Brain cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the surrounding tissues. These abnormal cells can form a tumor,
Find out more about the different types, signs, symptoms and causes of brain tumors, which are growths of cells in the brain.
What is Brain Tumor? A collection or accumulation of abnormal cells in the brain is called a brain tumor. Brain tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). These can cause brain damage as the pressure inside the brain increases because of the limited space inside the skull. These can cause complications like: Loss of vision or hearing Difficulty in maintaining the balance of body Speech Problem Strokes Seizures Brain Tumor Symptoms Common symptoms of Brain Tumor include Headaches in certain parts of the brain become unbearable with time Nausea and vomiting without any reason Vision problems like blurred vision or double vision Loss of sensation or motor skills problems Speech problems and difficulty in balance and dizziness Confusion and difficulty in concentration Seizures or strokes Hearing problem Difficulty with balance Difficulty in making decisions Speech difficulties Personality and behavior changes Feeling very tired The symptoms of a brain tumor depend on the size and location of the tumor and the speed of growth. 15 Types Of Brain Tumors Here are 15 types of Brain Tumors. Acoustic Neuroma Astrocytoma Brain Metastases Choroid Plexus Carcinoma Craniopharyngioma Embryonal tumors Ependymoma Glioblastoma Glioma Medulloblastoma Meningioma Oligodendroglioma Pediatric Brain tumors Pineoblastoma Pituitary Tumors Brain Tumors Types in the Classical Way Brain tumors are of two types in normal classification Primary Brain Tumors Primary brain tumors start to form in the brain which is mostly benign in nature and generally don’t spread to other parts of the brain. Secondary Brain Tumors Secondary brain tumors, also called metastatic brain tumors, are when the tumor spreads from one organ like lung or kidney to the brain. Benign brain tumors grow slowly and don’t spread to different tissues and are possible to remove with surgery. Usually, they also don’t come back after removal. Malignant brain tumors are more dangerous on the other hand. They grow rapidly and are cancerous in nature meaning they can spread to other parts of the brain or central nervous system too which can be life-threatening. Causes There may be many causes that can be the reason for brain tumors to occur. Genes or Family History Cancers are genetically inheritable or hereditary in nature meaning if you have had a family history of cancer, there are chances of a brain tumor or cause if the tumor already persists. Exposure to Chemicals Certain chemicals can increase the risk of getting cancer if exposed to them. These are generally at workplaces that involve chemicals. Radiation People exposed to ionizing radiation have increased chances of getting brain cancer. Nuclear power plant incidents and nuclear bombing are examples. Radiation therapy to treat cancer may also be the cause. Genetic Syndromes There are a few rare and inherited (passed down from parent to child) genetic syndromes that are associated with brain tumors, including Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1 Gene) Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2 Gene) Turcot Syndrome (APC Gene) Gorlin Syndrome (PTCH Gene) Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC1 and TSC2 Genes) Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53 Gene) Brain Activity Many different types of primary brain tumors exist. Each gets its name from the type of cells involved. Like Pituitary Adenomas These are tumors that developed in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain & can affect the pituitary hormones with effects throughout the body. Craniopharyngiomas Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors that start near the brain's pituitary gland and control many body functions which can cause brain tumors. Medulloblastomas Medulloblastomas cancerous brain tumors are most common in children and start in the lower back part of the brain and tend to spread through the spinal fluid. Diagosis Biopsy Collecting and testing a sample of abnormal tissue also known as a biopsy. it can be used as part of an operation to remove the brain tumor. Imaging Tests MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) is also used to help diagnose brain tumor diseases. Sometimes imaging tests are used in certain situations, including Computerized Tomography (CT) & Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Treatment Similar to symptoms, the criteria for treatment also depend on the size, location, and growth rate of the tumor. Surgery If the location of the tumor is accessible, surgery can help remove a tumor or as much of the tumor as possible if the tumor is around sensitive areas. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is used to terminate tumor cells with help of X-rays or protons. Radiosurgery Radiosurgery uses multiple weak beams of radiation that focus on a single point, at the brain tumor, to make a strong impact to kill the tumor cells. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses drugs, which and be taken orally or injected through the veins, to kill tumor cells. Side effects may include vomiting and hair loss. Rehabilitation Treatment Rehabilitation after treatment is opted to help the parts that are affected because of the tumor that controls speech, vision, motor skills, and thinking. Therapies like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are advised by the doctor as a part of recovery. Prevention Unfortunately, You can’t prevent a brain tumor, it occurs naturally. But You can reduce your risk of developing a brain tumor by avoiding environmental hazards such as smoking and excessive radiation exposure. If you have any first-degree biological relative like a sibling or parent who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier, then share this information with your healthcare provider. Doctors may recommend genetic counseling to see if you have an inherited genetic syndrome that’s associated with brain tumors. Risk factors Primary brain tumors don't have a clear cause of the tumor. But doctors have identified these 2 factors that may increase your risk of a brain tumor which include 1. Radiation Exposure People who have been directly exposed to ionizing radiation have an increased risk of brain tumor. Ionizing radiation includes radiation therapy used to treat cancer and radiation exposure caused by atomic bombs. 2. Family History A small portion of brain tumors occurs with a family history of genetic syndromes that can increase the risk of brain tumors. Conclusion Not all brain tumors are cancerous, though — in fact, about two-thirds of them are benign. However, they can still cause problems for your brain. Still, early symptoms identification can help you to treat this disease well.
Brain tumours are lumps of abnormal cells and tissues that can develop in any part of the brain, often giving rise to debilitating or even life-threatening symptoms.There are 120 different types of brain tumours that can affect a human brain, each having varied characteristics and nature.
Brain cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers and it can be detrimental. Discover the common causes, symptoms and natural strategies.
When brain tumors are very small, some people may not experience any symptoms or the symptoms are so minimal they don’t notice them. As brain tumors grow, signs and symptoms can vary and largely depend on the tumor’s location within the brain, its size, and how quickly it grows. Some of the more common signs […]
The simultaneous use of antibodies based on two differing mechanisms of action leads to a more effective destruction of tumors. This has been demonstrated by a study in animal models by medical oncologists and scientists at the University of Basel that has been published in the scientific journal PNAS. Patients who do not respond to current immunotherapy options could benefit most from this new treatment.
Early symptoms of a brain tumor can include headache episodes, vision problems, and mood swings. However, because symptoms are so general, a brain tumor can be difficult to identify.
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Even a small, slow-growing brain tumor can affect how you talk or think. Find out with WebMD's slide show what the symptoms of brain cancer are, what causes it, and how it’s treated.
World Brain Tumour Day is celebrated every year on June 8 to spread awareness about brain tumours.
Double vision also known as diplopia or ghost image is a condition where you can see two separate or overlapping images of a single object.
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A friend of our family passed away from meningioma, so I was pleased to host a guest post about caring for a loved one with this type of brain tumour. This is a Post by Jan Vespremi Treatment Options For Meningioma First, let’s talk about the science. As a caregiver, understanding the science of meningiomas—while it doesn’t negate the stress that comes with what we do--can help alleviate some of the emotional issues that come up, especially with meningioma patients. The Science Meningiomas are intracranial tumors that originate from arachnoid cap cells in the thin, spider web-shaped membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Although the majority of these tumors are non-cancerous, untreated and undiscovered, they can slowly grow and, in some locations of the body, can be disabling or even life threatening. According to the National Cancer Institute, meningioma accounts for 27 percent of all brain tumors; and 30.1 percent of all CNS (central nervous system) and primary brain tumors. Genetic factors are the biggest cause for meningiomas, with radiation exposure following not far behind. Some research says that changes to hormones (estrogen and androgen) during pregnancy could accelerate the development of meningiomas. It is also thought that previous head traumas could lead to the condition at the injury site; and viruses could encourage the development and growth of the tumor. They can also be found in places with skull fractures, and those where the surrounding membrane is scarred due to an injury. Symptoms Most of the time, the symptoms brought on by meningioma are a direct result of the location of the tumor. For example, someone who has optic nerve meningioma will have to deal with vision loss (most commonly in his or her peripheral vision), while someone with an olfactory groove tumor will have issues with his or her sense of smell and, potentially, vision problems. As a caregiver, it is the parasagittal and falx tumors’ symptoms that will most likely impact how you care for and relate to your patient. This is because, depending on which part of the brain these tumors set up shop, your loved one could experience seizures, numbness or weakness and problems with cognitive ability like memory and reasoning. Caring for Someone with Meningioma One of the hardest things for someone who is diagnosed with this type of tumor is that, often, it is inoperable. Radiation therapy can help shrink the tumor and slow down its growth but, ultimately, it will keep coming back, symptoms will recur and there isn’t anything that the patient can do about it. That can cause many patients to become very depressed, which is understandable. After all—would you want to have to go through radiation therapy over and over again for the rest of your life? It’s also likely that your patient will be very angry. These tumors, because of how they are formed and where they like to set up shop, are often misdiagnosed when symptoms first appear. Your patient may have spent years dealing with misdiagnoses and failed treatments and they may be looking to lash out at someone. Caregivers are often seen as the safest people to lash out (as you already know!). Tips for Coping Try to remember that, in some cases—as much as this is cribbed from Grey’s Anatomy—it really will be “the tumor talking.” If you are new to caregiving, this can take some getting used to. It is hard not to take the lashings out of someone personally. Be proactive. The biggest issue with meningioma patients, as already discussed, is that their symptoms reoccur and are often misdiagnosed. Work with the patient’s doctor and family to figure out what is “normal” behavior and what might be a sign that the patient needs to be seen earlier than his or her next follow up. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Caregivers—whether professional or family or friends who are taking this on for the first time—often put their own needs absolutely last. But, just like with child care, you cannot offer the kind of care you need to offer if you are operating at a deficit. Use the Cancer.org Distress Assessment to help keep track of your own self-care. Jan Vespremi is a freelance writer and work from home mother. She loves DIY projects - and always sees them through to the finish. She most enjoys writing about health, crafts, and anything else that sparks her interest.
Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibu...
It can be one of the most devastating diagnoses a patient can hear: You have a brain tumor. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, information is your best weapon in the journey you are about to begin. This overview will help you understand brain tumors in adults and will direct you to more detailed information about your specific type of tumor.
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Brain tumors, can be easily diagnosed early thanks to technological developments and the experience of doctors.
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Learn more about possible brain tumour symptoms in adults, based on where in the brain the tumour is located.
Find out more about the different types, signs, symptoms and causes of brain tumors, which are growths of cells in the brain.