Is brain tumour equals to cancer?

Emobileclinic Trending Topic: Brain Tumor

Emobileclinic Specialist

 A brain tumor is a collection, or mass, of abnormal cells in the brain. The skull, which encloses the brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).When benign or malignant tumors grow, they can cause the pressure inside the skull to increase. This can cause brain damage, and it can be life-threatening.

Brain tumors are categorized as primary or secondary.

 A primary brain tumor originates from the brain and is mostly benign while secondary brain tumor, also known as a metastatic brain tumor, occurs when cancer cells spread to the brain from another organ, such as your lung or breast.

 Types of Brain Tumors

 Gliomas: are tumors that develop from glial cells. These cells support the structure of the central nervous system, provide nutrition to your central nervous system, clean cellular waste break down dead neurons. Gliomas develop from a variety of glial cells; – astrocytic tumors such as astrocytomas, which originate in the cerebrum; oligodendroglial tumors, which are often found in the frontal temporal lobes;
glioblastomas, which originate from the supportive brain tissue and are the most aggressive type
meningiomas, which originate in the meninges; schwannomas, which originate in cells that produce the protective cover of the nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells.

KEY  FACTS
Most meningiomas and schwannomas occur in people between the ages of 40 and 70.
Meningiomas are more common in women than men.
Schwannomas occur equally in both men and women.
These tumors are usually benign, but they can cause complications because of their size and location. Cancerous meningiomas and schwannomas can be very aggressive.

 Other Primary Brain Tumors

Pituitary tumors, which are usually benign; pineal gland tumors, which can be benign or malignant;
ependymomas, which are usually benign; craniopharyngiomas, which occur mostly in children and are benign but can have clinical symptoms like changes in vision and premature puberty;
primary brain lymphomas, which are malignant; primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas, which are malignant primary germ cell tumors of the brain, which can be benign or malignant.

 Secondary Brain Tumors
Secondary brain tumors make up the majority of brain cancers. They start in one part of the body and spread, or metastasize, to the brain. The following can metastasize to the brain: lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, skin cancer.
Secondary brain tumors are always malignant. Benign tumors don’t spread from one part of your body to another.

 Risk Factors for a Brain Tumor

 Risk factors for brain tumors include:
Family History: about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are genetically inherited, or hereditary. It is however rare for a brain tumor to be genetically inherited.
Age: risk for most types of brain tumors increases with age.
Race: brain tumors are most likely to occur in Caucasians. However, African-American people are more likely to get meningiomas.
Chemical Exposure such as those you might find in a work environment, can increase your risk for brain cancer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health keeps a list of potential cancer- causing chemicals found in work places.
Exposure to Radiation: people who have been exposed to ionizing radiation have an increased risk of brain tumors. One can be exposed to ionizing radiation through high-radiation cancer therapies. It may also come from nuclear fallout.
No History of Chicken Pox: according to the American Brain Tumor Association, people with a history of childhood chicken pox have a decreased risk of getting brain tumors.

 Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

 Symptoms of brain tumors depend on the location and size of the tumor. Tumors cause direct damage by invading brain tissue and causing brain pressure to increase.

•  Headaches

•  Vomiting

•  blurred vision or double vision confusion seizures (especially in adults) weakness of a limb or part of the face

•  change in mental functioning

• clumsiness

•  memory loss

•  difficulty writing or reading

•  changes in the ability to hear, taste, or smell

•  decreased alertness, which may include

•  drowsiness and loss of consciousness

• difficulty in swallowing

•  dizziness or vertigo

•  eye problems, such as drooping eyelids and unequal pupils

•  uncontrollable movements

•  hand tremors

•  loss of balance

•  loss of bladder or bowel control

•  numbness or tingling on one side of the body

•  trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying

•  changes in mood, personality, emotions, and behavior

•  difficulty walking

•  muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg

 Brain Tumors Diagnosis
The physical exam includes a very detailed neurological examination. The Neurologist will conduct a test to see if the cranial nerves are intact. Pupil to light will also be examined through the use of ophthalmoscope. The doctor may also evaluate the muscle strength coordination. CT scan of the head may also be done, MRI of the head and brain Scan.

 Treatment of Brain Tumors

 The treatment of a brain tumor depends on the type, size, location of the tumor and the general health.
The most common treatment for malignant brain tumors is surgery with the aim is  removing all traces of cancer without causing damage to the healthy parts of the brain. While the location of some tumors allows for easy and safe removal, other tumors may be located in an area that limits how much of the tumor can be removed. Even partial removal of brain cancer can be beneficial. The main risks of brain surgery include infection and bleeding.

Clinically dangerous benign tumors are also surgically removed. Metastatic brain tumors are treated according to guidelines for the type of original cancer. Surgery can be combined with other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help you to recover after neurosurgery. Early treatment can prevent complications that can occur as a tumor grows and puts pressure on the skull and brain tissue.

See your doctor if you’re worried about any symptoms you are experiencing.