What is Brain Cancer?

Brain cancer encompasses a group of malignant tumors that arise in the brain or its surrounding tissues. These tumors can be primary, originating in the brain itself, or secondary, resulting from cancer that has spread (metastasized) from another part of the body to the brain. The most common primary brain tumors in adults are gliomas, which arise from glial cells.

 

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Brain Cancer?

Symptoms of brain cancer vary depending on the tumor's size, type, and location but may include:

• Persistent headaches

• Seizures

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weakness or loss of feeling in the arms or legs

• Stumbling or lack of coordination in walking

• Abnormal eye movements or changes in vision

• Speech difficulties

• Confusion and disorientation

• Personality or behavior changes

 

Can We Prevent Brain Cancer?

There's no sure way to prevent brain cancer, but reducing exposure to known risk factors such as ionizing radiation (e.g., from radiation therapy to the head) may lower your risk. Genetic counseling may be recommended for individuals with a family history of certain types of brain cancer.

 

How Do We Diagnose Brain Cancer?

Diagnosing brain cancer typically involves:

• Neurological exam to check vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes.

• Imaging tests like MRI and CT scans to obtain detailed images of the brain.

• Biopsy to remove a small piece of tumor tissue for examination under a microscope.

 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Brain Cancer?

Treatment for brain cancer depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health, and may include:

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

• Radiation therapy to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors.

• Chemotherapy to kill tumor cells, often used in conjunction with surgery or radiation therapy.

• Targeted drug therapy that targets specific abnormalities within cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy to help the body's immune system fight the cancer.

Treatment plans often involve a combination of these methods to effectively manage the disease.