Education - The Hong Kong Neuro-Oncology Society

The Cerebrum

It consists of two hemispheres each of which is subdivided into several lobes. The front of the cerebrum is the frontal lobe. The outermost portion, the temporal lobe. The part towards the top is the parietal lobe and the back of the cerebrum is the occipital lobe. Each lobe is responsible for specific functions.

The Cerebellum

Otherwise known as the “little brain”, it is involved in the maintenance of balance and posture, coordination of movement, motor learning and certain cognitive functions.

The Brainstem

It acts as a relay center connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. It also serves a critical role in regulating involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure. It is pivotal in maintaining consciousness and regulating the sleep cycle.

President’s Message

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are neoplasms (an abnormal, new uncontrolled growth of tissue) that arise from within the skull. They can be broadly classified into either benign or malignant tumors.

Benign Brain Tumors

Tend to grow more slowly
The symptoms they elicit are usually present for a longer period of time
Cells are well-differentiated (i.e. they look more like normal tissue)
The risk of invasion into neighbouring tissue is typically low
They often have a circumscribed surface
Complete surgical resection reduces the risk of recurrence

Malignant Brain Tumors

Tend to grow rapidly
Cells are poorly-differentiated
Symptoms often occur over a shorter period of time or present suddenly
Tend to invade into neighbouring tissue or spread to remote areas
Following surgery radiotherapy or chemotherapy (or both) is often required.
The risk of recurrence is relatively higher

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Seizures (focal or generalised)

Hearing loss, Tinnitus or Dizziness

Headache and Vomiting

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Confusion, Drowsiness, Personality Changes or Memory Impairment

Limb Clumsiness, Weakness, Numbness, Unsteady Gait

Facial Spasms, Pain or Swallowing Difficulties

Slurred Speech or Difficulties in Expressing Oneself

Double Vision

Incontinence

Brain Tumor Therapy Modalities

Surgery

Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Targeted Therapy / Other drug Treatments

Alternating Electric Field Therapy / Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)

Neuro-rehabilitation

Surgery

This is often the primary treatment of choice. The aims of surgery are to establish a definitive tumor diagnosis, to decompress nervous tissue and to perform maximal safe resection.

Radiotherapy

This utilization of high doses of ionizing radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals (single or multiple agents) to kill fast- growing cells in your body. They are generally administered either orally or through an intravenous infusion.

Targeted Therapy / Other drug Treatments

A few brain tumors carry genetic driver mutations that can be amenable to target therapy.

Alternating Electric Field Therapy / Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)

The application of low-intensity electric fields alternating at an intermediate frequency administered to the head. This novel treatment has been demonstrated to block brain tumor cell division and thereby inhibit tumor growth. It is currently indicated as a treatment option for Glioblastoma (GBM) after surgery and concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

Neuro-rehabilitation

This is an important facet in the overall treatment of brain tumor patients. The aim is to integrate the patient back to society through comprehensive multidisciplinary care such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and clinical psychology, in order to live a normal life.

常見問題

What should I do if i am diagnosed brain tumors?

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Is brain tumors curable?

How much is the surgery cost?

What should I do after the surgery?

Where can I get the treatments?

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