Brain sarcoma

Brain sarcoma is a pathological disease that affects the functioning of the entire body. Consider the causes of this disease, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment methods, and a prognosis of survival.

Brain sarcoma is a rare malignant disease that occurs in 2% of all malignant tumors. Sarcoma is found in patients of any age, and, as a rule, in the form of a node. A characteristic sign of brain sarcoma is the germination in neighboring tissues, that is, recurrence and metastasis. The tumor penetrates and affects fatty tissue, muscles, tendons, nerves and all areas where there is connective tissue. Sarcoma is characterized by aggressive rapid growth.

Malignant tumor has blurred fuzzy boundaries that are aggressive towards surrounding cells. In its structure, the tumor is a loose or dense knot, in some cases the tumor has calcification centers.

Extra-cerebral and intracerebral tumors of the brain, are divided into:

• Meningosarcoma - a tumor originates from the meninges, which consist of pathologically altered vessels. Capable of germinating in other tissues and infiltrative growth, since it does not have a capsule.
• Angioreticicularosarcoma - occurs from the walls of the vessels of the brain. The tumor contains many capillaries, so it metastasizes with blood flow.
• Fibrosarcoma - a tumor consists of fibrous interlayers and ligaments. Sarcoma is slowly progressing, but is characterized by a steady increase in neurological symptoms. A characteristic symptom for this type of malignant tumor is persistent headaches, neurological and general cerebral symptoms.

The main sign of sarcoma is constant headaches, which can not be treated with anesthetic drugs. The patient suffers from frequent dizziness, there may be epileptic seizures, impaired coordination in space and gait. The tumor causes atrophy of the optic nerves, constant emotional and nervous disorders and mental disorders.

If the brain sarcoma is localized inside the ventricles or clogs their ducts, then this becomes a cause of disturbances in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. The patient has a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. If the sarcoma is localized in the occipital region, the patient has visual impairment, and with a tumor in the temples, hearing is impaired. When the frontal and parietal lobes are affected, there are violations of motor activity and intellectual abilities. If the sarcoma originated in the pituitary gland, then this leads to changes in the hormonal balance in the body.

In order to identify the sarcoma of the brain, it is necessary to undergo an examination with a neurologist. The doctor will prescribe a computer tomography and a number of other studies that will help to recognize the disease. For final confirmation of brain sarcoma, the patient undergoes a puncture biopsy.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7],

Causes of brain sarcoma

The causes of brain sarcoma are diverse, the concretization of the causes that led to the appearance of a tumor is impossible. But there are a number of risk factors that can trigger the appearance of a sarcoma.

1. Presence of genetic syndromes and hereditary diseases.
2. The effect of ionizing cure - brain tissue exposed to radiation is predisposed to the appearance of malignant tumors. The risk of the appearance of the sarcoma persists for 10 years from the moment of irradiation.
3. Herpes virus - a seemingly non-dangerous disease can cause Kaposi's sarcoma.
4. Traumatization and impact of foreign bodies.
5. Chronic lymphostasis of the upper extremities after radical mastectomy.
6. Immunosuppressive therapy, polychemotherapy.

The risk factors for the appearance of brain sarcoma include: the patient's age, exposure to radiation and external chemicals. Most often, elderly patients suffer from sarcoma of the brain. Thus, the average age of patients with this disease is 57-60 years. But some types of brain sarcoma are prevalent in pediatric patients. There are certain chemicals, the effect of which increases the sarcoma - it is dioxin and vinyl chloride. If in the past a person was exposed to radiation, when treating tumors, this only increases the risk of developing brain sarcoma.

[8], [9]

Symptoms of brain sarcoma

Symptoms of brain sarcoma are very similar to those of other tumor lesions. This is because the sarcoma manifests itself as progressive focal neurological and general cerebral symptoms. The patient feels constant headaches, vision and hearing are disturbed, there is a mental disorder and regular emotional disorders. The clinical manifestations of sarcoma correspond to the growth of the neoplasm, that is, they are constantly growing.

There are the following symptoms of brain sarcoma:

• Constant headaches that can not be eliminated with medicines.
• Spotting disorders.
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, impaired consciousness.
• Epileptic seizures, speech disorders and emotional disorders.

Symptomatology depends on the location of the tumor, as the location of the sarcoma affects the structures of the brain, which are responsible for the performance of certain functions.

• If the sarcoma is located in the internal space of the ventricles of the brain, then it can cover the ducts and cause disturbances in the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. This leads to an increase in intracranial pressure.
• If the sarcoma appeared in the occipital region, it leads to visual impairment.
• If the tumor emerged from the temporal lobe, then this is the cause of hearing impairment.
• With sarcoma in the parietal and frontal lobes, the negative impact affects motor activity, sensitivity and intellectual abilities.

Brain sarcoma

Sarcoma of the brain is a malignant tumor that affects the membranes and connective tissues. Tumors of the brain are very rare. Typically, the sarcoma develops as a node that is located inside the skull box. Neoplasm refers to vascular-shell tumors and occurs in patients of any age category.

All sarcomas affecting the brain are divided into intracerebral and extra-cerebral. The structure of the tumor can be loose or dense, that is, a nodular one. Intracerebral tumors are characterized by rapid pathological growth. And extragastric sarcomas grow into the brain tissue, recur and quickly give metastases. With this type of lesion, the survival rate for 2 years is 30%.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15],

Symptoms

Symptoms are manifested as a steady increase in neurological disorders. The most important sign of a tumor is constant headaches and dizziness. When the sarcoma begins to expand, the patient experiences general symptoms.

Diagnostics

To diagnose brain sarcoma it is necessary to undergo examination from a neurologist and an ophthalmologist. The doctor will appoint CT with intravenous contrast and ultrasound. In addition to non-invasive diagnostic methods, brain sarcoma is determined using a puncture biopsy and a cytology study of the cerebrospinal fluid.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Treatment

Treatment depends on the location of the lesion, the size of the tumor, the age of the patient and the symptomatology that is manifested. Typically, treatment consists of total removal of the tumor. Surgical treatment is considered to be the most effective, but there may be certain difficulties in carrying it out. In addition, the operation on the brain always carries a number of negative consequences that affect the patient's further health. To date, more modern methods are used to treat malignant tumors of the brain. One such method is stereotoxic radiosurgery and a cyber knife.

Bone marrow sarcoma

Bone marrow sarcoma is a malignant lesion of the hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow. The disease is called myeloma, Rustitskogo-Kaller disease or bone marrow sarcoma. Pathology is most common in men of advanced age 50-60 years, although in rare cases, sarcoma affects younger patients. Bone marrow sarcoma can be multiple and with a single focus, that is, solitary. Let's consider both forms of the disease in more detail.

1. Multiple bone marrow sarcoma

This pathological disease is characterized by frequent pain in the bones and their fractures. The patient suffers from kidney disorders and anemia. It is possible to reduce hemoglobin and increase the viscosity of the blood. In patients with multiple bone marrow sarcoma, vein thrombosis and bleeding often occur. Since the bone tissue is actively destroyed, then its composition is calcium. Calcium compounds in the form of stones and sand are deposited in the lungs, kidneys, stomach and other organs, causing disruption of their functioning. The patient suffers from frequent infectious diseases due to a decrease in the functions of the immune system.

Multiple sarcoma of the bone marrow is divided into a focal and widespread, that is, a porous form:

• With focal sarcoma of the lesions of the braincase, there are clearly delineated foci of tissue destruction. The foci are round in shape and can be of any size. Most lesions occur in the skull, sternum, ribs and pelvic bones. The tumor can also be located on long bones, for example, the femur, causing an increase in the affected part of the bone in the volume.
• With the porous form of sarcoma, it is very difficult to isolate specific foci of the tumor. The patient has symptoms of intoxication of the body, there is a systemic osteoporosis (sharp pains during body twists, jumps, coughing, sneezing, etc.). These signs clearly appear in the spinal column, as the bones take the form of "fish vertebrae". Pathological fractures of vertebrae and ribs are possible.

2. Bone marrow sarcoma

This form is an early phase of bone marrow sarcoma, which, when pathologically affected, affects other bones and takes on a multiple form. Single sarcomas occur in young patients, and affect ribs, pelvic bones, vertebrae. If the tumor is localized in the spine, then this leads to pathological fractures. Single sarcoma causes painful sensations over the focus of the lesion and swelling. The disease causes an increase in the size of the affected limbs due to swelling of the bones.

Diagnosis of bone marrow sarcoma is based on the results of a biopsy, that is, examining a tissue sample from a tumor focus. In a single sarcoma, patients undergo surgical treatment, but with multiple bone marrow sarcoma - chemotherapy. In either case, the prognosis of both forms of the disease is unfavorable.

[21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Diagnosis of brain sarcoma

Diagnosis of brain sarcoma begins with an anamnesis and collection of patient complaints of pain and disability. The neurologist performs a visual examination of the patient, a neurological examination and appoints a number of additional tests. The patient is sent to the tomography, and for a precise confirmation of the diagnosis, a biopsy and a histological examination of the tumor tissues are performed. Let's consider the basic methods of sarcoma diagnosis.

• Magnetic resonance imaging - this method allows you to determine the exact location of the sarcoma and to identify metastases in nearby tissues and organs. The patient is given an X-ray examination of the chest to exclude metastasis in the lymph nodes and lungs.
• Computer tomography - represents a layered image of brain tissue. For more accurate diagnosis, CT and MRI are performed with contrast. In addition, the patient undergoes radionuclide scanning of the bone system.
• Ultrasound - allows you to determine the displacement of the median structures of the brain, which indicates the presence of a volumetric process.

In addition to the diagnostic methods described above, the patient is subjected to a lumbar puncture and taking a CSF to the cytological examination. Obligatory is radiopaque angiography and puncture biopsy, which confirm the diagnosis - brain sarcoma.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30], [31]

Treatment of brain sarcoma

Treatment of brain sarcoma can be carried out by different methods. Patients undergo surgery, treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The main feature of sarcoma and other malignant tumors is germination in healthy tissues and the absence of clearly delineated boundaries. The choice of treatment depends on the location of the sarcoma, its size, the general condition of the patient and the relationship to neighboring tissues.

• Surgery - involves excision of the tumor. To access the sarcoma, the patient is given craniotomy, that is, opening the cranium. Completely remove the sarcoma is impossible, because it has fuzzy boundaries and grows into healthy tissue. Therefore, after surgery, the patient is waiting for an irradiation or chemotherapy course to prevent relapse of the disease and complete destruction of malignant cells. The above methods can be used before surgery to reduce the size of the brain sarcoma.
• Radiation therapy - is carried out in the event that there is no possibility to conduct a surgical operation. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy and is conducted by courses from several sessions. But this type of treatment has a number of side effects: nausea, headaches, vomiting, increased fatigue.
• Chemotherapy is the standard method of treating malignant tumors. This type of treatment has a disastrous effect on the rapidly growing cells. But influenced not only sarcoma cells, but also healthy. Chemotherapy refers to systemic methods, since it affects the entire body of the patient. As a result, the patient will have many side effects: nausea, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, a decrease in the protective properties of the body.
• Radiosurgery - used to treat brain sarcomas, which can not be operated. This method of treatment is non-invasive and is performed without anesthesia. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and after an irradiation session, the patient can go home.
• Stereotactic radiation therapy - technology implies the irradiation of the tumor with a thin beam of radiation from different angles. The treatment is controlled by computer and magnetic resonance imaging. The method allows you to direct the dose of radiation only to the tumor, and not to healthy tissue. The main advantage of such treatment is the absence of any contraindications.
• Cyber-knife is a modern technology that allows treating tumors of any etiology and localization without invasive intervention. Cyber-knife is effective in treating not only tumors, but also metastases of any localization and size.

Prevention of brain sarcoma

Prevention of brain sarcoma is a series of measures that can prevent the onset of the disease. One of the factors contributing to the development of brain sarcoma is radiation. High doses of cure, even if they are performed for medicinal purposes, can negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism and cause a brain sarcoma.

Especially important in the prevention of brain cancer is diagnosis, which must be periodically carried out. Do not forget that sarcomas, like other malignant tumors, lead to certain death within a few months. Diagnosis of sarcoma is to carry out MRI and CT. These techniques allow to detect metastases of the smallest size.

• If you have constant headaches, keep a diary. Write down all the details: when and where the pain began, the degree of their severity and duration. This will help the neurologist diagnose your disease.
• Pay special attention to the anti-cancer diet. Eat balanced, giving preference to plant foods that have an anti-carcinogenic effect. Vegetable fiber interferes with the contact of the body with carcinogens.
• Avoid products that include nitrites (these are smoked products and sausages).
• Refuse bad habits that increase the risk of malignant tumors, including brain sarcoma and other pathological lesions.

Prognosis of brain sarcoma

The prognosis of brain sarcoma depends entirely on the location of the tumor, the stage of its development, the age of the patient and the general condition of his body. If the sarcoma is detected at an early stage and there is an opportunity to carry out its removal, then there is a high probability of complete recovery. In other cases, the two-year survival rate is low, and ranges from 5% to 30% for gross disability and low quality of life.

The prognosis of the sarcoma depends on the degree of its malignancy. If the tumor is malnecrotic and consists of highly differentiated cells, then the sarcoma grows slowly and the prognosis in its treatment is more favorable. But the main danger of sarcoma is the tendency to recurrence and metastasis in vital organs and systems, especially if it is a brain sarcoma.

Brain sarcoma is the most dangerous malignant lesion. From a sarcoma nobody is insured, but observance of precautions and avoidance of risk factors, allow to be saved from occurrence of a tumor. Timely diagnosis and surgical treatment is an opportunity to stop the pathological process and eliminate brain sarcoma.