Adult Brain Tumor Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells that multiply out of control. There are different types of brain tumors. Some are benign, or noncancerous, while others were classified as malignant or cancerous. Feel the symptoms and treatment options depend on tumor type and size and location.

Primary brain tumors originate in the brain or surrounding tissue. These tumors are much less common than secondary tumors that arise in cancer elsewhere in the body, or metastasize to the brain. Although each type of cancer may be melanoma and breast cancer, colon, kidney and lung metastases most commonly to the brain.

The researchers can not know exactly what causes brain tumors to be determined. Several risk factors have been documented. Radiation exposure of the head to get you a higher risk of brain tumors. Some genetic syndromes also increase the risk. This is usually not a clear indication of what caused the tumors to form. Research continues to determine whether cell phones contribute to brain tumor formation. Currently there are no clear conclusions between the two.

There are no reliable predictions that can detect tumors in the brain before symptoms appear. Patients may suffer from various symptoms before visiting their doctor for a diagnosis. The location, size and growth of tumors, often determines the symptoms appear. Some of the most common symptoms may include:

1. Headaches are more common and more severe from time to time
2. Blurred or double vision
3. Hearing Loss
4. Unexplained nausea and vomiting
5. Changes in personality
6. Confusion
7. Convulsions
8. Weakness or loss of movement in arms or legs

If any of these symptoms, consult your physician for a diagnosis. He or she will recommend a series of tests to determine whether the tumor is the problem. Check your vision, hearing, coordination and reflexes with a neurologic examination can show which parts of the brain affected. MRI allows doctors to scan your brain and to assess the situation. Scanner can be used to determine whether the cancer elsewhere in the body that may have spread. If the tumor is detected, the patient may undergo a biopsy diagnosis of benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are less aggressive tumors, and usually does not spread to nearby tissues or other body parts. Even if they are not cancerous, benign tumors can be very serious and potentially fatal. If they are in important areas of the brain, causing pressure on sensitive nerve tissue, or increased pressure in the brain, these tumors is a serious risk to patients. Benign tumors are often treated successfully with surgery, which reduces the risk of disability or death for patients.

There are three types of standard treatment for malignant tumors: surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. New treatments are constantly sought and used in clinical trials worldwide. For some patients, clinical trials, the best treatment option. Your cancer care team will recommend treatment options that best suit their particular situation.

It is important that patients who struggle with brain, not only the best treatment, but also find support in dealing with your diagnosis. Talk to your doctor or oncologist about support options in your area.