A malignant supratentorial neoplasm is a medical term used to describe a cancerous tumor that arises in the upper part of the brain, known as the supratentorial region. The term "malignant" indicates that the tumor is aggressive and has the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
The word "neoplasm" refers to the abnormal growth of cells, forming a tumor. In the context of a supratentorial neoplasm, this means that an abnormal mass of cells forms in the brain's upper region. The supratentorial region includes the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and other structures located above the tentorium cerebelli, a sheet-like structure that separates the brain's upper and lower compartments.
This type of tumor is classified as "malignant," which means it has a tendency to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. These neoplasms can be derived from various types of brain cells, including glial cells (gliomas), neurons (neuroblastomas), or other cells within the brain tissue.
Malignant supratentorial neoplasms often present with symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cognitive impairments, motor deficits, or changes in behavior depending on their location and size. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, and confirmed by a biopsy of the tumor.
Treatment options for malignant supratentorial neoplasms may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Prognosis and outlook vary depending on the specific type and grade of the tumor, as well as the response to treatment.
