Question

Elaina has been diagnosed with a small brain tumor. She first went to see her doctor after experiencing symptoms such as feeling very cold, almost fainting, a reduced appetite, and reduced sexual desire. Which of the following structures is her tumor most likely affecting?A. Broca’s areaB. hypothalamusC. substantia nigraD. thalamus

Answer 1

Answer: hypothalamus

Explanation: The thalamus is a mass at the top of the brain stem that works with the cerebrum to control muscle coordination. It also acts as a relay station for the cerebrum's sensory center.

The hypothalamus controls many unconscious metabolic processes such as hunger, thirst, blood pressure and body temperature. The hypothalamus also works with the pituitary gland in the release of certain hormones.

A hypothalamic tumor is a tumor that develops on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. A tumor can develop on the hypothalamus for two reasons: cancer spreading from somewhere else in the body or mutated brain cells. The latter cause is more prevalent in children.

Tumor size varies. The larger the tumor is, the more intracranial pressure presents within the brain. A patient experiences more symptoms as pressure increases.

Thalamic tumors are diagnosed through a CT scan.

Treatment depends on the size, scope and location of the tumor