Brain Cancers
What is brain cancer?
Tumors that occur in the brain may be either benign (non-cancerous), or malignant
(cancerous).
Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells or invade other tissue, but they can cause pressure in areas of the brain and cause symptoms.
Malignant tumors that start in any tissue of the brain are classified as primary brain cancer or brain cancer. Primary brain cancer rarely metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body. Cancer that starts in another part of the body and metastasizes to the brain is classified as secondary brain cancer or metastatic brain cancer. Primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer are usually treated differently.
What are the types of primary brain tumors?
Primary brain tumors are named for the tissue in which they start.
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas, which begin in the glial tissue. Types of gliomas are:
- astrocytomas - tumors that start from cells called astrocytes found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.
- brain stem gliomas -
tumors that start in the glial tissue of the brain stem.
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- ependymomas - tumors that usually start in the lining of the ventricles, but may begin in the spinal cord.
- oligodendroliomas - tumors that begin in the cells that produce myelin (the fatty covering of the nerves).
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Other types of brain tumors include:
- medulloblastomas - tumors that begin in developing nerve cells, usually in the cerebellum, but also in other areas.
- meningiomas - tumors that begin in the meninges and are usually benign (non-cancerous).
- Schwannomas - tumors that begin in the Schwann cells that produce myelin that covers the acoustic nerves.
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- craniopharyngiomas - tumors that develop in the pituitary gland near the hypothalamus and are usually benign, but may be considered malignant because they cause damage to the hypothalamus.
- germ cell tumors - tumors that begin in developing sex cells.
- pineal region tumors - tumors that begin in or around the pineal gland.
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What are symptoms of a brain tumor?
Symptoms depend on size and location of the tumor, and may be caused by:
- damage to the tissue in which they are growing
- pressure in the brain from the growth
- swelling and fluid build-up around the tumor
- hydrocephalus -- tumor blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid causing it to buildup in the ventricles
According to the National Cancer Institute, common symptoms of a brain tumor include:
- headache
- seizures
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness or loss of feeling in arms or legs
- lack of coordination when walking
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- abnormal movements of the eyes or change in vision
- fatigue
- changes in personality
- changes in memory
- changes in speech
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What are risk factors for brain tumor?
Brain tumors, like all tumors, are caused by abnormalities or mutations in genes. Why these mutations develop in the brain and result in cancer is not known. However, there are certain risk factors that may be associated with brain tumors. These include:
- environmental factors
Exposure to chemicals may be a factor. According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to radiation has been established as a risk factor for brain tumors.
- immune system disorders
People with impaired immune systems -- whether present at birth or acquired (because of other illnesses or treatments for other diseases) -- may be at risk for brain tumors.
- family history
Some types of brain tumors occur within family lines, therefore, they are thought to be inherited.
Can brain cancer be prevented?
Because there is no known specific cause of, or risk factor for, brain tumors, it is thought that brain cancer cannot be prevented at this time.
How is brain cancer diagnosed?
In addition to taking a personal and family medical history and performing a physical examination, your physician may perform a neurological examination to determine the following:
- alertness
- muscle strength
- coordination
- reflexes
- response to stimuli
Other tests and evaluation procedures may include:
- imaging procedures:
- computerized tomography imaging (CT or CAT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- positron emission tomography (PET)
- skull x-ray
- brain scan
- angiogram
- myelogram
- biopsy
- lumbar puncture
How is brain cancer treated?
Specific treatment for brain cancer will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
- your overall health and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Brain cancer is usually treated with one or a combination of the following therapies:
- surgery
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
Newer therapies available to treat brain cancer may include:
- stereotactic radiosurgery
- boron neutron capture therapy
- gene therapy
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