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Gamma Knife Center
Glossary of TermsAcoustic neuromaA benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve. It is sometimes called a vestibular schwannoma or neurinoma. This tumor grows slowly, and causes damage by pressing on nerves related to hearing and balance.AdenomaUsually a benign tumor arising from a gland, such as a pituitary adenoma.Adjunct or adjuvant treatmentOne treatment given in addition to another. The treatments work together to make each more effective.AneurysmA weak point in a blood vessel, such as an artery or vein, which may then blow up like a balloon. The danger is of an aneurysm bursting and bleeding into the brain, which causes a stroke.Angiogram/angiographyA procedure that uses X-rays to produce pictures of arteries or veins by injecting a dye (contrast material) into the arteries or veins and "filming" it as it passes through the blood vessels.AphasiaLoss of ability to speak or write; loss of ability to understand speech or written words.Arteriovenous malformation (AVMs )A tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain.AstrocytomaA brain tumor arising from the supportive cells (astrocytes) of the brain. They are the most common primary central nervous system tumors, representing about half of all primary brain and spinal cord tumors.BenignNot malignant, not cancerous, usually grows slowly.BilateralOccurring on both sides of the body.BlastomaA tumor whose cells have embryonic characteristics (usually fast-growing and invasive).Brain stemThe bottom-most portion of the brain connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord. The midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata and reticular formation are all part of the brain stem.CarcinomaA malignant tumor that arises from skin or the lining of body organs. They often invade adjacent tissue and spread to distant organs, including the brain.Central nervous system (CNS)Pertaining to the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord.CerebellumThe second largest area of the brain, connected behind the brain stem. This part of the brain controls coordination.CerebralRefers to the cerebrum or cerebral hemispheres.Cerebral edemaSwelling of the brain tissue due to an accumulation of fluid, which may be caused by tumor, toxic chemicals or interaction.CerebrumThe largest area of the brain occupying the uppermost part of the skull. It consists of two halves called hemispheres. Each half of the cerebrum is further divided into four lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital.ChondromaA rare benign tumor arising at the base of the skull, especially in the area near the pituitary gland. It is very slow-growing and might be present for a long time before causing any symptoms.ChondrosarcomaThis very rare tumor arises from bone and is composed of cartilage. It is a locally invasive malignant tumor.ChordomaA rare, benign, slow-growing tumor that occurs at the base of the skull (in about one-third of patients) or at the end of the spine.Circumscribed or encapsulatedLocalized; having a border or being wholly confined to a specific area.Computed tomography (CT; also known as a "CAT scan")A sophisticated procedure using X-rays to produce computerized images of the body.ConformalA three-dimensional image that conforms to the shape of the tumor.Cranial nervesThe 12 pairs of nerves that originate in the brain.CraniopharyngiomaA benign tumor arising from small nests of cells located near the pituitary stalk.CraniotomySurgery involving the removal of skull bone to gain access to the brain. The bone is put back at the end of the operation.DiffuseLacking a distinct border, spread out, not localized.DosimetryMeasurement of doses.EdemaTissue swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid.EfficacyAble to achieve the desired results or produces beneficial results.EncapsulatedLocalized. Refers to a tumor that is wholly confined to a specific area, surrounded by a capsule.FractionatedThe process of spreading the total required treatment dose over an extended period of time.FocalLimited to one specific area.Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR or SRT)A moderately high-dose radiation treatment usually received over three to eight sessions.Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)A malignant tumor that commonly invades adjacent tissue and spreads throughout the central nervous system. This is usually a fast-growing tumor containing a mixture of cell types.GliomaAny tumor arising from glial cells, which are cells that provide energy, nutrients and other support for nerve cells in the brain.Gy=GrayA unit of absorbed radiation.HemiparesisMuscle weakness of one side of the body.HemiplegiaComplete paralysis of one side of the body.HereditaryInherited or genetic; passed on from parent to child.HypothalamusPart of the brain that forms the wall of the third ventricle that controls hormonal function, appetite and body temperature.ImmunotherapyUse of the body's immune system to fight tumors.InfiltratingPenetrating normal, surrounding tissue.IntracranialWithin the skull.InvasiveRefers to a tumor that invades healthy tissues; also called diffuse or infiltrating.IrradiationRadiation therapy; treatment by ionizing radiation.IsodoseIn radiation, to have equal doses of radiation in different areas.LesionA change in tissue structure due to injury or disease.Linac radiosurgeryRadiosurgery performed by a device (linear accelerator) producing powerful X-rays, normally used for conventional radiotherapy. The unit is modified by bolting on a collimator that focuses the beam down to a few millimeters in width.LocalIn the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI Scan)A scanning device that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer. Signals emitted by normal and diseased tissue during the scans are assembled into an image.MalignantCancerous or life-threatening, tending to become progressively worse.Median survivalThe middle survival value. (An equal number of people live longer as die earlier than the median.)MembraneThin layer of tissue covering a surface, lining a body cavity, or dividing a space or organ.MeningiomaA brain tumor arising from the fibrous tissues that cover the brain's surface and spinal cord.MetastasisIn cancer patients, the spreading of malignant cells.MicrosurgeryDelicate surgery involving the use of a special microscope and small instruments.MorbidityComplications directly resulting from treatment.NecrosisDead cells.NeoplasmA tumor, either benign or malignant.Nervous systemThe entire integrated system of nerve tissue in the body, including the brain, brain stem, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia.ParesisWeakness.Pituitary glandAn endocrine gland composed of two lobes (anterior and posterior) that is attached to and receives messages from the hypothalamus. Several hormones are produced by the pituitary including prolactin, corticotropin, growth hormone and antidiuretic hormone or ADH.Pituitary tumorUsually benign tumors arising from pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors can cause elevation of hormone levels and may grow to compress the optic chiasm and affect vision.PonsMiddle part of the brain stem, containing the origins of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cranial nerves.Positron emission tomography (PET Scan)A special type of X-ray using a radioactive dye that shows areas of the brain with a higher or lower metabolism than normal. It can sometimes be used when an MRI scan alone is inconclusive, and may be useful in detecting tumors.ProtocolAn outline of care; a treatment plan.Radiation therapyThe use of radiation to destroy cancer or other abnormal cells in the body. During radiation therapy, a significant amount of healthy normal tissue is irradiated. To reduce the side effects caused by this, the radiation dose is split into a number of treatments, in theory enabling the normal healthy tissue to recover before the next treatment is given.RadioresistantResistant to radiation therapy.RadiosensitiveResponsive to radiation therapy.Radiosurgery (stereotactic)Use of a single precisely aimed, highly focused beam of ionizing radiation to target a specific area.RecurrenceThe return of symptoms or the tumor itself.ResectionSurgical removal of a tumor.Residual tumorTumor remaining after surgery.SequelaThe full disease process.StereotacticA method of precisely locating areas in space utilizing 3-dimensional mapping, especially in the areas of the brain.Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)A one-session treatment with high-dose focal radiation within the brain.SteroidsMedications used to decrease swelling around tumors.TinnitusBuzzing or ringing in the ear.Trigeminal neuralgiaA condition of the fifth cranial nerve characterized by severe “electric-like” pain in the face.TumorAn abnormal growth.VascularRelating to blood vessels.VertigoDizziness.Vestibular schwannoma (also known as an acoustic tumor or acoustic neuroma)A benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve, which is involved in balance and hearing. Patients frequently present with loss of hearing.XRT (conventional external beam radiation therapy)Small amounts of external beam radiation given over many sessions to control tumor growth.This page last updated 4/1/08 10:10 AM
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Surgery and Gamma Knife® Radiation Remove Woman’s Brain Tumor“I feel great!” says Constance Grube of Catasauqua.
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