Central Nervous System Tumor (CNS tumor)

Nervous system tumors develop in the brain and spinal cord and can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumors that begin in the central nervous system are primary tumors, and tumors that begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the central nervous system are secondary (metastatic) tumors.

Symptoms of Nervous System Tumors

Signs and symptoms of central nervous system tumors vary, depending on their location and size. Tumors can press on various areas of the brain or spinal cord, which typically cause symptoms in the parts of the body that are controlled by those areas.

Brain tumor symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Difficulties with vision, hearing, and speech
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Concentration, personality, mood, or behavior changes
• Loss of balance and difficulty walking
• Weakness and fatigue

Spinal cord tumor symptoms can include:

• Back pain or pain that runs from the back toward the arms or legs
• Changes in bowel or urination habits
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis of Nervous System Tumors

• Neurological exam
• Discussion of personal and family medical history
• Discussion of symptoms and risk factors

Depending on each patient’s individual case, our doctors might recommend one or more tests, such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan : MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan : CT uses specialized X-rays with or without a contrast agent to produce cross-sectional 3D images of the brain and spinal cord.
• Visual field exam : This test measures central vision (vision when looking straight ahead) and peripheral vision (vision in all other directions while staring straight ahead). Vision loss could be a sign of a tumor affecting parts of the brain that manage eyesight.
• Biopsy : Our neurosurgeons can take a small tissue sample for analysis under a microscope.
• Genetic testing : If our doctors suspect that a patient might have an inherited genetic syndrome, we can recommend genetic testing and counseling.

Treatment for Nervous System Tumors

Treatment options for central nervous system tumors vary, depending on the type of tumor, its size, and its location, as well as whether it is cancerous.