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Laterality of brain tumors
Peter D Inskip1, Robert E Tarone, Elizabeth E Hatch
1Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Natioanl Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. inskippe@mail.nih.gov
Neuroepidemiology
|March 12, 2003
Summary
Tumor laterality in brain tumors like glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma showed no significant left-right difference. However, left-sided gliomas were linked to more frequent aphasia or mental status changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Brain tumor laterality, the location of a tumor in the left or right hemisphere, is an important factor in clinical presentation.
- Understanding laterality patterns can aid in early diagnosis and treatment strategies for various brain tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between tumor laterality (left vs. right) and presenting symptoms in patients with glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma.
- To explore demographic factors associated with tumor laterality in these patient cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 489 adult patients with histologically confirmed glioma (high-grade and low-grade), meningioma, and acoustic neuroma.
- Evaluation of tumor laterality in relation to presenting symptoms and demographic data.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the left-to-right tumor ratio was observed for major tumor types.
- Low-grade gliomas and meningiomas showed a nonsignificant trend towards left-sided occurrence.
- High-grade gliomas and acoustic neuromas showed a nonsignificant trend towards right-sided occurrence.
- Aphasia and mental status changes were significantly more common in glioma patients with left-sided tumors.
Conclusions:
- Tumor laterality in glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma does not show a strong left-right predilection overall.
- Left-sided glioma presentation is associated with a higher incidence of specific neurological deficits like aphasia, potentially impacting diagnostic timing.