Tumours

, Lawrence A. Zumo² and Valerie Sim³

(1)

Parkinson’s Clinic of Eastern Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

(2)

Silver Spring, Cheverly, MD, USA

(3)

Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Abstract

Tumours can occur anywhere in the nervous system and can be primary or metastatic. Many tumours can be identified based on their imaging characteristics. Tumours may be intra or extraaxial, hyper or hypointense, enhancing or nonenhancing, calcified or haemorrhagic. In this chapter we present some examples of primary and metastatic tumours, including glioblastoma multiforme, oligodendroglioma, meningiomas, schwannoma, solitary fibrous spinal tumour, lymphoma and metastatic lung cancer.

Case 4.1 Glioblastoma Multiforme

A 65 year old male presented with a history of headaches causing early morning awakening, personality changes and a generalized seizure. An MRI was performed (Fig. 4.1).

Figure 4.1

Axial T2-weighted (a) and post-contrast T1-weighted (b) MRI showing a left frontal lobe glioblastoma multiforme

Explanation and Diagnosis

Figure 4.1 shows a large mass in the left frontal lobe with edema and midline shift, as well as post-contrast ring enhancement. The findings are consistent with the primary brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Case 4.2 Oligodendroglioma

A 27 year old right-handed male presented with a gradual onset of headaches over several weeks, followed by multiple generalized seizures. A brain MRI was performed (Fig. 4.2).

Figure 4.2

Axial FLAIR MRI image showing right occipital oligodendroglioma

Explanation and Diagnosis

Figure 4.2 shows a right occipital mass lesion consistent with oligodendroglioma.

Case 4.3 Meningioma

A 65 year old female presented with a history of falls when getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. She then had a generalized seizure lasting 2 min. An MRI was performed (Fig. 4.3).