Growth of abnormal cells in the brain leads to the formation of a mass or brain tumor. These can be non-cancerous or cancerous. When the brain tumor begins in the cells of the brain it is called a primary brain tumor. If it begins in some other part of the body and spreads to the brain, the cancer is said to have metastasized and is called metastatic brain cancer. Let’s have a look at the types, causes, and risk factors of brain cancer before moving onto the symptoms and treatment of this disease.

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Types, causes, and risk factors of brain cancer

There are many different types of primary brain tumors and each gets its name from the type of cells that are involved. Following are the different types of brain tumors:

1. Glioma is a general term for a group of tumors beginning in the glial cells of the brain. Tumors that are considered gliomas are:
- Astrocytomas – These begin in the glial cells called astrocytes and include anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma types of brain tumors
- Oligodendrogliomas – These tumors begin in the cells called oligodendrocytes
- Ependymomas – These begin in the ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain

2. Medulloblastomas – These develop from neuroectodermal cells (primitive nerve cells) in the cerebellum.

3. Gangliogliomas – These tumors contain both glial cells and nerve cells.

4. Schwannomas (neurilemomas) – These begin in the Schwann cells. These cells form the myelin of the cranial and other peripheral nerves.

Although it is known that genetic changes or mutations cause primary brain tumors, researchers do not know for sure what causes these mutations to occur. However, certain factors have been identified that increase the risk of brain cancer in an individual. Following are some of these factors:

- Whites are more likely to have brain cancer than any other race
- Exposure to ionizing radiation through radiation therapy or atomic bombs
- Exposure to harmful chemicals such as vinyl chloride
- Family history of brain cancer
- Inherited genetic conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau disease and Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Symptoms of brain cancer

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor will depend on the size and location of the brain tumor. Following are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with brain cancer:

- A new headache
- Change in a chronic headache
- Increase in frequency and severity of headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Loss of movement in one arm or one leg
- Impaired balance
- Difficulties while talking
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Seizures
- Hearing problems

Diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer

If your physician suspects brain cancer, a neurological examination or imaging tests such as MRIs may be scheduled. A test may also be conducted to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy may be done in which a sample of the abnormal cells is collected and tested.

If the tumor is located in an area that can be accessible during an operation, your surgeon will remove it during a surgery. Radiation therapy, radiosurgery (in which multiple beams of radiation are given in one treatment), chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy are the other treatment procedures that may be used for brain cancer. A radiotherapy consultant should be approached for advice. Once the cancer has been treated, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be required.

In some cases, parts of the tumor may be left behind. Even when the tumor has been successfully removed in its entirety, it can be come back years later. This is why regular follow-up with your cancer team is very important.

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