Tel: 775-329-0222 | Fax: 775-329-3010
Brain Cancer
Brain cancer refers to the development of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth within the brain. These tumors can originate from different types of cells in the brain, including glial cells (support cells), neurons, and meninges (protective layers around the brain). The tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign Tumors: These tumors are generally slow-growing, well-defined, and unlikely to invade surrounding tissues. They are not cancerous, but their location within the brain can still cause problems depending on their size and mass effect.
Malignant Tumors: These are cancerous tumors that grow more rapidly and can invade nearby tissues. Malignant brain tumors are more concerning as they have the potential to spread to other parts of the brain or, in some cases, to other organs (metastasize).
1
Risk Factors
The exact causes of brain cancer haven't been fully identified yet, unfortunately, a link between specific risk factors and the development of brain tumors. However, certain factors have been identified as a contributor to increasing the risk of developing brain cancer. Some of these factors include: age, gender, family history and genetic factors, radiation exposir
Some of the recognized risk factors include: Age, gender, family history and genetic factors, radiation exposure, environmental factors, immune system suppression, viral infections and race and ethnicity.
2
Symptoms
The symptoms of brain cancer can vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and type. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, changes in vision, difficulties with balance and coordination, cognitive changes, and nausea/vomiting.
3
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain and detect abnormalities. A biopsy may be performed to examine a sample of the tumor and determine its type and grade.
4
Treatment
Treatment options depend on factors such as the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
5
Prevention
Preventing brain cancer is challenging because the causes of most brain tumors are not well understood. However, there are some general lifestyle choices and precautions that may contribute to overall health and potentially lower the risk of certain cancers, including brain cancer. It's important to note that these measures do not guarantee prevention, and individuals should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Here are some general suggestions: healthy lifestyle, protective headgear, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption and regular check-ups and screenings.
1
Risk Factors
There is not a specific link to risk factors and the development of a brain tumor, but there are several facets that contribute to increasing someone's risk of developing a brain tumor. Those risks factors include: radiation exposure, family and genetic history, weakened immune system, age, race and ethnicity, and gender.
2
Symptoms
While this list may not be all-inclusive of every symptoms brain tumor can cause, these symptoms are the most commonly reported: severe and recurring headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, numbness, prolonged fatigue, loss of vision, difficulty speaking or hearing, difficulty speaking, hearing, or remembering, changes in balance, and changes in mood and personality.
3
Diagnosis
There are three methods to diagnosing for brain cancer, though your healthcare provider might order additional testing depending on your symptoms. The three methods of diagnosing include a neurological exam, imaging techniques such as CT or MRI, and a biopsy, if it is safe to do so.
4
Treatment
Surgery: This is the most common treatment for and can range from craniotomy, an awake brain tumor, neuroendoscopy, or an MRI-guided laser ablation.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment utilizes x-rays and other forms of light rays to destroy the cells in malignant cancer or slow the growth of a benign tumor.
Chemotherapy: Medication used to supplement radiation or surgery in order to slow or destroy the cancer cells.
5
Prevention
There are no known prevention techniques to inhibit a brain tumor from developing. However, healthcare providers do recommend if you have had a family history of brain cancer to talk to your doctor and also get regular brain screening tests to find the tumor.