Brain Tumors

Abstract

Having a general understanding of brain tumors is integral to mastering the oral board examination. For the general session, examinees should be able to identify both intra-axial and extra-axial tumors and provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential diagnosis and plan regarding treatment, while also verbalizing concepts behind the treatment modalities and articulating to a patient and family the alternative approaches as well as the complications related to management. Pathologies to familiarize oneself with include gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic lesions, and pituitary lesions. For subspecialty examinees, complex cases such as endonasal, endoscopic, keyhole, and skull base approaches should be mastered. For each case, a broad differential diagnosis should include infection, hematoma, infarction, thrombosed aneurysm, inflammation, and/or demyelinating disease. Discuss the preoperative workup the indications for surgery and surgical approach. Interpret the preoperative and postoperative imaging critically. Be prepared for potential intraoperative complications and discussion of postoperative management including adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy and long-term care.