ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces and discusses the most common malignant adult brain tumors, their clinical presentation, relevant diagnostic imaging, treatment options, and clinical points or patient education pertinent to the nurse or mid-level provider. The vast majority of intracranial neoplasms are either gliomas, arising from glial cells, the support network of the central nervous system, or metastases from extracranial malignancies. Signs and symptoms of brain tumors can be localized, related to the anatomic location of the lesion, or generalized, as a result of increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, or meningeal irritation. Initial management is highly dependent on the specific clinical situation. The rare patient with a large mass lesion, who is rapidly deteriorating, should be taken to the operating room immediately to relieve mass effect. When a high-grade glioma is suspected based on imaging characteristics, the tumor is resected if in a surgically accessible area. In addition to providing ample tissue for histopathologic diagnosis, aggressive resection has been shown to improve survival.
