Gliomas
Glial cells - astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells.
Gliomas are graded from 1 to 4. Grade 1 is the most benign (possibly curable with surgery) and grade 4 is the most aggressive (glioblastoma multiforme). Gliomas have quite poor prognosis however
Most aggressive to least:
- Astrocytoma (the most common and aggressive form is glioblastoma)
- Oligodendroglioma
- Ependymoma
Meningiomas
Usually benign but take up space and cause mass effect leading to symptoms
Pituitary tumours
Tend to be benign. However if they grow large enough can press on the optic chiasm causing visual field defect - bitemporal hemianopia
Can cause hormone deficiencies or excess depending if the tumour is functional
- Acromegaly (excessive growth hormone)
- Hyperprolactinaemia (excessive prolactin)
- Cushing’s disease(excessive ACTH and cortisol)
- Hyperthyroidism (excessive TSH and thyroid hormone)
Good prognosis with surgery and radiotherapy.