A brain tumor is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably in the brain. Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells divide uncontrollably, they form a mass of tissue. The mass is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer usually refers to malignant tumors. These can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not spread. But, it can continue to grow and press structures near it, causing symptoms.
There are two main types of brain tumors:
Brain Tumor
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The cause of most primary brain cancer is unknown. The causes of secondary brain cancers are those that caused the cancer at the site of origin.
Factors that increase your chance of developing brain tumors include:
Any cancer in the body can spread to the brain. The most common tumors that may spread to the brain include:
Symptoms depend on the tumor's size and location. A growing tumor will often have fluid build-up around it. This is called edema. Edema puts pressure on the brain. Symptoms may develop gradually or rapidly.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will have a neurological exam. It will test muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, response to external actions, and alertness. The doctor may also look into your eyes to check for signs of brain swelling.
Tests may include:
There are many different types of brain tumors. The doctor will classify the type. The type of brain tumor is important to determine the treatment approach.
After cancer is found, further tests may be done if there is concern that the cancer has spread. Treatment depends on the type, size, location of the cancer, and your overall health. Treatments may leave you with physical or mental limitations.
Before beginning treatment, you may take medicines, including:
Surgical procedures include:
Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This is a common treatment for brain tumors. Radiation may be:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms, including pill, injection, or via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. It may also be delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes the brain tissue. This form of chemotherapy is called intrathecal. This is most often used when cancer has spread from elsewhere in the body to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Rehabilitation therapy includes:
RESOURCES:
American Brain Tumor Association
http://www.abta.org/
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Cancer Care Ontario
http://www.cancercare.on.ca/
References:
Abeloff MD. Clinical Oncology. 2nd ed. New York, NY. Churchill Livingstone, Inc; 2000.
Brain Tumor. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/brain. Accessed January 18, 2013.
Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA. WB Saunders Company; 2000.
Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA. WB Saunders Company;2001.
12/20/2007 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: 2007 safety alerts for drugs, biologics, medical devices, and dietary supplements: Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol and generics). Medwatch. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#carbamazepine.
5/28/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Tremont-Lukats IW, Ratilal BO, Armstrong T, Gilbert MR. Antiepileptic drugs for preventing seizures in people with brain tumors. The Cochrane Library. 2008; DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004424.pub2.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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