aivokasvainten

In Finnish, aivokasvainten is the plural form of aivokasvain, meaning brain tumors. These are abnormal growths that arise in the brain or its coverings. Brain tumors can be primary, starting in brain tissue or meninges, or metastatic, spreading to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body. Primary tumors are diverse and are classified by histology and molecular features; gliomas, including glioblastoma and lower-grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, are among the most studied malignant types, while meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary adenomas, and ependymal tumors are common non-glial entities. Metastatic brain tumors are more common than most primary tumors in adults and reflect cancers such as lung, breast, or melanoma.

Symptoms depend on tumor location, size, and rate of growth. Common signs include persistent headaches, new or worsening seizures, cognitive or personality changes, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speech or vision difficulties, and balance or coordination problems. Some tumors cause symptoms from increased intracranial pressure, such as nausea or vomiting.

Diagnosis typically starts with a neurological examination and imaging, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast being the preferred modality. Computed tomography (CT) can be used in emergencies. A biopsy or surgical resection provides a definitive histological diagnosis and, increasingly, molecular profiling that guides treatment.

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, and patient factors. Options include surgical resection when feasible, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; corticosteroids may reduce edema. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are used for specific molecular subtypes, and palliative care is important for advanced disease. Prognosis varies widely, from favorable for some benign tumors to challenging for aggressive gliomas.