Definition
Definition
A brain tumor is the presence of cancer cells in the brain.
There are 2 main types of brain tumors:
- Primary—A tumor that arises in the brain. It can be either malignant or benign. A small benign tumor in a bad location can cause significant problems.
- Secondary—A tumor that spreads to the brain from another cancerous site in the body. All secondary tumors are malignant and metastatic.
Brain TumorCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
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.
The cause of most primary brain tumors is unknown, but it is probably a combination of genetics and environment.
Secondary brain tumors are caused by cancer that spreads to the brain from another site in the body.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of a brain tumor include:
- Radiation
- A condition that affects the immune system
- Family history of certain types of cancer
Any cancer in the body can spread to the brain. The most common tumors that may spread to the brain include:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
- Gastrointestinal tract cancer
- Kidney cancer
Symptoms
Symptoms
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:
-
Headache—Most headaches are not caused by brain tumors. Headaches due to brain tumors may have the following features:
- Worsens over a period of weeks to months
- Worse in the morning or causes you to wake during the night
- Different than a normal headache
- Worsens with change of posture, straining, or coughing
- Seizures
- Nausea or vomiting, especially early morning vomiting
- Weakness in arms and/or legs
- Loss of sensation in arms and/or legs
- Difficulty walking
- Hearing loss or vision loss, including double vision
- Speech problems
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Personality changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked your 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.
Images of your bodily structures may need to be taken. This can be done with:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- PET scan
- SPECT scan
- PET/CT scan
- Arteriography
A sample of brain tissue may need to be removed for testing. This can be done with:
- Biopsy
- Stereotaxis
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.
Treatment
Treatment
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 medications, including:
- Steroids to decrease swelling and fluid buildup
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures
Surgery
Surgical procedures include:
- Craniotomy—opening the skull to remove the tumor or as much of the tumor as possible
- Shunt—implanting a long thin tube in the brain to direct fluid build up to another part of the body
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This is a common treatment for brain tumors. Radiation may be:
- External—Radiation is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body. If you have a metastatic brain tumor, you will receive whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). If you have a primary brain tumor, you will receive more focused radiation therapy. WRBT may also be used in people who have cancer in other areas of the body. The treatment is used to prevent brain tumors.
- Internal—Radioactive materials are placed into the body near the cancer cells. This is used less often.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery—Higher doses of radiation can be delivered to the affected areas of the brain. Nearby normal tissue can be spared. Special equipment, including MRI and CT scans, help to focus the radiation. This is most often used in metastatic brain tumors or in benign brain tumors, such as meningiomas.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms, including pill, injection, or through a tube called 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
Rehabilitation therapy includes:
- Physical therapy to help with walking, balance, and building strength
- Occupational therapy to help with mastering life skills, such as dressing, eating, and using the toilet
- Speech therapy to help express thoughts and overcome swallowing difficulties
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent a brain tumor because the cause is unclear.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 9, 2014. Accessed September 5, 2014.
Brain cancer—for patients. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/types/brain
Accessed September 5, 2014.
Brain tumors. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Available at:
http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Brain%20Tumors.aspx
Updated June 2012. Accessed September 5, 2014.
5/28/2008 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
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Tremont-Lukats IW, Ratilal BO, Armstrong T, Gilbert MR. Antiepileptic drugs for preventing seizures in people with brain tumors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(2):CD004424
Last Updated: 9/5/2014