Diagnosis: Brain Tumor

The diagnosis of a brain tumor is somewhat complicated. There are many things taken into consideration before a diagnosis and many tests are run to rule out other possibilities. According to Medical-Surgical Nursing, "New onset of seizures or adult-onset migraines may be indicative of a brain tumor and should be investigated" (1377). Upon investigation of such symptoms, a person may have the following diagnostic tests ordered: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or a computed tomography (CT) scan. Each of these scans serves a different purpose in the diagnostic process but simply put, they help in distinguishing the location and size of the tumor. Obtaining actual brain tissue from the tumor will allow for a histologic study so that a correct diagnosis of the brain tumor may be made.

As previously discussed, tumors are named for the tissue they originate from. Gliomas are tumors made from glial cells. Most likely, a neurosurgeon will obtain brain tissue during surgery to make an accurate diagnosis and to guide treatment options. Size and location of a tumor are important factors when learning how the brain may be affected by a glioma. Please check out the pictures below for a better understanding.

Each area of the brain is color-coded.
If a tumor were to form, the corresponding functions would be affected.

Source: www.abovetopsecret.com

This model shows how sensory and motor (movement) would be affected.
Keep this in mind: if a tumor forms on the left side of the brain, the right side of
the body will experience sensory and/or motor deficits.

Source: https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/917/flashcards/770260/png/homunculus.png

In the case of gliomas, the progression of disease is quite dismal. Most gliomas are considered to be malignant and therefore patients do not usually have a favorable outcome. Again, it is dependent upon the location, size and type of brain tumor. Recall that gliomas can be any of these types: astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma or medulloblastoma; all of which are malignant except the oligodendroglioma (benign tumor). Medical-Surgical Nursing reports a 5-year survival rate after the diagnosis of a primary brain tumor (1375).

Sources:

Homunculus: https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/917/flashcards/770260/png/homunculus.png

Lewis, S., Dirksen, S., Heitkemper, M., & Bucher, L. (2014). Nervous System. In Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems (9th ed., p. 1377). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Regions of the Human Brain: www.abovetopsecret.com