Basics
Q: What is a brain tumor?
A: An abnormal growth of cells inside the brain.
Q: Name one example of a primary brain tumor.
A: Glioma, meningioma, pituitary tumor.
Q: Name one common symptom of a brain tumor.
A: Headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, etc.
Q: What is the most common imaging method for detecting brain tumors?
A: MRI scan.
Q: Name one treatment for brain tumors.
A: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.
Q: Are both benign and malignant tumors dangerous? Why?
A: Yes — both increase pressure inside the skull.
Q: What is the most aggressive type of glioma?
A: Glioblastoma.
Q: Why do brain tumors cause morning headaches?
A: Increased intracranial pressure while lying down.
Q: What is a biopsy?
A: Removing a small sample of the tumor for analysis.
Q: What is the goal of surgery?
A: To remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Q: What are the two main categories of brain tumors?
A: Primary and secondary (metastatic) tumors.
Q: What do metastatic (secondary) tumors mean?
A: Tumors that start in another organ and spread to the brain.
Q: What symptom occurs when a tumor affects the limbs?
A: Weakness or numbness.
Q: What does a neurological exam check?
A: Reflexes, movement, strength, vision, coordination.
Q: What is targeted therapy?
A: Treatment that attacks specific proteins in cancer cells.
Q: Why is understanding brain tumors important?
A: Early diagnosis can save lives.
Q: What type of tumor grows from the membranes around the brain?
A: Meningioma
Q: Which symptoms may indicate a tumor affecting behavior?
A: Personality or emotional changes.
Q: Which scan also helps doctors see the brain but is less detailed than MRI?
A: CT scan.
Q: What factors affect a patient’s prognosis?
A: Tumor type, size, location, age, and early detection.
Q: What makes malignant tumors different from benign tumors?
A: Malignant tumors grow fast and can spread to other areas.
Q: Name two types of tumors that affect hormones.
A: Pituitary adenoma and some metastatic tumors.
Q: How do brain tumors affect normal brain function?
A: They compress or damage important brain areas and interrupt signals.
Q: Why are multiple tests used for diagnosis instead of just one?
A: To confirm the tumor type, size, location, and effects on the brain.
Q: Why do some patients need long-term rehabilitation?
A: Because tumors can cause memory loss, speech problems, or movement issues.