Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 a feeling of numbness and tingles in the arms and legs, clumsiness, and incontinence. Age, exposure to radiation, and family history of tumors are the common risk factors of brain and spinal cord tumors. Some of the brain and spinal cord tumors are discussed below. Gliomas Glioma originates in the glial cells, which are the gluey supportive cells that surround the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which help maintain normal functioning. Three types of glioma cells can cause tumors: astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas. These tumors can be life- threatening and are the most common type of brain tumor. Meningiomas Meningiomas originate in the layers of the tissues that surround the spinal cord and the outer part of the brain, known as meninges. These tumors are among the most common brain and spinal cord tumors and women are at a higher risk as compared to men. Based on the microscopic view of the cells, meningiomas are categorized in three grades. Grade I meningiomas are the benign tumors that look like normal cells and can be cured with surgery. Grade II are the atypical or invasive tumors in which the cells look abnormal. These cells generally grow near brain tissues and bone, and are of recurring nature. Finally, grade III are the anaplastic tumors in which most of the cells are abnormal and grow quickly. These cells grow near brain tissues and bones and can even spread to other body parts. Neurofibromas Neurofibromas are the formation of tumor cells on the tissues of the nerve. These tumors are generally non-cancerous but sometimes can turn malignant. Neurofibromas can be distinguished in three types. Type on neurofibromas occur in childhood with mild to moderate symptoms. These symptoms include brown spots on the skin, freckling in the axillary or groin area, tiny bumps on the iris of eyes, soft bumps on or under the skin, bone deformities, optic glioma, learning disabilities, larger head size, and short stature. Type two appears in the late teen and early adult years, and signs include gradual hearing loss, ringing in the ears, poor balance, headaches, and growth of schwannomas in other nerves of the body. The last type of neurofibroma is known as schwannomatosis. These affect people after 20 years of age and cause tumors on the skull, spine, and peripheral nerves. Tumors of the Skeletal System It is also possible that abnormal growth of cells occurs in the cells and tissues of the skeletal system in the body. Some of the common types of tumors in skeletal system are studied below. Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer characterized by the production of immature bones. These are mostly found in the end of long bones, mostly around the knees. The cause of osteosarcoma is not precisely known but can be associated with high exposure to radiation. Initially, the person does not Achieve Page 109

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