Neurosurgical management of patients with central nervous system malignancies.

OBJECTIVES

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

DATA SOURCES

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.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

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.