nervous system cancer

What is Nervous System Cancer?

Nervous system cancer, also known as central nervous system (CNS) cancer, refers to a group of diseases in which abnormal cells form in the tissues of the brain and/or spinal cord. This type of cancer can be benign or malignant, and it affects various parts of the CNS.

Types of Nervous System Cancer

There are several types of CNS cancers, including:

• Gliomas: These are growths of cells that look like glial cells, which surround and support nerve cells in the brain tissue. Gliomas can be benign or malignant.
• Lymphoma: This is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the lymph tissue of the brain and/or spinal cord.

Symptoms of Nervous System Cancer

The symptoms of CNS cancer can vary depending on the location and type of tumor. Some common symptoms include:

• Headaches: These can be severe and persistent, often worse in the morning.
• Seizures: These can occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
• Vision, hearing, and speech difficulties: These can be caused by tumors affecting the areas responsible for these functions.
• Loss of appetite: This can be a result of tumors affecting the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger and satiety.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for CNS cancer vary depending on the type and location of the tumor. They may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

According to [2], CNS lymphoma is an aggressive and rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the lymph tissue of the brain and/or spinal cord. Treatment options vary depending on individual circumstances.

Incidence and Survival Rates

The incidence and survival rates for CNS cancers can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor. According to [12], common tumor types, symptoms, incidence, and survival rates for brain and other nervous system cancers are available online.

References:

[1] An adult central nervous system (CNS) tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form in the tissues of the brain and/or spinal cord. [2] CNS lymphoma, or primary CNS lymphoma, is a rare cancer that affects your central nervous system (CNS). [4] What are the signs and symptoms of CNS tumours? [10] Types of brain tumors include: Gliomas and related brain tumors.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Nervous System Cancer

Nervous system cancer, also known as central nervous system (CNS) tumors, can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the location and size of the tumor. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Headaches: Morning headaches that do not get better with usual headache treatments and are often worse in the morning [1][5][9]
• Seizures: Seizures can occur due to the tumor pressing on the brain or spinal cord [3][6][15]
• Difficulty thinking, speaking, or understanding language: Changes in cognitive function, including difficulty with speech, language comprehension, and memory [4][7][8][13]
• Weakness, numbness, or loss of motor function: Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, or face can occur due to the tumor pressing on nerves [2][11][14]
• Vision, hearing, and speech problems: Problems with vision, hearing, or speech can occur due to the tumor affecting nearby brain areas [7][8][13]
• Changes in personality or behavior: Changes in mood, personality, or ability to focus can occur as a result of the tumor's impact on brain function [4][7][8][13]

Symptoms Can Develop Gradually or Suddenly

The symptoms of nervous system cancer can develop gradually and become worse over time, or they can happen suddenly, such as with a seizure. As the tumor grows, it creates pressure on surrounding brain tissue, leading to changes in

Diagnostic Tests for Nervous System Cancer

If a brain or spinal cord tumor is suspected, various diagnostic tests are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used:

• Imaging tests: These tests use imaging technologies such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), and SPECT (single proton emission computed tomography) to visualize the brain, spinal cord, and other structures. [1][2]
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the tumor for examination under a microscope. This helps determine the type of cancer cells present. [3]
• Neurological examination: A neurological examination is a check of the nervous system to assess any symptoms or abnormalities. This may include tests such as checking hearing and eyesight, and assessing cognitive function. [5][15]

Other diagnostic tests

In addition to these tests, other procedures may be used to diagnose nervous system cancer, including:

• Cytogenetic analysis: A laboratory test that examines cells in a sample of tissue for certain changes in the chromosomes. [13]
• Angiography: A test that uses imaging technologies to visualize blood vessels and detect any abnormalities. [8]

Importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis is crucial in treating nervous system cancer effectively. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 25,400 people will be diagnosed with malignant spinal or brain tumors in 2024. [12]

Treatment Options for Nervous System Cancer

Nervous system cancer, also known as central nervous system (CNS) tumor, can be treated with various drug therapies. The treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for CNS tumors. It uses drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. [1] Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of drug treatment that specifically targets the cancer cells. For example, Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a targeted therapy that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which helps tumors form new blood vessels. [3]
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is another type of drug treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It has shown promising results in treating CNS tumors. [6]

Common Chemotherapy Drugs

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat CNS tumors include:

• Temozolomide: This is a chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat gliomas, a type of brain tumor. [5]
• Procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV): This combination of chemotherapy drugs is often used to treat CNS lymphoma. [11]

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapy, other treatment options for nervous system cancer include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor or relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Supportive Care: Supportive care is a type of treatment that focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Differential Diagnosis of Nervous System Cancer

The differential diagnosis of nervous system cancer involves a wide range of conditions that can mimic the presentation and symptoms of primary brain tumors or metastatic disease to the central nervous system (CNS). Some of these conditions include:

• Infections: Encephalitis, meningitis, abscesses, and other infectious diseases affecting the brain can present with similar symptoms to CNS tumors.
• Inflammatory conditions: Vasculitis, demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory conditions can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of nervous system cancer.
• Metastatic disease: Cancer that has spread to the CNS from a primary site elsewhere in the body, such as lung or breast cancer, must be ruled out when diagnosing primary brain tumors.
• Pituitary tumors: Tumors of the pituitary gland can cause symptoms similar to those of primary brain tumors, including visual disturbances and hormonal imbalances.
• Schwannomas: These are benign tumors that arise from the nerve sheaths and can cause neurological symptoms similar to those of CNS tumors.

Other conditions to consider

• Colloid cysts: A type of cystic lesion that can occur in the third ventricle and present with symptoms similar to those of primary brain tumors.
• Cysticercosis: A parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm, which can cause neurological symptoms similar to those of CNS tumors.
• Pineal tumors: Tumors of the pineal gland can cause symptoms similar to those of primary brain tumors, including visual disturbances and hormonal imbalances.

References

• [3] Most tumors are benign but can become malignant over time. Neurofibromatosis type 1 usually causes tumors in nerves outside the CNS and affects ...
• [7] by W Grisold · 2014 · Cited by 39 — Table 3. Open in new tab. Differential diagnosis of cranial nerve cancer involvement.
• [9] May 8, 2023 — Diagnostic Considerations. Other conditions to consider include infectious diseases affecting the brain, such as encephalitis or meningitis, ...
• [10] - Differential diagnosis of a brain mass - Differential diagnosis of meningioma - MR spectroscopy brain tumors; ...