A brain tumor is an abnormal growth by the cells in the brain. The cells reproduce themselves in an uncontrolled manner. These tumors can be benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). Primary brain tumors are growths that started in the brain, while metastatic brain tumors started in other parts of the body and spread to the brain. These tumors have unknown causes, however, genetic, viral and environmental causes are being studied. According to the National Cancer Institute, estimated new cases and deaths from brain and other nervous system cancers in the United States in 2009 are 22,070 (new cases) and 12,920 (deaths).
Grades of Tumors
According to the National Cancer Institute, brain tumors are named according to their location or size of the tumor. This knowledge is helpful in choosing what treatment to provide to the patient. Tumors are also graded, with grade I being the least malignant to grade IV being the most malignant. A series of tests and scans help diagnose the grade and type of tumor.
Gliomas
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, gliomas is the most common type of primary tumor that begins from glial cells, which are the supportive tissues of the brain. There are several types of gliomas depending on the location and origin. These include astrocytomas, brain stem gliomas, ependymomas, optic nerve gliomas and oligodendrogliomas. Symptoms include headache, nausea, double vision, speech and balance abnormalities. Symptoms develop slowly, however, a sudden onset of symptoms is due to the rapid growth of tumors. Radiation therapy is the primary treatment as it can reduce and help slow the growth of the tumor. Surgery is not considered an option, due to the location of the gliomas tumor in the brain stem. Surgery in this location can easily damage the brain stem.
Metastasis Tumors
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, metastasis brain tumors are the most common type of brain tumors. These tumors begin in another part of the body and then spread to the brain through the bloodstream. These tumors are aggressive in nature and can reoccur even after treating them with radiation and chemotherapy.
Central Nervous System Lymphoma
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, central nervous system lymphoma is the kind of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. This condition is most commonly seen in elderly men and women in their 60s to 80s and it is more common in men than women. The person experiences headaches, vision and speech problems, paralysis on one side of the body, and seizures. A biopsy is conducted for diagnostic purposes; once the cancer is confirmed, treatment can include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and steroids.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors
According to the National Brain Tumor Society, primitive neuroectodermal tumors can occur anywhere in the brain, especially near the cerebellum. These tumors grow rapidly and are often malignant in nature, and they can spread throughout the brain and spinal cord. Surgery is the first step in the treatment of brain tumors. The aim of surgery is to remove the tumor from the brain without disturbing other tissues. After surgery, the patient undergoes chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which targets the entire brain and spinal cord.
Although the treatments available for cancerous tumors are intended to minimize the tumor's effects, as well as increase the patient's life span, a complete cure is not yet available to eradicate this disease. New methods are continuously being developed to improve treatments and cure this disease.
