Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in or near the brain. Brain tumors can either be malignant or benign, and can occur in any part of the brain.
Brain tumors are classified according to the location of the originating tumor tissue and whether they are benign or malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, and rarely reappear after being removed, whereas malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body, or "metastasize."
Brain tumors are also classified as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors originate in brain tissue, while secondary brain tumors originate in other body tissues and migrate to the brain.
Brain tumors are further classified by the degree of aggressiveness and where in the brain they are located.
A person with a brain tumor may experience a variety of symptoms. Brain tumor symptoms include:
The symptoms of a brain tumor vary greatly depending on the size, location and growth rate of the cancerous cells, among other factors.
Certain professions are associated with a higher risk of developing brain tumors, especially those that expose employees to radiation and certain chemicals. Other risk factors include:
Doctors categorize all cancers, including brain tumors, into stages, depending on their severity and degree of metastasis (or spread to other organs). Cancers are generally classified from Stage I—indicating slow cell growth, to Stage IV—indicating aggressive cell growth and metastasis.
Brain cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer in children, and the number of infants and children diagnosed with brain tumors has increased with improved diagnostic techniques. Brain tumor treatments for children are usually different than treatments for adults, and will depend on the child's age and the extent and location of the cancerous cells, among other factors.
A brain tumor can lead to many complications, including:
A doctor will perform certain tests and procedures to ascertain if a patient has a brain tumor. These tests include:
Depending on the type and stage of brain tumor, many different brain tumor treatments are available. These include:
After brain tumor surgery or other treatments, many patients need help learning to cope with the healing and recovery process. Support groups, personal research and physical and psychological therapists can all aid in rehabilitation and recovery from brain tumors.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Staff. (2008). Brain tumor. Retrieved March 20, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brain-tumor/DS00281.
MedicineNet Staff. (n.d.). Brain tumor. Retrieved March 20, 2010, from the MedicineNet.com website: http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_tumor/article.htm.
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