Tumor Types: Other Brain-Related Conditions

• CNS Lymphoma
• Meningeal Carcinomatosis
• Neurofibromatosis
• Pseudotumor Cerebri
• Tuberous Sclerosis

CNS Lymphoma

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a form of cancer that occurs when cells from a body's immune system grow out of control. A type of cancer, CNS lymphoma affects a small number of otherwise healthy people and a larger fraction of those who have an impaired immune system, whether from organ transplants, infection with the AIDS virus or other causes. CNS lymphoma can be primary or secondary. In both cases, doctors usually treat the disorder with radiation. Chemotherapy may also be used and, if lymphoma affects the meninges, doctors often deliver chemotherapy directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. Although most lymphomas respond well to radiation therapy they often recur.

Meningeal Carcinomatosis

This condition strikes when individual cells from cancer outside the central nervous system (CNS) enter into the cerebrospinal fluid and grow like seeds. These cells travel with the fluid and can form colonies or small tumors in many places, including the roots of nerves, the surface of the brain, the brain stem and the spinal cord. Treatment usually involves radiation, which can sometimes slow growth of the cells.

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors in various parts of the nervous system. Neurofibromatosis type 2 causes multiple central nervous system (CNS) tumors (including neurofibromas, bilateral vestibular schwannomas and an increased risk of optic nerve gliomas). Treatment usually consists of surgery to remove tumors that are causing symptoms. The more common form of this disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1, usually causes benign tumors outside the CNS.

Pseudotumor Cerebri

This condition can easily be confused with a brain tumor because its symptoms closely mimic those of brain tumors, possibly because of abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid placing pressure on the brain. Pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed by ruling out all other possible causes for symptoms and confirming that the cerebrospinal fluid pressure is increased. Doctors may treat this condition by lumbar puncture to release cerebrospinal fluid, special drugs to correct fluid levels, shunts to drain fluid or, in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.

Tuberous Sclerosis

This genetic disorder causes numerous neurological and physical symptoms, including tumors of the kidneys, eyes and central nervous system (CNS). About half of patients who have tuberous sclerosis develop subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma.