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Objective To observe the application of the mini-mental status examination (MMSE)cognitive assessment in the patients with brain glioma before and after surgery. Methods Using MMSE,36 pastients with primary brain glioma were subjected to the cognitive assessment before surgery, after surgery,and 3 monthsr after surgery. Results The quantitative cognitive assessments with MMSE before surgery revealed the hidden cognitive dysfunction patients.The quantitative cognitive assessments after surgery showed that surgeons might need to protect the non-function area and to form the idea of cognitive function in patients with glioma.Conclusion MMSE assessment is a simple,understandably,and convenient method having good compliance of patient. It may be effectively used to assess cognitive impairment for patients with glioma and worth being studied continuously and used widely in the clinic practice.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and surgical treatment of malignant intracranial teratomas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four patients with intracranial teratoma proved by histopathology were treated by operation. The growth pattern of this tumor, assessed by its clinical manifestations and neuroimaging together with surgical treatment and results were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Only 6 lesions had been correctly suspected as teratoma before surgery. Total removal was achieved in 14 patients with a operative mortality of 32.4%. The survival of 23 patients with lesions showing aggressive growth was significantly different from those without (P < 0.05). Nineteen of these patients did not survive beyond the sixth month after surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Accurate preoperative diagnosis is difficult in malignant intracranial teratoma, especially for patients with the tumor in the sella region. The invasive biological behavior of the tumor is proved to be the main cause of surgery being dwarfed. Protection of the hypothalamus and brainstem, relief of hydrocephalus are the crucial points in surgical treatment. Comprehensive histopathologic examination combined with serum and CSF tumor marker detection is necessary for correct diagnosis and treatment.</p>