Brain cancer--or brain tumors, as they are more commonly referred to by doctors--can cause significant damage to the brain. Brain tumors consist of masses of cells that grow out of control. The American Cancer Society indicates that a primary concern with brain tumors is their tendency to spread quickly throughout the brain and spinal cord.
Considerations
Symptoms and effects of brain tumors vary significantly, depending on where the tumor lies in the brain, how fast it grows and its size, according to MayoClinic.com. Considering these factors, the effects of a brain tumor may appear different for each individual. The American Brain Tumor Association warns that symptoms of brain tumors appear similar to many other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Causes
Causes of brain tumors are not well understand by researchers; however, the American Cancer Society indicates that some researchers believe that certain chemical changes in healthy brain cells result in tumor growth. The National Cancer Institute indicates that symptoms and effects of brain tumors arise due to the pressure that tumors exert on nerves and due to damage and destruction of brain regions. Additionally, symptoms develop when tumors block or restrict flow of the cerebral spinal fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain. Swelling from fluid buildup can cause devastating effects, including death.
Headache
The American Brain Tumor Association states that headaches are the most common initial symptom of brain tumors. These headaches are generally worse in the morning and subside throughout the day; however, physical activity can exacerbate the pain. Headaches associated with tumors are generally caused by edema, the swelling of the brain. The National Brain Tumor Society indicates that other problems, such as vomiting and nausea, often accompany headaches.
Seizures
A sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain will cause an individual to have a seizure, resulting in muscle contractions, staring, tongue biting and loss of consciousness, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. Seizures occur for about 60 percent of people with brain tumors, making it another common symptom. While some individuals have numerous seizures over time, some may only have one. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction an individual lives in, vehicle driving restrictions may be imposed following a seizure due to safety concerns.
Physical Symptoms
Brain tumors affecting brain areas responsible for control of movement, physical sensation, the senses and motor skills will manifest as physical symptoms, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. These symptoms may include hemiparesis, a condition where one side of the body becomes weak, numb or paralyzed, problems maintaining balance, visual and spatial disorders and bowel and bladder problems. These problems may be temporary or permanent, depending on the effectiveness of treatment.
Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms
Brain tumors manifesting in language areas or the frontal lobes may result in changes in thought and behavior. The National Brain Tumor Society indicates that treatment used to battle brain tumors may cause these effects, as well. The effects of brain tumors in these areas may include problems with speech production, writing, or reading, attention and concentration, ability to learn, memory and executive functioning, which makes up an individual's ability to solve problems, make judgments and multitask. The individual may experience emotional and personality changes, develop a mental illness, become impulsive or irritable.
General Symptoms
MayoClinic.com identifies several other general symptoms caused by brain tumors. These include problems with vision, confusion and hearing problems. Further, the National Brain Tumor Society indicates that an individual may experience constipation due to chemotherapy used to treat brain tumors. Hormonal changes may occur as well, due to a brain tumor affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. These effects may also arise due to side effects of radiation therapy.
