Cancer around the brain

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Neurology

Background:

• Primary brain tumors, metastases, and meningiomas are common. Cancer can extend to surrounding structures like the dura, skull base, and neck tissues.
• Tumor involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system can occur through compression, invasion, or spread.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review identified symptoms, tumor sites, invasion mechanisms, and diagnostic techniques.
• Case studies were incorporated to illustrate findings.

Key Points:

• Tumor invasion of cranial nerves is heterogeneous, with anterograde and retrograde spread possible.
• Tumor cells can spread between nerve territories via anastomosis.
• Angiosomes may influence metastatic spread patterns.

Conclusions:

• Beyond meningeal carcinomatosis and skull base metastases, consider dural spread, bony skull lesions, and neck/facial tissue involvement.
• These factors significantly impact therapeutic strategies in neuro-oncology.