Our Summary

This research paper discusses a specific type of brain tumor that is often associated with epilepsy in young people, known as low-grade, developmental, epilepsy-associated brain tumors (LEAT). These tumors are different from the ones commonly found in adults. They usually occur in the temporal lobe, are generally not very malignant, and are often composed of a mix of two types of brain cells. They don’t show the same mutations as some other common brain tumors.

The paper identifies some specific types of these tumors, including ganglioglioma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, angiocentric glioma, isomorphic diffuse glioma, and papillary glio-neuronal tumor. These types make up over 73% of the tumors found in a study of over 6700 patients who had epilepsy surgery.

The authors also mention some recent discoveries linking specific genetic mutations to these types of tumors, suggesting that these tumors could potentially be classified based on their genetic characteristics.

However, the study also notes that these tumors are not often found in one place, making it difficult to study them systematically. There are also other challenges, such as understanding how these tumors progress, why seizures sometimes come back after tumor removal, and the potential role of an additional brain abnormality. To address these challenges and improve our understanding of these tumors, the authors recommend international collaboration.

FAQs

  1. What is a low-grade, developmental, epilepsy-associated brain tumor (LEAT)?
  2. What are the most common types of LEATs identified in the research paper?
  3. What are some of the challenges in studying and understanding LEATs as mentioned in the research paper?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in any recommended physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. It is important to communicate any new symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection are those with low-grade, developmental, epilepsy-associated brain tumors (LEAT) that are causing seizures or other significant symptoms. These tumors are often found in young people and are generally not very malignant. Specific types of LEATs, such as ganglioglioma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, angiocentric glioma, isomorphic diffuse glioma, and papillary glio-neuronal tumor, are commonly associated with epilepsy and may require surgical removal to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In cases where seizures persist or return after tumor removal, further investigation and collaboration among researchers are recommended to better understand these tumors and their progression.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after tumor resection:

Before tumor resection:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as seizures, headaches, changes in behavior or cognition, and other neurological deficits.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to identify the tumor and its location.
  3. Patient may undergo a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumor.
  4. Patient may undergo preoperative testing and evaluation to assess their overall health and determine the best course of treatment.

After tumor resection:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the tumor, which may be done using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
  2. Patient may experience a recovery period in the hospital, which may involve monitoring for any complications and managing pain.
  3. Patient may undergo rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery.
  4. Patient may undergo follow-up imaging studies and appointments to monitor for any recurrence of the tumor.
  5. Patient may undergo further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the tumor is malignant or if there is a risk of recurrence.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after tumor resection can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor, as well as the individual patient’s health and response to treatment. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of tumor do I have and what specific characteristics does it have?

  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of tumor resection surgery for my specific type of tumor?

  3. What is the success rate of tumor resection for my type of tumor in terms of complete removal and preventing recurrence?

  4. Will tumor resection surgery affect my epilepsy and seizure control, and if so, how?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides tumor resection surgery?

  6. What is the recovery process like after tumor resection surgery and how long will it take to fully recover?

  7. Are there any potential long-term side effects or complications associated with tumor resection surgery?

  8. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after tumor resection surgery?

  9. Are there any specific genetic mutations associated with my type of tumor that I should be aware of?

  10. Would participating in any research studies or clinical trials be beneficial for further understanding and treating my type of tumor?

Reference

Authors: Slegers RJ, Blumcke I. Journal: Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2020 Mar 9;8(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s40478-020-00904-x. PMID: 32151273