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Brain cancer is a medical condition that is caused when the growth of abnormal cells in the brain is uncontrollable. It is capable of affecting both adults and children and the symptoms will vary depending on the size, type, and the location of the tumor. To improve the outcome of treatment, it is important to diagnose it at an early age. Medical technology has now been in a position to create detection and management of brain cancer in a more effective way. Being informed about the different types, causes and treatment options and so on is important to enable patients and families make informed decisions.
What is Brain Cancer?
Brain cancer is a disorder in which cancerous (malignant) cells develop in the brain tissue. These tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the brain generating symptoms that include headaches, seizures or behavioral changes. It may be either primary brain cancer (having originated in the brain) or secondary brain cancer (metastasis of another area of the body).
Stages of Brain Cancer
The brain cancer staging aids in establishing the level of advancement of the disease and the planning of treatment. Although brain tumors are not staged as in the case of other cancer types, their classification is a measure of aggressiveness and spreading.
Stages include
- Stage I: Less aggressive and slow growing tumors
- Stage II: Faster growing and less invasive tumors
- Stage III: Abnormal cell growth and increased risk of recurrence, Malignant tumors
- Stage IV: The most dangerous and quick to spread cancers
Types of Brain Cancer
There are numerous brain cancers, which are determined by the type of cells. All of the types differ in terms of aggressiveness, treatment, and prognosis.
Common types include:
- Gliomas: This is the most common form of brain cancer and the one that starts in the glial cells
- Meningiomas: These are relatively harmless with some rare malignant conditions
- Medulloblastomas: These are frequent in children, and can be violent
- Astrocytomas: May be low grade to very malignant
- Oligodendrogliomas: Better progression, but can grow
- Metastatic Brain Tumors: Spreading of tumors in other locations of the body
Causes and Risk Factors of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer does not exactly have a known cause, but some factors may put one at risk. The development of tumors is affected by genetic mutations and environmental factors.
Risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition: Family history of brain tumors
- Age: It is more prevalent in elderly people, but there are also age-based types that afflict children
- Radiation exposure: Medical treatment, as well as environmental exposure
- Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet or being exposed to dangerous chemicals
- Other cancers: Cancers of other part spreading cancers
Early Signs and Symptoms of Brain Cancer
The signs of brain cancer differ according to the size of the tumor, its location, and its growth rate. Early identification of the same will result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches: Not uncommon, and becoming increasingly severe
- Seizures: Seizures in the absence of epilepsy
- Cognitive problems: Problems with memory, confusion, or personality changes
- Speech and vision: Speaking difficulty, difficulty in focusing on sight, hearing impairment
- Nausea and vomiting: The increase in pressure within the skull is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
How is Brain Cancer Diagnosed?
A set of medical history, neurological examination, and sophisticated imaging is required in the diagnosis. Effective treatment planning cannot exist without precise diagnosis.
Diagnostic methods include:
- Neurological: Reflexes, balance, memory and coordination tested
- MRI, CT scans, and PET scans of tumors
- Biopsy: Taking a piece of tissue to be analyzed at the laboratory to establish the type of cancer
- Blood tests: To check the general health and exclude other ailments
Brain Cancer Treatment Methods
The treatment is related to the nature, site and degree of brain cancer. This is aimed at eliminating or managing the tumor without impairing the brain functions.
Principal modes of treatment are:
- Surgery: To excise as far as can be considered of the tumor
- Radiation therapy: Involves high-energy rays that are used to destroy cancerous cells
- Chemotherapy: Medicines that kill cancer cells or prevent their multiplication
- Targeted therapy: Destroy certain cell mutations in cancers
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the immune system of the body to counter cancer
- Clinical trials: Aviability of new and emerging treatment
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, please fill out the form to contact us for professional support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Cancer
Can brain cancer be cured?
Certain forms of brain cancer may be cured, particularly when they are caught in their early stages but invasive ones may necessitate continuous treatment and control.
What causes brain cancer?
Its cause is not well known, but genetic mutations, environment and family history contribute to its development.
What are the symptoms of the last stage of brain cancer?
The severity of the headaches, confusion, seizures, paralysis, and loss of consciousness may appear in advanced stages.
How to survive brain cancer?
Early diagnosis, proper treatment and lifestyle alteration are factors that can aid survival, with the help of medical and emotional support.
Is brain cancer painful?
The presence of brain cancer is not always accompanied by pain but as the amount of pressure within the skull increases it is likely that headaches and pain will be caused.
Is brain cancer rare?
Admittedly, brain cancer is not common as other types of cancers are, yet it belongs to the number of the most serious since of its position.
What are the first signs that cancer has spread to the brain?
The first signs often include headaches, seizures, vision problems, or sudden changes in speech and behavior.
Which medical unit should be consulted for brain cancer?
Neurology and neurosurgery diagnose and treat brain cancer.
