Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cell growth that occurs in the brain. Read more about it here.

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When there is a growth of an abnormal mass of cells, or tissue, in the brain, it is referred to as a brain tumor. Brain tumors are generally classified as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor is the type that develops in the brain itself and can either be malignant or benign. A secondary brain tumor, on the other hand, is the type that begins in another part of the body and spreads to the brain. Secondary brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors.

Brain tumors that are benign usually grow more slowly, can be removed more easily, according to where they are located, and the probability of them recurring is lower compared to cancerous brain tumors. Also, non-cancerous tumors do not affect the surrounding tissues; however, their growth can result in pressure being applied to sensitive parts of the brain.

Cancerous brain tumors usually grow faster and destroy or invade the surrounding tissues of the brain. Nevertheless, unlike the cancers that grow in other parts of the body, primary cancerous brain tumors usually do not spread to the other parts of the body.

Although it can be a challenge to treat brain tumors, these days with better technology and advanced methods of treatment, physicians have been successfully treating several kinds of brain tumors.

What are the Indications of Brain Tumors?

The location, type, and size of the brain tumor are determining factors of its symptoms. The symptoms may occur due to the tumor damaging a certain part of the brain or pressing against a nerve. The tumor could also cause the build up of fluids in the cranium or lead to the swelling of the brain.

The following are some of the indications of a brain tumor:

• Headaches, which generally worsens in the morning.
• Changes in hearing, vision, or speech.
• Memory problems.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Changes in the ability to concentrate, personality, or mood.
• Problems in walking or balancing.
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs.
• Convulsions or seizures of muscles.

None of these indications are of course sure signs of the occurrence of a brain tumor, because they could be signs of other conditions too. Hence, if these symptoms should occur it is advisable to consult a doctor as fast as possible in order to get it diagnosed and get the problem treated.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumor

There are various types of treatment options for those affected with brain tumor, according to the stage and the type of the tumor, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments may be provided.

Usually, surgery is the treatment option that is chosen for most brain tumors. The surgical procedure that involves the opening of the skull is referred to as craniotomy, wherein general anesthesia is used. Plus, pain control treatment will be provided at all stages of the disease. Also, treatment will be provided for alleviating the side effects of the therapy as well as to mitigate emotional problems. These treatments are known as palliative care, supportive care, or symptom management. It is best to discuss with the doctor about which type of treatment to opt for and what the results will be.

By Rita Putatunda

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Brain Cancer Symptoms

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Know the symptoms of Brain Cancer. As the location of cancerous brain tumors changes, the symptoms also change.

Brain cancer is also called Glioma or Meningioma. If cancer starts in the brain itself, it is called "primary brain cancer". If cancer starts elsewhere in the body and then moves to the brain, it is called "metastatic brain cancer". A primary brain cancer usually is confined to the central nervous system. Due to uncontrolled tumor growth in the limited space of the skull, death takes place. A metastatic brain cancer is an advanced disease and is related to poor prognosis. Primary brain tumors may be cancerous or noncancerous. All the cancerous brain tumors are malignant and threaten life due to the aggressive and invasive nature. In the United States, there are 15 to 20 cases of brain cancer in 100,000 people. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in patients younger than 35. In case of children, primary brain cancer occurs in 3 out of 100,000 annually. Secondary brain cancer occurs in 20 to 30% patients with metastatic diseases. This incidence increases with age. Every year, about 100,000 cases of secondary brain cancer are diagnosed.

Brain cancer symptoms

There are about 24 distinct symptoms of brain cancer. These are listed below.

• vision problems
• vomiting
• nausea
• seizures
• headaches
• behavioral problems
• brain swelling
• hydrocephalus
• dizziness
• hearing problems
• motor problems
• memory loss
• memory problems
• cognitive problems
• personality changes
• lack of coordination
• stumbling
• one-sided body weakness
• numbness of arms and legs
• weakness of arms and legs
• hallucinations
• speech problems
• balance problems
• gait problems

Metastatic brain cancer invades the brain tissue indiscriminately. This leads to the following symptoms:

• vomiting
• swelling
• seizures
• nausea
• motor dysfunction
• impaired mental function
• headache
• bleeding

Symptoms of brain tumor that may be cancerous
Some brain tumors are cancerous. Any brain tumor can hinder the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This causes an accumulation of CSF (hydrocephalus) and increased intracranial pressure (IICP). The common symptoms are:

• vomiting
• headache
• nausea

The brain tumors damage vital neurological pathways and press the brain tissue. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, the symptoms vary.

If a tumor is present in the brainstem, then the symptoms are:

• drowsiness
• behavioral and emotional changes (irritability)
• hearing loss
• difficulty in speaking and swallowing
• headache, especially in the morning
• muscle weakness on one side of the face
• uncoordinated gait
• vomiting
• muscle weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
• vision loss, drooping eyelid (ptosis), crossed eyes (strabismus)

Meningioma or a tumor of the meninges gives rise to the following symptoms:

• vision loss
• seizures
• prolonged drowsiness (somnolence)
• mental and emotional change (apathy, disinhibition)
• incontinence
• impaired speech (dysphasia)
• hearing loss
• headache

If a brain tumor is present in the frontal lobe, then the symptoms are:

• impaired sense of smell
• paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia)
• behavioral and emotional changes
• memory loss
• impaired judgement
• vision loss and inflammation of the optic nerve (papilledema)
• reduced mental capacity (cognitive function)

If a tumor is present in the parietal lobe, then the symptoms are:

• lack of recognition
• impaired speech
• seizures
• spatial disorders
• inability to write

If the tumor is located in the right and left hemispheres of the frontal lobe, then this causes:

• behavioral changes
• cognitive changes
• uncoordinated gait

If a tumor is present in the occipital lobe, then there may be vision loss in one or both eyes and seizures may also occur.
If a tumor is present in the temporal lobe, then there are no symptoms, but there may be impaired speech and seizures.

If a tumor grows in the pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma), then the secretion of hormones increases, there is discontinuation of menstruation (amenorrhea) and excessive secretion of milk in women (galactorrhea). Men may be afflicted by impotency.

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