Neuro-oncology Part 2, Gliomas and Other Primary Tumors of the Brain and Spinal Cord

Neuro-Oncology is a three-part coverage of that subject over three volumes, comprehensive and multidisciplinary in its approach. This second part is devoted to the theme Gliomas and Other Primary Tumors of the Brain and Spinal Cord. The first part of the volume focuses on the gliomas, representing the majority of malignant tumors of the brain. Proper classification of brain tumors is essential, and the adaptation of the last version of the World Health Organizations Recommendations on Classification and Grading of Primary Brain Tumors in 1993 are included in this volume and extensively discussed. On low-grade gliomas, the issue of wait-and-see or straightforward treatment, depending on symptomatology or localization in the infratentorial or supratentorial compartment, including optic pathway tumors, is reviewed in depth. For every tumor, epidemiology, neuropathology and clinical characteristics are an intrinsic part of each chapter in this volume. Although relatively rare, spinal cord tumors constitute a separate subject. Ample attention is given in this present work to primary tumors of the spinal cord and of the spinal column, with single sections devoted to solitary schwannomas, vascular tumors and malformations. The aim throughout is to present the reader with a comprehensive approach for each specific tumor, with attention being given to epidemiology, neuropathology, clinical and neuroimaging diagnosis and emphasizing treatment options.