Springer Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 7: Meningiomas and Schwannomas

Various aspects, including diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis, of two brain tumors (meningioma and schwannoma) , of brain tumors are discussed in this volume. Insights on the understanding of molecular pathways involved in brain tumor biology are explained. For example, the role of E-cadherin gene instability, carbonic anhydrase 11, urokinase plasminogen activator, and Wnt signaling is discussed in detail. Such information will lead to the development of effective aniicancer drugs. The role of molecular genetics and epigenetic mechanisms in schwannomas is explained. Also, is explained the role of cyclin D1 in vestibular schwannoma. The determination of subtypes of meningiomas using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging is explained. Diagnosis of incidentally discovered meningioma and cystic papillary meningioma is also included. Diagnosis of facial nerve schwannoma, vestibular schwannoma, and intermediate nerve schwannoma is explained. Treatments for atypical meningioma, oncocytic meneingioma, intracranial meningioma, and cavernous are presented. Therapeutic methods such as neurosurgery, Gamma knife radiosurgery, and adjuvant radiation for this cancer are included. Large number of other treatments, including radiosurgery, retrosigmoidal craniotomy, and immunotherapy, for vestibular schwannoma patients are detailed. From the Back Cover This seventh volume of the essential series covering practices and developments relating to CNS tumors zeroes in on those found in the brain. Detailed dossiers on meningioma and schwannoma tumors cover aspects including diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. The text delivers vital insights into the molecular pathways related to brain tumor biology, including a detailed analysis of the roles played in neoplasm formation by E-cadherin gene instability, carbonic anhydrase 11, urokinase plasminogen activator, and Wnt signaling. Further research into their influence in the process could prompt the development of effective anti-cancer drugs.   The contributions also show how perfusion magnetic resonance imaging helps physicians differentiate between subtypes of meningiomas, and analyze the influence of molecular genetics and epigenetic mechanisms on schwannoma tumors. Among the diagnostic processes outlined are those for recognizing incidentally discovered meningioma, cystic papillary meningioma, facial nerve schwannoma, vestibular schwannoma, and intermediate nerve schwannoma. This book presents treatments for atypical, oncocytic, intracranial, and cavernous meningiomas, as well as guides to therapeutic methods ranging from neurosurgery and gamma-knife radiosurgery to vestibular schwannoma interventions such as retrosigmoidal craniotomy and immunotherapy. This authoritative volume once again provides invaluable and tightly focused source material for medical professionals committed to placing the latest theories and techniques at the service of those they care for.