Brain Cancer
On this page, you’ll find allthe information you need aboutbrain and nervous system cancer.
What isbraincancer?
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in the brain. When cells grow abnormally, they can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor grows slowly and remains in one place. It is unlikely to spread to another part of your body, whereas a malignant tumor is cancerous and can spread to other areas of your brain or body.
What are the symptoms of brain cancer?
- Symptoms of brain cancer depend on thelocation and size of the tumor:
- Headaches: These differ from usual headaches and may not respond to regular -relief medications.Often, headaches are not the only symptom when tumors are present and areaccompanied by other symptoms that increase the likelihood of a tumor, such as:
- Seizures: Seizures occur due to sudden and irregular electrical discharge in the brain. This can cause temporary issues in behaviors and movements, such as arm and leg twitching, changes in sensation, loss of consciousness, or altered consciousness level.
- Problems with balance and walking.
- Weakness in oneside orpart ofthe body.
- Vomiting and nausea, especially after waking up..
- Visionloss.
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Unintentional changes in personality and behavior.
Unintentional changes inthinking processes.
What are the causesof brain cancer?
The causes of brain cancer are unknown. However, people may develop brain tumors due to genetic factors or exposure to very high doses of radiation to the head.
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- The doctor takes a medical history, conducts a physical examination,and may order additional procedures as needed, such as:.
- CT or MRI scans.EEG).
- Electroencephalogram (EEG).
If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to determine its type and the most effective treatment.
What are the treatment methods for brain cancer?
- The appropriate treatment will be selected based on the following factors:
- The patient’s age, health, and medical history.
- The type, location, and size of the tumor.
- How quickly the disease is progressing and the likelihood of spreading or tumor recurrence.
- The symptoms the patient has.
The patient’s response to treatments.
- Treatment can involve several procedures, as needed, and may include the following:
- Surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy..
Medications to control symptoms.
Surgery:
- Brain tumor surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, or the entire tumor, while minimizing damage to healthy parts of the brain. Sometimes, the tumor cannot be removed because it is too close to critical brain areas. Surgery may also be necessary to:
- Relieve pressure on the brain.
Reduce the tumor size for easier treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells or delay their growth. Radiation therapy is often given after surgery. It targets the tumor carefully to protect healthy tissues near the cancer. Sometimes, radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells while causing minimal harm to healthy cells.
Chemotherapy drugs for brain cancer are usually taken orally or given intravenously; they travel through the bloodstream and work to kill fast-growing cells, like cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can be used to kill remaining cells after surgery, slow tumor growth, or reduce symptoms. It is often administered after surgery and can be given with radiation therapy.
What are the prevention methods for brain cancer?
There are currently no tests or ways to prevent brain cancer, as it is a rare disease.
What are the complications of brain cancer?
Complications are related to the location and spread of the cancer, and often many complications improve with treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
It is important to see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned earlier. While it is unlikely that you have a tumor, and there may be other causes, these types of symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I have severe headaches,blurry vision, and constantnausea. Does this meanI have brain cancer?
No, there are many causes for the mentioned symptoms, and they are more commonly benign, like migraines, which can be treated with medications prescribed by the treating doctor.
I have severe headaches, blurry vision, and constant nausea. Do I need a brain scan to ensure there are no tumors?
