In 2009, 22,070 people were diagnosed with brain cancer, and 12,920 people died from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute. Brain cancer, or a malignant brain tumor, can start in the brain as a primary tumor or from another cancer in the body as a metastatic tumor. Depending on where in the brain the cancer is located, the patient can lose essential brain functions, such as memory. Prognosis varies per case, though a patient with a metastatic brain tumor has a life expectancy of two years after diagnosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Types of Primary Brain Cancer
One of the most common malignant brain tumors are gliomas, which start from the glial cells, the supportive cells in the brain, according to the NIH. Examples of gliomas are astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas; glioblastomas are the most aggressive primary brain cancer. Other primary brain cancers include pituitary tumors, ependymomas, pineal gland tumors and craniopharyngliomas. Meningiomas, while the majority are benign, can be aggressive when cancerous.
Origin of Metastatic Brain Cancer
Metastatic brain cancer is more common than primary brain cancer, and accounts for 10 to 30 percent of cancers in adults, according to the NIH. This type of brain cancer can result from melanoma, germ cell tumors, bladder cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer or breast cancer. Rarely, metastatic brain cancer can be from colon cancer or prostate cancer. The secondary tumor begins when part of the original tumor travels up through the bloodstream to the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of brain cancer depend on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include headaches, weakness, seizures and changes in mental function, according to the NIH. Headaches are worse when the patient wakes up, and may occur with numbness, weakness or vomiting. The patient may also have changes in consciousness, hearing, memory, taste and sensation.
Diagnosis
Imaging techniques show where in the brain the cancer is located. The doctor may use a magnetic resonance imaging or a computed tomography scan. Once the tumor is detected, a biopsy is done, in which some tissue is removed and tested. A biopsy determines what type of cancer the patient has. Other diagnostic options are an electroencephalogram, which reads electrical signals in the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid testing.
Treatment
If the tumor is reachable, the doctor will surgically remove it entirely, or as much as possible without damaging nearby tissue. The surgery may be combined with radiation or chemotherapy. If the tumor cannot be reached, such as a tumor deep within the brain, the patient may receive radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the two treatments. If the patient has seizures as a result of the cancer, he may take anticonvulsants. Brain swelling is managed with osmotic diuretics or corticosteroids.
