LEPTOMENINGEAL NEOPLASMS Meaning and
Definition
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Leptomeningeal neoplasms, also known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis or neoplastic meningitis, refer to the spread of cancer cells to the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord, known as the leptomeninges. This condition occurs when cancer cells break free from their primary site, usually originating in the lungs, breasts, or gastrointestinal tract, and migrate through the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid to this protective covering.
Leptomeningeal neoplasms are typically characterized by the infiltration of cancer cells in the subarachnoid space, the space between the arachnoid and pia mater layers of the meninges. This infiltration hinders the normal functioning of the central nervous system and can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including severe headaches, confusion, memory loss, seizures, cranial nerve palsies, and limb weakness.
Diagnosis of leptomeningeal neoplasms can be challenging, as it requires a thorough examination of the patient's clinical history, a neurological examination, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture.
Treatment options for leptomeningeal neoplasms are limited, and they usually focus on providing palliative care to improve the patient's quality of life and alleviate symptoms. This may involve the administration of radiation therapy to affected areas, chemotherapy drugs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, or targeted therapies tailored to the specific characteristics of the cancer cells. Additionally, supportive measures such as pain management, corticosteroids, and antiepileptic drugs may be used to address the associated symptoms.
Common Misspellings for LEPTOMENINGEAL NEOPLASMS
- keptomeningeal neoplasms
- peptomeningeal neoplasms
- oeptomeningeal neoplasms
- lwptomeningeal neoplasms
- lsptomeningeal neoplasms
- ldptomeningeal neoplasms
- lrptomeningeal neoplasms
- l4ptomeningeal neoplasms
- l3ptomeningeal neoplasms
- leotomeningeal neoplasms
- leltomeningeal neoplasms
- le-tomeningeal neoplasms
- le0tomeningeal neoplasms
- lepromeningeal neoplasms
- lepfomeningeal neoplasms
- lepgomeningeal neoplasms
- lepyomeningeal neoplasms
- lep6omeningeal neoplasms
- lep5omeningeal neoplasms
- leptimeningeal neoplasms
Etymology of LEPTOMENINGEAL NEOPLASMS
The word "Leptomeningeal Neoplasms" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
1. "Lepto-" is a prefix taken from the Greek word "leptos", meaning "thin" or "delicate".
2. "Meningeal" is derived from the Latin word "meninx" meaning "membrane". It refers to the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
3. "Neoplasms" is a medical term derived from the Greek word "neo", meaning "new", and the Latin word "plasma", meaning "formation". It refers to abnormal and uncontrolled growths or tumors, usually cancerous.
So, when combined, "Leptomeningeal Neoplasms" refers to the presence of new abnormal growths or tumors in the thin, delicate membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
