A brain tumor is a disease in which brain cells grow uncontrollably. Brain tumors are divided into two main types:
Benign tumors are unable to spread beyond the brain. Usually, benign tumors in the brain do not require treatment and is self-limited growth. Can sometimes cause problems due to its location and may require surgery or radiation.
usually refers to malignant tumors brain cancer. These tumors can spread outside the brain. Malignant tumors in the brain always lead to a problem if not addressed and is almost guaranteed the use of aggressive treatment. Malignant brain tumors can be divided into two categories: primary brain cancer
- originates in the brain
secondary or metastatic brain cancer - spreads to the brain from elsewhere in the body
Cancer happens when cells in the body (in this case, neuronal cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Generally, the term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not spread.
Causes The cause of primary brain cancer is unknown. The causes of secondary brain cancers are those that caused the appearance of malignant tumors in the place of origin (eg lung or breast). RISK FACTORS
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
risk factors for brain tumors include radiation
System Dysfunction immune
family history with rare cancers
Risk factors for metastatic cancer include:
Any cancer throughout the body can spread to the brain. The following is a list of the most common tumors that may spread to the brain at some point:
Lung Cancer Breast Cancer Malignant Melanomas
gastrointestinal tract cancer
urinary tract cancer
The
SYMPTOMS Symptoms vary, depending on size and location of the tumor. A growing tumor is often associated with fluid accumulation because it exerts pressure on the brain. Symptoms may develop gradually or rapidly.
Symptoms may include: Headache
. The vast majority of headaches are not caused by brain tumors. The headaches associated with brain tumors have the following features:
gets progressively worse over a period of months or weeks
Worse in the morning or cause you to wake during the night
are different from common headaches
Worsens with change of posture, straining or coughing attacks
Nausea or vomiting and weakness in the arms or legs, loss of sensation
in the arms, or legs difficulty walking
Changes in vision speech problems
Drowsiness
Memory Disorders Personality changes
Note: These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions less serious. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their doctor. DIAGNOSIS
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history also perform auscultation, with particular focus on neurological examination. A neurological exam checks the muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, response to stimuli, and alertness. The doctor will monitor your eyes to check for signs of brain swelling.
Tests may include:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body.
CT scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body.
PET scan - a test that detects the level of metabolic activity in the brain and other organs, the bloodstream by injecting a radioactive sugar molecule. Positron emission tomography is not approved for brain tumors observed primary but may be helpful if the doctor tries to determine if the symptoms are related to a growing tumor or injury from treatment (surgery or radiation).
arteriography - a test that uses X rays to take pictures of the cerebral vasculature after injection of contrast material into the artery.
biopsy - a sample of brain tissue to check for cancer cells examined. Stereotaxis
- use the assistance of a computer for computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to locate the tumor and take a biopsy. The doctor drills a small hole in the skull, inserts a needle and remove the tissue sample.
THERAPIES 1
Treatment Once cancer has been found, other tests are performed to detect whether the cancer has spread and if it has, what is its length. Treatment depends on the location, size and type of cancer and your overall health. Treatments may leave you with physical or mental.
Before starting treatment to eliminate cancer, you can take medications, including:
steroids to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup: Dexamethasone
Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures:
Carbamazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin
Valproic Acid Treatment may include:
Surgery Surgical removal of the cancerous tumor. The surgical procedure includes:
craniotomy - opening the skull to remove the tumor or as much of the same
Bypass - introducing a long thin tube into the brain to divert fluid to another part of the body
Radiation Therapies
The use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This is a common treatment for brain tumors because the surgical excision may often be unreliable. Radiation may be:
External radiation therapy - radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body
Internal Radiation - radioactive materials placed in the body near cancer cells
Chemotherapy medications are used to kill cells cancer. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms, including pills, injections, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, as well as some healthy cells.
Rehabilitation Therapy Rehabilitation therapy includes:
Physical therapy helps with walking, balance and strengthening.
Occupational therapy helps to master the daily tasks like dressing, eating and toileting.
Speech therapy helps to express their thoughts and overcome swallowing difficulties.