Carcinomatous meningitis
Carcinomatous Meningitis
Carcinomatous meningitis (pronunciation: kar-si-no-ma-tous me-nin-ji-tis) is a serious complication of cancer, characterized by the spread of malignant cells to the meninges, the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "carcinomatous" is derived from the Greek word "karkinos", meaning crab, and "oma", meaning tumor. "Meningitis" comes from the Greek "meninx", meaning membrane, and "itis", indicating inflammation. Thus, "carcinomatous meningitis" refers to the inflammation of the meninges due to the presence of cancerous cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of carcinomatous meningitis may include headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and neurological deficits such as vision changes, weakness, and altered mental status.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of neurological examination, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan, and lumbar puncture to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for malignant cells.
Treatment
Treatment options for carcinomatous meningitis include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. The choice of treatment depends on the type of primary cancer, the patient's overall health status, and the severity of neurological symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with carcinomatous meningitis is generally poor, with a median survival time of a few weeks to months. However, early detection and aggressive treatment can improve survival and quality of life.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carcinomatous meningitis
- Wikipedia's article - Carcinomatous meningitis
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