Glossary

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• Benign (Non-Malignant): a benign tumor is one that lacks the malignant properties of a cancer. It does not grow in an unlimited, aggressive manner and does not metastasize (travel to other organs). Although many brain tumor types are considered histologically benign such as pituitary adenomas, chordomas, craniopharyngiomas and meningiomas, they can still be locally invasive, cause serious disability and be difficult to control with surgery alone.
• Bitemporal Hemianopsia: loss of peripheral vision in both eyes resulting from pressure on the optic chiasm, typically from a tumor such as a pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma or meningioma. The optic chiasm is located directly above the pituitary gland in the suprasellar cistern and is composed of crossing fibers from both optic nerves.
• Brainstem: the lower, most primitive part of the brain which includes the midbrain, pons and medulla. The lower brainstem (medulla) transitions into the spinal cord. The brainstem is essential for many basic functions including breathing, heart rate and blood pressure regulation. All but two cranial nerves (the olfactory and optic nerves) arise from the brainstem.
• Bromocriptine (Parlodel): a short-acting dopamine agonist medication which suppresses prolactin production and is usually taken one to three times daily. It is used to treat prolactinomas prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas) and other causes of hyperprolactinemia. The medication lowers the prolactin level and causes shrinkage of the prolactinoma. Because of relatively frequent and unpleasant gastro-intestinal side effects (nausea), this drug is now used less often than Cabergoline (Dostinex®). Learn more.
• Buffalo Hump: an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue (fat) in the upper back and lower neck, most often seen in patients with excess cortisol production from Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing’s disease (an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma). In patients with Cushing’s disease, other abnormal accumulations of fatty tissue can occur in the area between the neck and shoulders (supraclavicular fat pads) and in the trunk and abdominal area. Learn more.