The Brain Tumour Podcast
By David Walker
The Brain Tumour PodcastJul 12, 2023
Series 2. Episode 3. Cerebral Lymphoma
This episode concerns Primary Cerebral Lymphoma. I cover the epidemiology, the clinical and radiological features, and the treatment of this condition.
Series 2. Episode 2. Haemangioblastoma
Here I describe haemangioblastoma, an unusual tumour of adults. Although it is benign, it can run in families and also can be challenging to treat surgically.
Series 2. Episode 1. Solitary Fibrous Tumour / Haemangiopericytoma
This is the first episode of the second series of the Brain Tumour Podcast, in which I will be covering unusual and rare types of brain tumours. The first episode is an introduction to Solitary Fibrous Tumour / Haemangiopericytoma.
EP 17. Common Medications used in Brain Tumour Patients
There are several medications used in brain tumour patients, that are not chemotherapy, but are very important in controlling symptoms associated with having a brain tumour and dealing with the side effects of treatment. It is important to understand these medications, which include corticosteroids like dexamethasone, anti-seizure medications, analgesics and anti-emetics.
Ep 16 - Recovering from a Brain Tumour Operation
Facing a Brain Tumour Operation is daunting. Most of the time, this is the first time that someone has undergone this surgery, so the prospect of having a surgeon open up their cskull and delve into their brain is frightening, which is to be expected. Having some knowledge of what to expect in the immediate aftermath of a procedure can help. In this episode, I discuss the typical timelines for recovery after a brain tumour operation.
Ep 15 - Paediatric Brain Tumours - an Introduction
Children unfortunately do have brain tumours. In this episode I give a VERY brief introduction to this huge subject, touching on some of the key differences between children and adults, and describe some of the common brain tumours that occur in children.
EP 14. Hydrocephlaus and Shunts
I give an overview of CSF and ventricular system, why brain tumours can cause a disruption in this system and hence hydrocephlaus, and how this may have to be dealt with with a shunt procedure.
EP 13. Pituitary Tumours
In this episode I give an introduction to the basic anatomy of the pituitary gland, how pituitary tumours are classified and investigated, and then how they are treated.
EP 12. Introduction to Meningiomas
This episode is an Introduction to Meningiomas, the commonest benign brain tumour. I discuss the incidence and causes of these tumours, then clinical presentation investigation and treatment.
EP 11. An introduction to Chemotherapy
This episode is an introduction to chemotherapy for brain tumours. I cover what chemotherapy is, what types of brain tumours are treated with chemo and describe the basic regime of chemo for GBM.
EP 10. Introduction to Radiotherapy.
I outline a brief overview of Radiotherapy, touching on the basic mechanism and delivery options, as well as the general indications for radiotherapy in brain tumour patients.
EP 9: Metastatic brain Tumours.
In this episode I describe what metastatic brain tumours are, their common sites of origin, clinical and radiological features, and treatment options
EP 8. Treatment of Gliomas
In episdoe 8, I discuss the basic treatment schedule for adult patients with gliomas. I describe the preoperative workup, surgery and then the adjuvant treatment that is usually given – radiotherapy and chemotherapy. More detailed episodes will cover radiotherapy and chemotherapy but here I cover that overall management plan that usually applies for adult glioma.
EP 7: Low grade Gliomas in Adults
In this episode of the Brain Tumour Podcast Dr Daved Walker gives an introduction to subject of Low Grade Gliomas, particularly as they pertain to adults. I describe the main subtypes, that is astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma, and how these tumours are differentiated. I talk about the investigations, and then the controversy around the approach to management.
EP 6: Glioblastoma and the closely related Astrocytoma Grade 4
In this episode of the Brain Tumour Podcast Dr David Walker describes the important topic of Glioblastoma and the closely related Astrocytoma Grade 4. I talk about the key pathological, clinical and imaging characteristics of these tumours as well as the differences. I then briefly discuss the treatment options and overall outlook
EP 5: An Introduction to Gliomas
In this episode of The Brain Tumour Podcast is an Introduction to Gliomas.
Gliomas are common tumours of the brain. But there are many different varieties so this episode gives an introduction to Gliomas, and describes the common glioma types, who they affect and why precise pathological and molecular classification is used when diagnosing these tumours.
EP 4: Surgery for Brain Tumours
In this episode of the Brain Tumor Podcast, I talk about the role that a neurosurgeon and surgery itself has in the management of brain tumours, from biopsy, to resection, brain mapping and awake craniotomy. I also discuss what a patient might expect when they are going through this ordeal.
EP 3: Who gets Brain tumours and why?
This episode of the Brain Tumour Podcast we look at who gets Brain tumours and why?
Very often people wonder why they or their relative were the ones to get a brain tumour. Today I talk about the who does get different types of brain tumours, and if there is a reason why.
EP 2: What investigations are done for Brain Tumours?
This Brain Tumour Podcast is all about investigations for brain tumours. I will discuss the different types of scans that are often used, such as CT and MRI scans, as well as other more specialised ones such as PET scans and blood tests that are sometimes useful.
EP 1: What is a Brain Tumour and What problems do they cause?
In this first episode of the Brain Tumor Podcast, Professor Walker defines a brain tumour and describes the common terminology used. He then discusses the problems they cause – the symptoms the a person or their family might experience and the signs to look out for.
Intro: Welcome to the Brain Tumour Podcast
This is an Introduction to the Brain Tumour Podcast outlining what it is and who it is intended for.
For any feedback or suggestions please email professordavidwalker@brizbrain.com.au.