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Brain Cancer
There are many risk factors for brain cancer, meaning patients may develop brain cancer for several reasons. For example, a family history of cancer can increase a patient’s risk of developing brain cancer. Radiation exposure is another factor that increases the risk of developing a brain tumor.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
- Personality or mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unusual headaches
- Tingling or numbness in limbs
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Loss of memory
- Changes in vision
- Fatigue
Some patients with a brain tumor may not experience symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to impact healthy brain tissues.
It also is important to remember that the symptoms described above may reflect the presence of many different conditions, most of which are far less serious than brain cancer. However, any persistent or significant symptom warrants prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Brain Cancer Types
Not all brain tumors are cancer. Benign tumors do not contain cancerous cells. In some cases, they can be monitored without need for treatment. In other cases, however, they may cause symptoms and may require surgical removal or other treatment. By contrast, malignant tumors are cancerous. They require treatment because of the threat they pose to health and life. There are two types of malignant tumors:
- Metastatic: Also called secondary tumors, these growths spread – or metastasize – to the brain from cancer that has developed elsewhere in the body. Metastatic brain tumors can stem from many other parts of the body, including the skin, breasts, lungs, colon, or kidneys.
- Primary: These are tumors that originate in the brain rather than spreading to the brain from elsewhere in the body.
Doctors assign brain tumors one of four grades:
- Grade I: This is a small tumor that isn’t likely to spread to other areas of the brain or body. Grade II: These are smaller tumors that do not pose a risk of spreading to other parts. However, these types of tumors can potentially come back after treatment.
- Grade III: This is a more serious tumor that can move to other areas of the body.
- Grade IV: This is the most severe type of brain tumor. It usually shows signs of rapid growth.
Diagnosing Brain Tumors
Early detection and treatment of brain cancer can help improve outcomes and quality of life.
Evaluation typically starts with a detailed history and physical and neurological examination. Based on the findings from those evaluations, a physician may order blood work or other tests to investigate other potential causes of the patient’s symptoms, and may refer the patient for neuropsychological testing. The doctor also may order imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).