MRI scan; brain cancer (glioma), brain stem

Magnetic resonance image (MRI), T2 weighted axial scan of 5-year-old male with an acquired squint caused by brain stem glioma. Inset shows plane of scan. See also N0023465; date 2002. Brain stem tumours are benign and malignant intra-axial neoplasms of the mesencephalon, pons, or medulla oblongata of the brain stem. Both primary and metastatic neoplasms may occur in this location. Clinical features include ataxia, cranial neuropathies, nausea, hemiparesis, and quadriparesis. Primary brain stem neoplasms are more frequent in children. Gliomas are benign and malignant central nervous system neoplasms derived from glial cells (i.e., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymocytes).