What is brain cancer?

Brain cancer is a disease of the brain in which cancer cells (malignant) arise in the brain tissue. Cancer cells grow to form a mass of cancer tissue (tumor) that interferes with brain functions such as muscle control, sensation, memory, and other normal body functions. Tumors composed of cancer cells are called malignant tumors, and those composed of noncancerous cells are called benign tumors. Cancer cells that develop from brain tissue are called primary brain tumors while tumors that spread from other body sites to the brain are termed metastatic brain tumors. Statistics suggest that brain cancer occurs infrequently and is likely to develop in about 22,000 new people per year in 2009, with about 13,000 deaths as estimated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Not all brain tumors are alike, even if they arise from the same type of brain tissue. Tumors are assigned a grade depending on how the cells in the tumor appear microscopically. The grade also provides insight as to the cell's growth rate. NCI lists the following grades:

• Grade I: The tissue is benign. The cells look nearly like normal brain cells, and they grow slowly.
• Grade II: The tissue is malignant. The cells look less like normal cells than do the cells in a grade I tumor.
• Grade III: The malignant tissue has cells that look very different from normal cells. The abnormal cells are actively growing (anaplastic).
• Grade IV: The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly.

The most common primary brain tumors are usually named for the brain tissue type from which they originally developed. These are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). Gliomas have several subtypes which include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and choroid plexus papillomas. When the grades are coupled with the tumor name, it gives doctors a better understanding about the severity of the brain cancer. For example, a grade III (anaplastic) glioma is an aggressive tumor, while an acoustic neuroma is a grade I benign tumor. However, even benign tumors can cause serious problems if they grow big enough to cause increased intracranial pressure or obstruct vascular structures or cerebrospinal fluid flow.

source :  http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_cancer/article.htm

What Causes Brain Cancer?

There is no known cause of brain cancer. Extensive research has been conducted to pinpoint a cause to help prevent the cancer from occurring. Although there has not been very much conclusive evidence leading to a cause of brain cancer, the one thing that doctors do know is that brain cancer is not contagious and it does not occur due to head injury. There are known instances where cancer has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.(Lung cancer,Breast cancer,Liver cancer and so on.)

Brain cancer can occur at any age. Studies have shown that two major age groups are affected. From ages 3 to 12 and 40 to 70 are the age groups when brain cancer is formed. Since researchers have been able to gather this data, it has led to the discovery of some risk factors. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk for brain cancer than workers in other industries. These include, rubber manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and oil refining. Since brain cancer often occurs with members of the same family, heredity is believed to be another cause of brain cancer.

There are many different kinds of cells in the brain, each with a different function. Sometimes the cells inside the brain begin to grow uncontrollably leading to a tumor. A tumor in the brain may or may not be malignant.If benign a tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and put pressure on crucial areas. In the case of a malignant brain tumor however this has the ability to spread and brain cancer occurs. Brain cancer is dangerous and life-threatening as the cancerous cells can interrupt vital brain functions. When brain cancer occurs, the cells continue to grow at a rapid pace. The cells and tissue around these cancerous cells become crowded out and invaded.
Symptoms of brain cancer include headaches that are worse in the morning, changes in personality, abnormal eye movements, and weakness in the arms and legs. Seizures, nausea, and drowsiness are other symptoms of brain cancer.

Surgery is the treatment of choice for primary brain tumors radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the treatments that are used when cancer has spread to the brain. The doctor will use one or a combination of these treatments depending on the needs of the patient.

Article Source: http://EnzineArticles.com/?expert=Lloyd_Perry

Symptoms of a Real Brain Tumor

The symptoms of a brain tumor are often similar to many other diseases. While experiencing these symptoms are not cause for alarm, you should have them checked by a doctor. The symptoms of a brain tumor can easily be mistaken for any number of diseases. Early detection is your best chance for survival.


Headaches
Headaches are the most common initial symptom. Generally, brain tumor headaches start out the worse in the morning, getting better as the day continues. They can sometimes be so painful that they rouse a person from sleep. After wakening, the person may vomit and then feel better. Headaches often worsen with exercise, coughing, with a change in position from kneeling or bending. These headaches typically don't respond to the usual headache remedies.
Not that a headache is by any means conclusive of brain cancer. Talk to your doctor. It may be the kids driving you crazy. It may be something more serious. Have it checked out to be safe.

Mental or Other Personality Changes
You may experience problems with memory, especially short term memory, speech, communication or have concentration issues. You may face severe intellectual problems that are followed by dull confusion. You may experience changes in behavior, temperament and personality, depending on the location of the tumor.

Seizures
About 1/3 of those carrying brain tumors don't even realize it until they've had a seizure, a very common symptom of a brain tumor. They are caused by an interrupted flow of electricity to the brain, causing convulsions, unusual sensations and possible loss of consciousness. You may also experience focal seizures, such as a brief muscle spasm, feeling of tingling or interrupted speech problems.

Focal Symptoms
More specific focal symptoms also occur and can often be used to identify the location of the brain tumor. These include hearing ringing or buzzing sounds or complete hearing loss, decreased muscular control, lack of coordination, decreased sensation, weakness, difficulty with walking and speech, and double vision.

Mass Effect
Mass effect is caused by the increased pressure of the tumor. It swells the brain, causing it to accumulate a soft liquid. It can be observed by an eye doctor when he/she checks your eyes. When it develops, prompt treatment is required to avoid serious consequences.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Frank

Treatment For Brain Tumor

Treatment for brain tumor depends on a number of factors including the type, location and size of the tumor as well as the patient's age and also general health and the methods and schedules differ for children and adults. There are several treatments for brain tumor such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

1. Surgery
- most of the brain tumor had been treated by this method.
- A neurosurgeon will remove the tumor after he/she makes an opening in the skull.

2. Radiotherapy
- is the use of ionizing radiation to threat tumor.
- treatment with Cyberknife machine is the latest.

3. Chemotherapy
- is the treatment of malignant tumor with drug rather than radiation or surgical removal.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Brain tumors can often present different symptoms depending on the location of the tumor. The most common symptoms are :

1. Headaches
- Most common symptom. Its normally happen to normal person too.

2. Seizures/Fits
- Common symptom of benign brain tumors. Change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or sensation

3. Vision or hearing problems
- Hearing, sight and the sense of smell can be affected because of changes in blood pressure.

4. Behavioral and cognitive problems
- Type of focal neurologic symptom : problems with recent memory, loss of inhibitions, personality changes.

5. Weakness problems
- Can cause a part of the body to weaken or feel paralyzed. Such as : upper and lower limb extremities, facial muscle, strange sensation of hands of head.