Neurosurgical management of patients with central nervous system malignancies.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an introduction to and description of the neurosurgical technologies used for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.


METHODS
Published articles, books, and other reference materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances in the development of assessment tools and surgical techniques have improved the outcome and quality of life for patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. Further improvements in intraoperative instrumentation and postoperative adjuvant therapy are expected to increase the safety and effectiveness of treatments for CNS malignancies.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative education for the patient with a CNS malignancy is a special challenge to nurses. Management of these aggressive tumors requires multiple treatment modalities and continued vigilance to detect and palliate recurrent tumors.
Bohan
E M
EM
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010346:Patient Care Management; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012008:Recurrence