Tumors of the central nervous system

Abstract

This chapter explores the wide range of neoplasms that may involve the central nervous system (CNS), from metastatic lesions spreading to the CNS from malignancy in other body organs to the neoplasms arising from the different tissues within the CNS, including tumors of meningeal, glial, neuronal, and lymphoid origin. When relevant, specific pathways, genes, and molecular markers are described since understanding these precise molecular mechanisms is critical to understanding the evolving precision medicine in brain tumor diagnosis. In addition, an expanded section on current and future treatment approaches, including neurosurgical techniques, is included. These evolving techniques and treatments are critical in the continued development of precision medicine approaches to lessen the burden of CNS tumors.