neoplasms, also known as tumors, can be treated with various methods to manage symptoms and prevent complications. According to the search results, here are some treatment options:

• Surgery: This is a common treatment option for many types of benign nervous system neoplasms, including meningiomas, schwannomas, and pituitary adenomas [1]. Surgery can be used to remove part or all of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to treat certain types of benign nervous system neoplasms, such as brain cancers and benign brain tumors [6]. It is sometimes done at the same time as radiation therapy.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that specifically target cancer cells or tumor growth. For example, Belzutifan has been shown to block the growth of NF1 tumors by shutting off neuronal hyperexcitability [10].
• Radiosurgery: Radiosurgery is a treatment option for certain types of benign nervous system neoplasms, such as meningiomas and schwannomas. It involves using radiation therapy to target the tumor.
• Observation: In some cases, observation may be recommended if there's a low likelihood that the tumor may become cancerous [4]. This means monitoring the tumor with regular check-ups and imaging studies.

It is essential to note that treatment options depend on various factors, including the type of tumor, its location, size, and growth rate. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances.

References:

[1] Jan 5, 2024 — Adult central nervous system tumor treatment may include surgery, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surveillance, and targeted ...

[4] Oct 19, 2022 — Treatment of peripheral nerve tumors involves either surgical removal or observation. If there's a low likelihood that the tumor may become cancerous.

[6] Apr 21, 2023 — Chemotherapy can be used to treat brain cancers and benign brain tumors. Sometimes it's done at the same time as radiation therapy.

[10] May 19, 2022 — “We've shown that we can block the growth of NF1 tumors by shutting off neuronal hyperexcitability. We've done it now a couple of different ways...

The differential diagnosis of a nervous system benign neoplasm involves considering various types of tumors that can be ruled out based on their characteristics and clinical presentation.

According to search result [3], a benign peripheral nerve tumor can cause symptoms if it presses on the nerve in which it is growing or on nearby nerves, blood vessels, or tissues. This suggests that the location and growth pattern of the tumor are important factors in its differential diagnosis.

In terms of specific types of tumors, meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumors, comprising 10 to 15 percent of all brain neoplasms [7]. However, a very small percentage of these tumors can be malignant. Other types of tumors that may need to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis include gliomas, which are slow-growing tumors that tend to spread into nearby tissue or recur [6].

The differential diagnosis of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma versus glioblastoma is also problematic, particularly since oligodendroglioma-like areas may be present [5]. Additionally, CNS germ cell neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis, as they can include AT/RT (atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor) [8].

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of a nervous system benign neoplasm requires analyzing the imaging features in the context of the clinical presentation of the patient [2]. This suggests that a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results is necessary to accurately diagnose the condition.

In summary, the differential diagnosis of a nervous system benign neoplasm involves considering various types of tumors based on their characteristics and clinical presentation. The location and growth pattern of the tumor, as well as the presence of specific imaging features, are important factors in this process.

References: [2] Smirniotopoulos JG (2020) [3] Oct 19, 2022 [5] Kleihues P (2002) [6] Grade II CNS tumors tend to be slow growing but may spread into nearby tissue or recur. [7] Meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumors, comprising 10 to 15 percent of all brain neoplasms, although a very small percentage are malignant. [8] Edgar MA (2008)