Neuropsychological problems in neuro-oncology

Abstract

Neuropsychological studies in the field of oncology are related to neuro-oncology: (1) brain tumors - which arise from neurons and other brain tissues, cranial nerves, leptomeninges, neuroendocrine glands, skull, and blood vessels and (2) treatment effects. The neurocognitive effects of brain tumors themselves are variable and require close examination of the cognitive underpinnings of composite test scores. Other cases present fascinating modular deficits when tumors occur in eloquent brain loci. After providing basic biomedical background on tumors in children and adults, the questions of tumor site and metastatic spread as well as treatment effects on brain and cognitive and emotional function will be examined in this chapter. Information will also be presented on the techniques for diagnosing and treating tumors and on issues to be considered in doing research in neuro-oncology. Finally, this chapter will discuss how disorders and syndromes that result from brain tumors and their treatments differ from more classical or traditionally understood forms of the disorders. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.