Brain tumor: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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[[File:Brain headBorder.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The main areas of the brain and limbic system]] | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Brain tumor | |||
| image = [[File:Hirnmetastase_MRT-T1_KM.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = MRI scan of a brain tumor | |||
| field = [[Neurosurgery]], [[Oncology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[seizures]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[vision problems]], [[personality changes]] | |||
| complications = [[Cognitive impairment]], [[neurological deficits]], [[death]] | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| types = [[Glioma]], [[meningioma]], [[pituitary adenoma]], [[schwannoma]], [[medulloblastoma]], [[metastatic tumors]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[radiation exposure]], [[environmental factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[exposure to ionizing radiation]], [[immunosuppression]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Neurological examination]], [[imaging studies]] ([[CT scan]], [[MRI]]), [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Stroke]], [[abscess]], [[multiple sclerosis]], [[encephalitis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], [[targeted therapy]], [[palliative care]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies by type and stage | |||
| frequency = 1.4% of all cancers | |||
| deaths = 241,000 deaths globally (2015) | |||
}} | |||
Brain tumors are, as the name suggests, [[tumor]]s in the [[brain]] which can be [[benign]] or [[malignant]]. | |||
[[File:Brain headBorder.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|The main areas of the brain and limbic system]] | |||
==Tumors of the brain and spinal cord== | ==Tumors of the brain and spinal cord== | ||
Tumors of the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]] are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column. | Tumors of the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]] are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column. | ||
==Benign and maligant== | ==Benign and maligant== | ||
[[Benign tumor]]s are noncancerous, and [[malignancy|malignant tumors]] are [[cancer]]ous. | [[Benign tumor]]s are noncancerous, and [[malignancy|malignant tumors]] are [[cancer]]ous. | ||
==Primary and secondary== | ==Primary and secondary== | ||
Tumors that originate in the [[brain]] or [[spinal cord]] are called [[primary tumors]]. | Tumors that originate in the [[brain]] or [[spinal cord]] are called [[primary tumors]]. | ||
===Primary brain tumors=== | ===Primary brain tumors=== | ||
Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support [[neuron]], specific genetic disease, for example, [[neurofibromatosis type 1]] and [[tuberous sclerosis]]. They can also be caused by exposure to [[radiation]] or [[cancer-causing chemicals]]. | Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support [[neuron]], specific genetic disease, for example, [[neurofibromatosis type 1]] and [[tuberous sclerosis]]. They can also be caused by exposure to [[radiation]] or [[cancer-causing chemicals]]. | ||
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===Secondary brain tumors=== | ===Secondary brain tumors=== | ||
Metastatic, or secondary, tumors in the CNS are caused by cancer cells that break away from a primary tumor located in another region of the body. | Metastatic, or secondary, tumors in the CNS are caused by cancer cells that break away from a primary tumor located in another region of the body. | ||
[[File:Hirnmetastase MRT-T1 KM.jpg|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Hirnmetastase MRT-T1 KM.jpg|thumb]] | |||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
As the skull is a closed space, tumors can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. | As the skull is a closed space, tumors can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. | ||
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* Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis. | * Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis. | ||
* Diagnosis is made after a neurological examination, special imaging techniques such as [[computed tomography]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]], [[positron emission tomography]], laboratory tests, and a [[biopsy]]. | * Diagnosis is made after a neurological examination, special imaging techniques such as [[computed tomography]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]], [[positron emission tomography]], laboratory tests, and a [[biopsy]]. | ||
==Incidence== | ==Incidence== | ||
Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The rate of new cases of brain and other nervous system cancer was 6.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate was 4.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2013–2017 cases and 2014–2018 deaths. | Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The rate of new cases of brain and other nervous system cancer was 6.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate was 4.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2013–2017 cases and 2014–2018 deaths. | ||
==Life time risk== | ==Life time risk== | ||
Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 0.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with brain and other nervous system cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2015–2017 data. | Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 0.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with brain and other nervous system cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2015–2017 data. | ||
==Prevalence== | ==Prevalence== | ||
Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2017, there were an estimated 168,494 people living with brain and other nervous system cancer in the United States. | Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2017, there were an estimated 168,494 people living with brain and other nervous system cancer in the United States. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain. Primary brain tumors can start from brain cells, the membranes around the brain (meninges), nerves, or glands. | Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain. Primary brain tumors can start from brain cells, the membranes around the brain (meninges), nerves, or glands. | ||
Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull. | Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull. | ||
[[File:Max Brodel - Cushing.jpg|alt=Max Brodel - Cushing|left|thumb|'''Max Brodel - Cushing''']] | |||
[[File:Max Brodel - Cushing.jpg|alt=Max Brodel - Cushing|thumb|'''Max Brodel - Cushing''']] | |||
The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many risk factors that could play a role: | The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many risk factors that could play a role: | ||
Radiation therapy used to treat brain cancers increases the risk of brain tumors up to 20 or 30 years later. | Radiation therapy used to treat brain cancers increases the risk of brain tumors up to 20 or 30 years later. | ||
Some inherited conditions increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome. | Some inherited conditions increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome. | ||
Lymphomas that begin in the brain in people with a weakened immune system are sometimes linked to infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. | Lymphomas that begin in the brain in people with a weakened immune system are sometimes linked to infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. | ||
These have not proven to be risk factors: | These have not proven to be risk factors: | ||
Exposure to radiation at work, or to power lines, cell phones, cordless phones, or wireless devices | Exposure to radiation at work, or to power lines, cell phones, cordless phones, or wireless devices | ||
* Head injuries | * Head injuries | ||
* Smoking | * Smoking | ||
* Hormone therapy | * Hormone therapy | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Brain tumors are classified depending on: | Brain tumors are classified depending on: | ||
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* Type of tissue involved | * Type of tissue involved | ||
* Whether they are noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) | * Whether they are noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) | ||
'''Other factors''' | '''Other factors''' | ||
Sometimes, tumors that start out less aggressive can change their biologic behavior and become more aggressive. | Sometimes, tumors that start out less aggressive can change their biologic behavior and become more aggressive. | ||
Tumors can occur at any age, but many types are most common in a certain age group. | Tumors can occur at any age, but many types are most common in a certain age group. | ||
In adults, [[gliomas]] and [[meningiomas]] are the most common. | In adults, [[gliomas]] and [[meningiomas]] are the most common. | ||
==Gliomas== | ==Gliomas== | ||
Gliomas come from glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. | Gliomas come from glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. | ||
Gliomas are divided into three types: | Gliomas are divided into three types: | ||
# Astrocytic tumors include astrocytomas (can be noncancerous), | # Astrocytic tumors include astrocytomas (can be noncancerous), | ||
# anaplastic astrocytomas, and | # anaplastic astrocytomas, and | ||
# glioblastomas. | # glioblastomas. | ||
[[File:Meninges diagram.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The meninges lie between the skull and brain matter. Tumors originating from the meninges are meningiomas.]] | [[File:Meninges diagram.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|The meninges lie between the skull and brain matter. Tumors originating from the meninges are meningiomas.]] | ||
==Oligodendroglial tumors== | ==Oligodendroglial tumors== | ||
Some primary brain tumors are made up of both astrocytic and oligodendrocytic tumors. These are called mixed gliomas. | Some primary brain tumors are made up of both astrocytic and oligodendrocytic tumors. These are called mixed gliomas. | ||
''[[Glioblastomas]] are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.'' | ''[[Glioblastomas]] are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.'' | ||
==Meningiomas== | ==Meningiomas== | ||
[[Meningiomas]] and [[schwannomas]] are two other types of brain tumors. These tumors: | [[Meningiomas]] and [[schwannomas]] are two other types of brain tumors. These tumors: | ||
Occur most often between ages 40 and 70. | Occur most often between ages 40 and 70. | ||
Are usually noncancerous, but can still cause serious complications and death from their size or location. Some are cancerous and aggressive. | Are usually noncancerous, but can still cause serious complications and death from their size or location. Some are cancerous and aggressive. | ||
Other primary brain tumors in adults are rare. | Other primary brain tumors in adults are rare. | ||
[[File:Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation.png|alt=Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation|thumb|Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation]] | [[File:Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation.png|alt=Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation|left|thumb|Studierfenster Brain Tumor Segmentation]] | ||
These include: | These include: | ||
* [[Ependymomas]] | * [[Ependymomas]] | ||
* [[Craniopharyngiomas]] | * [[Craniopharyngiomas]] | ||
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* [[Pineal gland tumors]] | * [[Pineal gland tumors]] | ||
* Primary germ cell tumors of the brain | * Primary germ cell tumors of the brain | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Some tumors do not cause symptoms until they are very large. Other tumors have symptoms that develop slowly. | Some tumors do not cause symptoms until they are very large. Other tumors have symptoms that develop slowly. | ||
Symptoms depend on the tumor's size, location, how far it has spread, and whether there is brain swelling. | Symptoms depend on the tumor's size, location, how far it has spread, and whether there is brain swelling. | ||
The most common symptoms are: | The most common symptoms are: | ||
* Changes in the person's mental function | * Changes in the person's mental function | ||
* Headaches | * Headaches | ||
* Seizures (especially in older adults) | * Seizures (especially in older adults) | ||
* Weakness in one part of the body | * Weakness in one part of the body | ||
Headaches caused by brain tumors may: | Headaches caused by brain tumors may: | ||
* Be worse when the person wakes up in the morning, and clear up in a few hours | * Be worse when the person wakes up in the morning, and clear up in a few hours | ||
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* Occur with vomiting, confusion, double vision, weakness, or numbness | * Occur with vomiting, confusion, double vision, weakness, or numbness | ||
* Get worse with coughing or exercise, or with a change in body position | * Get worse with coughing or exercise, or with a change in body position | ||
[[File:Postermass.png|thumb|A posterior fossa tumor leading to mass effect and midline shift]] | [[File:Postermass.png|left|thumb|A posterior fossa tumor leading to mass effect and midline shift]] | ||
'''Other symptoms can include: | '''Other symptoms can include: | ||
''' | ''' | ||
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* Personality, mood, behavior, or emotional changes | * Personality, mood, behavior, or emotional changes | ||
* Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking | * Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking | ||
Other symptoms that may occur with a pituitary tumor: | Other symptoms that may occur with a pituitary tumor: | ||
* Abnormal nipple discharge | * Abnormal nipple discharge | ||
* Absent [[menstruation]] | * Absent [[menstruation]] | ||
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* [[Obesity]] | * [[Obesity]] | ||
* Sensitivity to heat or cold | * Sensitivity to heat or cold | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The following tests may confirm the presence of a brain tumor and find its location: | The following tests may confirm the presence of a brain tumor and find its location: | ||
* [[CT scan of the head]] | * [[CT scan of the head]] | ||
* [[EEG]] (to measure the electrical activity of the brain) | * [[EEG]] (to measure the electrical activity of the brain) | ||
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* Examination of the [[cerebral spinal fluid]] (CSF) | * Examination of the [[cerebral spinal fluid]] (CSF) | ||
* [[MRI]] of the head | * [[MRI]] of the head | ||
[[File:CT brain tumor.jpg|thumb|[[CT scan]] of a brain tumor, with its diameters marked as an X. There is hypoattenuating (dark) ''peritumoral edema'' in the surrounding white matter, with a "finger-like" spread.]] | [[File:CT brain tumor.jpg|left|thumb|[[CT scan]] of a brain tumor, with its diameters marked as an X. There is hypoattenuating (dark) ''peritumoral edema'' in the surrounding white matter, with a "finger-like" spread.]] | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Doctors also may prescribe steroids to reduce the tumor-related swelling inside the CNS. | The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Doctors also may prescribe steroids to reduce the tumor-related swelling inside the CNS. | ||
Treatment can involve [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], and [[chemotherapy]]. | Treatment can involve [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], and [[chemotherapy]]. | ||
==Multispecialty approach== | ==Multispecialty approach== | ||
Brain tumors are best treated by a team that includes: | Brain tumors are best treated by a team that includes: | ||
* [[Neuro-oncologist]] | * [[Neuro-oncologist]] | ||
* [[Neurosurgeon]] | * [[Neurosurgeon]] | ||
* [[Medical oncologist]] | * [[Medical oncologist]] | ||
* [[Radiation oncologist]] | * [[Radiation oncologist]] | ||
==Early treatment== | ==Early treatment== | ||
Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. | Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. | ||
==Treatment goals== | ==Treatment goals== | ||
Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor and your general health. Goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or comfort. | Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor and your general health. Goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or comfort. | ||
==Surgery== | ==Surgery== | ||
Surgery is often needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size. | Surgery is often needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size. | ||
Tumors can be hard to remove completely by surgery alone. This is because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. When the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms. | Tumors can be hard to remove completely by surgery alone. This is because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. When the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms. | ||
==Radiotherapy== | ==Radiotherapy== | ||
Radiation therapy is used for certain tumors. | Radiation therapy is used for certain tumors. | ||
==Chemotherapy== | ==Chemotherapy== | ||
Chemotherapy may be used with surgery or radiation treatment. | Chemotherapy may be used with surgery or radiation treatment. | ||
==Other medical treatments== | ==Other medical treatments== | ||
Other medicines used to treat primary brain tumors in children may include: | Other medicines used to treat primary brain tumors in children may include: | ||
* Medicines to reduce brain swelling and pressure | * Medicines to reduce brain swelling and pressure | ||
* Anticonvulsants to reduce seizures | * Anticonvulsants to reduce seizures | ||
* Pain medicines | * Pain medicines | ||
* Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may be needed to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures can help people cope with the disorder. | * Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may be needed to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures can help people cope with the disorder. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Complications that may result from brain tumors include: | Complications that may result from brain tumors include: | ||
* Brain herniation (often fatal) | * Brain herniation (often fatal) | ||
* Loss of ability to interact or function | * Loss of ability to interact or function | ||
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* Side effects of medicines, including chemotherapy | * Side effects of medicines, including chemotherapy | ||
* Side effects of radiation treatments | * Side effects of radiation treatments | ||
==Alternative Names== | ==Alternative Names== | ||
* [[Glioblastoma multiforme]] | * [[Glioblastoma multiforme]] | ||
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* [[Meningioma]] - adults; | * [[Meningioma]] - adults; | ||
* [[Cancer]] - brain tumor (adults) | * [[Cancer]] - brain tumor (adults) | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless they are treated. | Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless they are treated. | ||
==Brain tumor score== | ==Brain tumor score== | ||
The tumor may be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score that reflects its rate of malignancy. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome, or prognosis, for the individual. | The tumor may be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score that reflects its rate of malignancy. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome, or prognosis, for the individual. | ||
==Clinical trials== | ==Clinical trials== | ||
As brain and spinal cord tumors are an evolving field of medicine, with a lot of clinical trials and novel treatments, most patients with brain and spinal cord tumors opt for clinical trial after talking with their treatment team. | As brain and spinal cord tumors are an evolving field of medicine, with a lot of clinical trials and novel treatments, most patients with brain and spinal cord tumors opt for clinical trial after talking with their treatment team. | ||
{{Stub}} | {{Stub}} | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [http://www.abta.org/ American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)] | * [http://www.abta.org/ American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)] | ||
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* [http://www.childhoodbraintumor.org/ Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation] | * [http://www.childhoodbraintumor.org/ Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation] | ||
* [http://cbtf.org/ Children's Brain Tumor Foundation] | * [http://cbtf.org/ Children's Brain Tumor Foundation] | ||
==Medical resources== | ==Medical resources== | ||
{{Medical resources | {{Medical resources | ||
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| MeshID = D001932 | | MeshID = D001932 | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Nervous tissue tumors}} | {{Nervous tissue tumors}} | ||
{{Tumors}} | {{Tumors}} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brain Tumor}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Brain Tumor}} | ||
[[Category:Brain tumor| ]] | [[Category:Brain tumor| ]] | ||
[[Category:Disorders causing seizures]] | [[Category:Disorders causing seizures]] | ||
[[Category:Brain tumors]] | [[Category:Brain tumors]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:54, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Brain tumor | |
|---|---|
| File:Hirnmetastase MRT-T1 KM.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, seizures, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, personality changes |
| Complications | Cognitive impairment, neurological deficits, death |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | Glioma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, schwannoma, medulloblastoma, metastatic tumors |
| Causes | Genetic predisposition, radiation exposure, environmental factors |
| Risks | Family history, exposure to ionizing radiation, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | Neurological examination, imaging studies (CT scan, MRI), biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Stroke, abscess, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, palliative care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies by type and stage |
| Frequency | 1.4% of all cancers |
| Deaths | 241,000 deaths globally (2015) |
Brain tumors are, as the name suggests, tumors in the brain which can be benign or malignant.
Tumors of the brain and spinal cord[edit]
Tumors of the brain and spinal cord are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column.
Benign and maligant[edit]
Benign tumors are noncancerous, and malignant tumors are cancerous.
Primary and secondary[edit]
Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors.
Primary brain tumors[edit]
Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support neuron, specific genetic disease, for example, neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis. They can also be caused by exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals.
Secondary brain tumors[edit]
Metastatic, or secondary, tumors in the CNS are caused by cancer cells that break away from a primary tumor located in another region of the body.
Pathophysiology[edit]
As the skull is a closed space, tumors can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function.
- Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, poor vision or hearing, changes in behavior, unclear thinking, and unsteadiness.
- Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis.
- Diagnosis is made after a neurological examination, special imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, laboratory tests, and a biopsy.
Incidence[edit]
Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The rate of new cases of brain and other nervous system cancer was 6.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate was 4.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2013–2017 cases and 2014–2018 deaths.
Life time risk[edit]
Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 0.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with brain and other nervous system cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2015–2017 data.
Prevalence[edit]
Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2017, there were an estimated 168,494 people living with brain and other nervous system cancer in the United States.
Causes[edit]
Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain. Primary brain tumors can start from brain cells, the membranes around the brain (meninges), nerves, or glands. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull.
The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many risk factors that could play a role: Radiation therapy used to treat brain cancers increases the risk of brain tumors up to 20 or 30 years later. Some inherited conditions increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome. Lymphomas that begin in the brain in people with a weakened immune system are sometimes linked to infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. These have not proven to be risk factors: Exposure to radiation at work, or to power lines, cell phones, cordless phones, or wireless devices
- Head injuries
- Smoking
- Hormone therapy
Classification[edit]
Brain tumors are classified depending on:
- Location of the tumor
- Type of tissue involved
- Whether they are noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant)
Other factors Sometimes, tumors that start out less aggressive can change their biologic behavior and become more aggressive. Tumors can occur at any age, but many types are most common in a certain age group. In adults, gliomas and meningiomas are the most common.
Gliomas[edit]
Gliomas come from glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. Gliomas are divided into three types:
- Astrocytic tumors include astrocytomas (can be noncancerous),
- anaplastic astrocytomas, and
- glioblastomas.
Oligodendroglial tumors[edit]
Some primary brain tumors are made up of both astrocytic and oligodendrocytic tumors. These are called mixed gliomas. Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.
Meningiomas[edit]
Meningiomas and schwannomas are two other types of brain tumors. These tumors: Occur most often between ages 40 and 70. Are usually noncancerous, but can still cause serious complications and death from their size or location. Some are cancerous and aggressive. Other primary brain tumors in adults are rare.
These include:
- Ependymomas
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Pituitary tumors
- Primary (central nervous system - CNS) CNS lymphoma
- Pineal gland tumors
- Primary germ cell tumors of the brain
Symptoms[edit]
Some tumors do not cause symptoms until they are very large. Other tumors have symptoms that develop slowly. Symptoms depend on the tumor's size, location, how far it has spread, and whether there is brain swelling. The most common symptoms are:
- Changes in the person's mental function
- Headaches
- Seizures (especially in older adults)
- Weakness in one part of the body
Headaches caused by brain tumors may:
- Be worse when the person wakes up in the morning, and clear up in a few hours
- Occur during sleep
- Occur with vomiting, confusion, double vision, weakness, or numbness
- Get worse with coughing or exercise, or with a change in body position
Other symptoms can include:
- Change in alertness including excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, and coma
- Changes in hearing, taste, or smell
- Changes that affect touch and the ability to feel pain, pressure, different temperatures, or other stimuli
- Confusion or memory loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty writing or reading
- Dizziness or abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
- Eye problems such as eyelid drooping, pupils of different sizes, uncontrollable eye movement, vision difficulties (including decreased vision, double vision, or total loss of vision)
- Hand tremor
- Lack of control over the bladder or bowels
- Loss of balance or coordination, clumsiness, trouble walking
- Muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg (usually on just one side)
- Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
- Personality, mood, behavior, or emotional changes
- Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking
Other symptoms that may occur with a pituitary tumor:
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Absent menstruation
- Breast development in men
- Enlarged hands, feet
- Excessive body hair
- Facial changes
- Low blood pressure
- Obesity
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
Diagnosis[edit]
The following tests may confirm the presence of a brain tumor and find its location:
- CT scan of the head
- EEG (to measure the electrical activity of the brain)
- Examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT-guided biopsy (may confirm the type of tumor)
- Examination of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
- MRI of the head
Treatment[edit]
The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Doctors also may prescribe steroids to reduce the tumor-related swelling inside the CNS. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Multispecialty approach[edit]
Brain tumors are best treated by a team that includes:
Early treatment[edit]
Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome.
Treatment goals[edit]
Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor and your general health. Goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or comfort.
Surgery[edit]
Surgery is often needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size. Tumors can be hard to remove completely by surgery alone. This is because the tumor invades surrounding brain tissue much like roots from a plant spread through soil. When the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.
Radiotherapy[edit]
Radiation therapy is used for certain tumors.
Chemotherapy[edit]
Chemotherapy may be used with surgery or radiation treatment.
Other medical treatments[edit]
Other medicines used to treat primary brain tumors in children may include:
- Medicines to reduce brain swelling and pressure
- Anticonvulsants to reduce seizures
- Pain medicines
- Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may be needed to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures can help people cope with the disorder.
Complications[edit]
Complications that may result from brain tumors include:
- Brain herniation (often fatal)
- Loss of ability to interact or function
- Permanent, worsening, and severe loss of brain function
- Return of tumor growth
- Side effects of medicines, including chemotherapy
- Side effects of radiation treatments
Alternative Names[edit]
- Glioblastoma multiforme
- Ependymoma
- Glioma
- Astrocytoma
- Medulloblastoma
- Neuroglioma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Lymphoma
- Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
- Meningioma - adults;
- Cancer - brain tumor (adults)
Prognosis[edit]
Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless they are treated.
Brain tumor score[edit]
The tumor may be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score that reflects its rate of malignancy. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome, or prognosis, for the individual.
Clinical trials[edit]
As brain and spinal cord tumors are an evolving field of medicine, with a lot of clinical trials and novel treatments, most patients with brain and spinal cord tumors opt for clinical trial after talking with their treatment team.
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External links[edit]
- American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)
- American Cancer Society
- Child Neurology Foundation
- Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation
- Children's Brain Tumor Foundation
Medical resources[edit]
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Note: Not all brain tumors are of nervous tissue, and not all nervous tissue tumors are in the brain (see brain metastasis).
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