Brain Tumours

This condition is treated in the Neurosurgery clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Includes all brain tumours including meningioma, skull base tumours and pituitary tumours.

All referrals should comply to referral standards and include in particular:

• Family history
• Current state including presence or absence of symptoms
• Past history especially if this is a recurrence and of past cancer treatments
• Height, weight and BMI

Tests

• CT scan
• MRI if available (otherwise performed at the Royal Hobart Hospital)
• Hormone levels including prolactin if suspected pituitary tumour
• Visual fields for suprasellar lesions

If prolactinoma is confirmed (ie Prolactin level over 2000iU) refer to Endocrinology department.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Neurosurgery clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

The Royal Hobart Hospital has a team approach to the management of CNS cancer which includes access to:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neurology
• Neuro-psychology
• Epilepsy clinic
• Radiotherapy
• Persistent Pain Unit
• Rehabilitation
• Palliative Care Service

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Benign or malignant tumours associated with midline shift, hydrocephalus or severe deficits

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Most malignant intracranial tumours (high grade glioma, metastasis)

🚩 Generally most benign intracranial tumours with minimal or stable deficits

Urgent cases must be discussed with the Neurosurgery Registrar on call to obtain appropriate prioritisation and a referral faxed to (03) 6173 0491

We will endeavour to see these patients within 30 days, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

Launceston General Hospital
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941

North West

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941

South

All referrals and queries are to be directed to:

Liverpool Clinics (Level 7)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941