Neurosurgical Oncology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
bevacizumab
Monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF used as anti-angiogenic therapy for recurrent glioblastoma.
leptomeningeal metastases
Cancer spread to the pia mater and arachnoid membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, causing neurological dysfu...
Lomustine
An alkylating chemotherapy agent used in brain tumor treatment, particularly for recurrent gliomas and medulloepitheliom...
meningioma
A tumor arising from the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord, typically benign but occasionally malignant.
MGMT methylation
A molecular marker indicating DNA repair gene silencing that predicts favorable response to alkylating chemotherapy in b...
midline shift
Displacement of brain structures from their normal central position, typically due to mass effect from tumor, edema, or...
molecular markers
Genetic and biochemical characteristics of tumor tissue that provide diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic guidance.
molecular profiling
Comprehensive genetic and molecular analysis of tumor tissue to guide treatment decisions and prognosis.
molecular subtyping
Classification of brain tumors based on genetic and molecular characteristics rather than solely on histological appeara...
neoadjuvant therapy
Treatment administered before primary surgical intervention to reduce tumor size, improve resectability, or target micro...
neuraxis
The central nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord as a functional unit.
neuraxis dissemination
The spread of tumor cells through cerebrospinal fluid pathways to distant sites within the central nervous system.
neuropil thread
Fine fibrillary processes observed in certain brain tumors, particularly helpful in diagnosing oligodendrogliomas.
oligodendroglioma
A primary brain tumor arising from oligodendrocytes, characterized by distinctive histological features and genetic mark...
Ommaya reservoir
An implanted ventricular access device used for intrathecal drug delivery or CSF sampling.
oncoplastic reconstruction
Surgical technique combining tumor resection with immediate reconstruction to restore normal anatomy and function.
PCV regimen
A chemotherapy protocol combining three agents commonly used for treating oligodendroglial tumors.
perilesional hypermetabolism
Increased metabolic activity in brain tissue surrounding a tumor, often indicating infiltrative growth or inflammation.
perilesional zone
The brain tissue immediately surrounding a tumor that may contain infiltrating cancer cells or be affected by tumor-rela...
perioperative seizures
Seizures occurring before, during, or shortly after neurosurgical procedures, requiring specific management protocols.
peritumoral edema
Fluid accumulation in brain tissue surrounding a tumor, causing mass effect and neurological symptoms.
peritumoral region
The brain tissue immediately surrounding a tumor, which may contain infiltrating tumor cells and treatment effects.
pilocytic astrocytoma
A benign WHO grade I astrocytic tumor most commonly occurring in children, typically in the cerebellum and optic pathway...
postcontrast enhancement
Increased signal intensity on MRI after gadolinium contrast administration, indicating blood-brain barrier breakdown.
posterior fossa syndrome
A postoperative complication following posterior fossa surgery characterized by mutism, ataxia, and behavioral changes.