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A brain tumor diagnosis is a frightening experience and most people feel an immediate
threat to their survival, however understanding the threat and prognosis is essential. There
are different types of brain tumors with different effects on the body and various
treatments and outcomes. Not all brain tumors are malignant, so knowing the facts is
important to your mental and physical health.
Types of Brain Tumors
* Benign - do not contain any cancer cells that can spread throughout the body. These
tumors can be removed and are not likely to grow back. Although these tumors are not
cancerous, they may be life threatening because they affect other organs or tissues.
* Malignant - do contain cancer cells that can spread to other areas of the body. These
tumors are more serious with often life threatening consequences.
* Primary - these tumors start in brain: the cerebrum, the brain stem, or the cerebellum
* Secondary - these tumors spread to the brain from other parts of the body and are
more common than primary brain tumors.
Causes of Brain Tumors
The exact causes of brain tumors are still unknown, however there are certain risks factors
and statistics associated with increased chance of development:
* Males get brain tumors more often than females
* Caucasians get brain tumors more than any other race
* People over the age of 70 and children under the age of 8 are most affected
* Family history of brain tumors
* Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals: vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, acrylonitrile
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
The symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their location in the brain, type of tumor
and size of tumor. Some brain tumors can cause puzzling symptoms that are associated
with other part of the body by pressing against nerves, muscles or organs. The most
common symptoms are:
* headaches (especially if worse in the mornings)
* problems with balance and walking
* nausea and vomiting
* changes in speech, vision or hearing (especially slurred speech or blurred vision)
* changes in personality and/or mood for no apparent reason
* problems with memory and/or concentration that suddenly appear
* twitching of the muscles, seizures or convulsions
* tingling sensations or numbness in the arms or legs
Treatments for brain tumors can involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or perhaps all
three, depending on the type and size of the tumor. Any persistent symptoms that are
suspicious should warrant immediate medical attention with a physician. If tests or further
evaluation is necessary a specialist, such as a neurologist, neurosurgeon, neurooncologist
may be recommended. In addition to a physician’s referral, The American Board of
Medical Specialties (ABMS) lists doctors that specialize in these fields with their specialty
and education status. This directory is available through most public libraries or on the
internet at http://www.abms.org.
What else can I help you with?
What are Primary brain tumors?
The most common primary brain tumors include gliomas such as astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas
Do Malignant brain tumors have borders?
Malignant brain tumors do not have distinct borders
Is metastatic SOL's in brain is same as brain cancer?
Metastatic SOL's or tumors found in the brain are same as brain cancer. Metastatic tumors are one of the most common type of tumors found in the brain.
What are the prevalent primary brain tumors?
Gliomas are the most prevalent primary brain tumors
What is inside Benign brain tumors?
Benign brain tumors are composed of harmless cells
Are metastatic brain tumors deadly?
yes, metastatic brain tumors can be deadly if not treated properly.
Who is at a higher risk of brain tumors?
Men and caucasians have a higher risk of developing brain tumors
What is a primary tumors?
Tumors that initially arise and grow within the brain are termed primary tumors
What types of tumors are often removed by surgery?
Benign tumors (non-cancerous) such as brain tumors.
What are the types of Brain Tumors?
Primary brain tumors can be benign or cancer.Usually, benign tumors are often removed, and that they seldom grow back.Benign brain tumors usually have a clear border or edge. Cells from benign growths rarely invade tissues around them.They don't spread to other parts of the body.Benign tumors can continue sensitive areas of the brain and cause serious health problems.Unlike benign tumors are sometimes life-threatening.Benign brain tumors may become turn into cancer.Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells:Malignant brain tumors are generally more serious and sometimes are a threat to life.They are likely to grow rapidly or invade nearby healthy brain tissue.Cancer cells may break free from the malignant brain cancer and spread to other parts of the brain or to the medulla spinal.
What is a brain tumor?
Congenital brain tumors are very rare neoplasms (tumors). Simply it is a generic term for any brain tumor which has existed from birth.
Are Low-grade brain tumors well-defined?
Low-grade brain tumors usually have well-defined borders
