First Semester

Meningiomas (WK 15) - Meningiomas are non-cancerous/benign tumor, although usually 10% can be cancerous or atypical. They're more common in women and usually develop in the 40s or 50s. Researchers have found a chromosome defect in a percentage amount of meningiomas. This suggests that the tumors may be caused by genetic-related factors. The specific chromosome involved functions to suppress tumor growth. If you leave a meningioma untreated, it can grow as large as a grapefruit and present with many life-threatening symptoms.

Craniopharyngioma (WK 16) - Craniopharyngiomas are non-cancerous tumors, most present in children 5-14. They are operable with excellent results. At this time, they are not really any known causes to these tumors as well as risk factors. Although some researchers suggests that it can be caused from an informality from Rathke's Pouch (roof of brain, near pituitary gland) Embryonic cells (early fetal cells) from abnormal development of the pituitary gland may be a slight rise to these tumors. These tumors are usually diagnosed in 1-2 years of having them, but if longer the pressure the tumor is putting on your brain can lead to hydrocephalus which means there is too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Acoustic Neuroma (WK 17) - Acoustic neuromas are non-cancerous brain tumors, most present in middle aged adults. Found in the nerve leading to the inner ear. They are operable with temporary complications. Some researchers say the cause of acoustic neuromas is a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. Neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare disorder and a risk factor that accounts for about 5 percent of cases of acoustic neuromas. It can be caused by constant exposure to loud noise, or to face and neck radiation .

Glioblastoma (WK 18) - Glioblastomas are cancerous brain tumors that occur most in adults and are rare. They are diagnosed by imaging tests, neurological exams, or a biopsy, and are treated with surgery, chemo, clinical trial, and many more. It develops from glial cells, which are the nerves in your brain. It is very fast growing, so if not taken care of as soon as possible. Most can be operable, but some are not so they can be very deadly.

Second Semester

Glioblastoma Multiforme (WK 3) - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast-growing tumor that develops from glial cells that support the health of the nerve cells within the brain. GBM is often referred to as a grade IV astrocytoma. These are the most invasive type of glial tumors, rapidly growing and commonly spreading into nearby brain tissue. They are in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. GBM is a brain cancer that typically results in death in the first 15 months after diagnosis if not taken care of. Surgeons go for a full resection but that may not happen so chemo/radiation is required to keep from growing. They are more common in men than women, ages 45-70.

Medulloblastoma (WK 4) - Medulloblastomas are rare, fast-growing brain tumors classified as grade 4 tumors that develop in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the lower back of the brain that controls movement, balance and posture. Although it is rare, it is the most common cancerous brain tumor in children and occurs mostly in them. Most medulloblastomas occur in children under 16. More than 70% occur in children younger than 10. The chance of developing medulloblastoma decreases after age 9. It is also more common in boys than girls.

Pineoblastoma (WK 5) - Pineoblastoma is an aggressive type of cancerous tumor that grows in the pineal gland (produces melatonin) in the center of your brain. They are very rare and it has been estimated that about 6 out of 1,000,000 people will develop this tumor. Females are slightly more likely to be affected than males. Most cases of pineoblastoma occur in children, with only about 10% of cases occurring in adults. The overall 5-year survival rate for children with pineoblastoma is about 60% to 65%.

Optic Nerve Gliomas (WK 6) - Optic nerve gliomas are non-cancerous brain tumors that grow on the optic nerves, from the eyes to the brain. Optic nerve gliomas are found in approximately one in five children with neurofibromatosis type 1, a rare disorder that affect daily functions. As the tumor progresses, it presses on the optic nerve, causing vision to worsen. Blindness can occur but only in about 5 percent of cases. While these are serious tumors, they have a high cure rate. This tumor is most common in children.

Gangliocytomas (WK 7) - Gangliocytomas, also called gangliogliomas are rare, fast and slow growing tumors, usually in the central nervous system but they can grow anywhere in the brain. These tumors are also known to have a connection to epilepsy. The symptoms depend on the tumor's location but they includes seizures, eyesight issues, and can also be related to endocrine issues but some people can be asymptomatic as well. They are also mostly found in ages 10-30.

Schwannomas (WK 8) - A schwannoma is a type of nerve tumor of the nerve sheath. It's the most common type of benign peripheral nerve tumor in adults. It can occur anywhere in your body, at any age. Schwannoma treatment depends on where the abnormal growth is located and whether it is causing pain or growing quickly. Schwannomas are rarely cancerous, but they can lead to nerve damage and loss of muscle control. They are also grown in the leg, connected to the nerves so they can cause numbness in the legs, or lumps.

Link with Research - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HjfEBQ1vlqd9pTI6vGMkmDYET1SpM7lDhwkwjJQyZmM/edit?usp=sharing

WK 11 - New Topic?

Heart Tumors/Cancers (myxoma, other cardiac tumors/cancers)
Women's Health Focused Tumors, Diseases, Cancers. (cervical, fallopian tube, etc.)
Leg/Lower Body Tumors (fibrosarcoma, study leg cancers, amputations)

WK 12 - Still Researching

Cardiac Tumors - papillary fibroelastomas, rhabdomyomas, fibromas, hemangiomas, teratomas, lipomas, paragangliomas, and pericardial cysts.
More Brain Tumors
Bone Tumors/Cancers - osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, ewing sarcoma, spindle cell Sarcoma, chordoma
Gynecological Cancer/Tumors - endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer
Retire Google Doc

Myxoma

A myxoma is a rare, small, non-cancerous tumor in the heart. They develop in the left atrium. There aren't many symptoms, but some will experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Surgery is the #1 treatment plan for this tumor with recurrence very rare. There aren't any known causes, but they occur more commonly in females and people 40 and above. Around 1 in 10 of myxomas are passed down through families.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can be in any part of any bone, but mostly occurs in the leg. It occurs mostly in teenagers and young adults. Treatment includes chemo, surgery, and radiation therapy. Doctors determine the treatment based on the size, type, and grade of the cancer. However most are low grade and are easily curable with surgery. Symptoms include swelling, bone/joint pain, or a bone injury. There are no clear causes to this cancer but risk factors just include other previous bone disorders. It occurs mostly in teenagers and young adults.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteosarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351052#:~:text=Osteosarcoma%20is%20a%20type%20of,soft%20tissue%20outside%20the%20bone.

Lipoma

Lipomas are lumps of fat (fatty tissue) that develop under the skin, anywhere on the body but usually the neck, shoulders, arms and thighs. They can sometimes be cancerous but this is very rare. Treatment for lipomas are not necessary unless its cancerous and/or bothering you. There are rarely any symptoms except being soft to touch. If your family has a history of lipomas, then the chances of you getting one is pretty high. They are rarely common in children and most common in adults ages 40-60.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lipoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374470 https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/lumps

Ewing's Sarcoma

Ewing's Sarcoma is a very rare type of bone cancer that occurs mostly in the legs, pelvic bones, or arms. It usually affects people from the ages of 10 to 20 and has a high cure rate. It affects about 200 children per year and in more often in boys. There are no clear causes to this tumor and it is not genetically passed. Symptoms include swelling on the area, limping, fever, weight loss, and broken bones. Treatment does happen but it is based on the size of the tumor and if it has spread, surgery is the most common option with an 80% success rate, with a 15-30% 5 year survival rate.

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/ewingssarcoma#:~:text=Ewing's%20sarcoma%20is%20a%20very,high%20rate%20of%20being%20cured. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ewing-sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351071

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a tumor/cancer of the lymphatic system. It is a rare cancer in the lymph nodes, located in the upper body neck. The symptoms can include enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, sweats, fever, and itchy skin. Lymphoma treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy medications, radiation therapy, and a bone marrow transplant. Most surgeons go for a transplant or chemotherapy. There is not a definite cause, but scientist suggest that it is a genetic mutation. It is most common in males than females in ages 55 and over.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352638#:~:text=Lymphoma%20is%20a%20cancer%20of,other%20organs%20throughout%20the%20body.