Tumors of the Central Nervous System: Anatomy and Interventional Considerations

Abstract Considered one of the deadliest forms of cancer, central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a diverse set of pathologic entities that manifest in different forms and regions of the brain and spinal cord. This chapter will (1) introduce the reader to the gross anatomy of the CNS and its spatial relationships; (2) examine CNS tumors in regards to their origins, classifications, and locations within the CNS; (3) describe current and alternative therapeutic methods that are commonly used or have been tested; and (4) briefly discuss the role of nanoparticles and their applications with regard to CNS tumors. By the end of this chapter, the reader will have gained a better understanding of the behavior of CNS tumors vis a vis their anatomical location in the CNS.