Depression - the first symptom of a brain tumor or a consequence of the process neoplastic process - a review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction and objective

CNS malignancies account for about 1.6% of all diseases today. In people diagnosed with a
brain tumor with a poor prognosis, we often see disorders from the psychiatric spectrum,
most often depressive disorders. In this paper, we want to focus on whether depression occurs
as a sequel to cancer or perhaps is the first of the symptoms of a CNS tumor.

Review methods

For the analysis, the PubMed medical database was searched, and articles containing studies
and case reports of people with CNS tumor and depressive disorders that occurred either
before diagnosis or at any time during the course of the disease were selected

Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge

CNS tumors produce symptoms such as epilepsy, visual disturbances, paresis, but also
behavioral disorders. This is determined by the location of the tumor. Depression is a mental
disorder manifested mainly by lowered mood. This disorder can coexist with tumors
occurring in the frontal lobe or be present regardless of the location of the tumor, in people
diagnosed with a tumor with a poor prognosis.

Summary

Analyzing the selected articles, we see that in people who were diagnosed with a tumor
located in the frontal lobe, often the first symptom was depressive disorders, which even
preceded neurological symptoms. When depression is diagnosed, appearing suddenly and
refractory to treatment, one should consider whether there is an underlying pathological
lesion in the CNS. Unfortunately, there are no specific guidelines for imaging studies in
depressive disorders. People who suffer from malignant tumors with a poor prognosis should
be cared for by a psychologist, because as the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen,
affecting the prognosis.