Although brain tumors are rare, approximately 17,000 new cases are reported each year in the United States. This figure results in many people panicking whenever they experience a severe headache, dizziness, or confusion. Cancer is frightening, regardless of where the abnormal cells develop. Nonetheless, when cancer develops in vital organs or the brain, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Cancer spreads very rapidly, and could potentially affect other parts of the body. The more widespread the cancer – the more difficult it is to cure. However, those diagnosed with advanced brain cancer should remain optimistic. Many brain cancer victims have beat the odds, and go on to lead long, healthy lives.

What is Brain Cancer?

Brain cancer is cancer that develops in the brain. Our bodies naturally produce healthy cells. In rare cases, cells begin to abnormally divide. The dividing cells result in growths called tumors. However, not all tumors are cancerous. Sometimes, an overgrowth of normal cells may also cause a tumor. These tumors may or may not present the same symptoms as cancerous tumors. Thus, individuals diagnosed with a brain mass should not immediately conclude that they have brain cancer. Nonetheless, non-cancerous tumors need to be treated because they can cause damage to vital tissue organs. The two types of brain tumors are termed benign tumors and malignant tumors.

What are Benign Tumors?

Benign brain tumors are essentially tumors that do not contain cancerous cells. These are likely caused by an overgrowth of normal brain cells. Doctors recommend surgically removing brain tumors due to the possibility of continual growth. Additionally, large tumors may cause headaches, seizures, memory loss, and numbness. On average, benign tumors that are surgically removed do not recur. However, doctors will generally monitor patients periodically to ensure that additional brains masses do not begin to develop.

What are Malignant Brain Tumors?

Cancerous cells are present in malignant brain tumors. A brain cancer diagnosis may cause a range of emotions. Victims may feel confused, terrified, and angry. These tumors are life-threatening, thus they require immediate treatment. Malignant tumors grow rapidly, and may quickly spread to healthy parts of the brain. This sort of cancer has two grades: low grade and high grade. Low grade brain cancer refers to abnormal cells that develop at a slower rate, whereas high grade brain cancer refers to cancer that is spreading and growing at an accelerated rate.

Causes of Brain Cancer

Physicians and researchers are unable to pinpoint possible causes of brain cancer. However, it has been noted that over 80% of all brain cancer begins in other parts of the body. Primary brain cancer, or cancer that begins in the brain tissue, is rare. Primary brain cancer seldom affects more than one member of a family, which throws the hereditary and gene theory out the window. On the other hand, families with a history of cancer may include several members with cancer that originated in other parts of the body and spread to the brain. Brain cancer appears to be a random disease that affects humans in two age groups.

Children under the age of 12, and adults over the age of 40 are at an increased risk for developing brain cancer. Researchers who have thoroughly studied brain cancer have discovered a brain cancer connection between individuals who work in industries that expose them to toxic chemicals. For examples, employees of drug and plastic manufacturers, embalmers, and chemists report a high occurrence of brain cancer. In the mid-90's, one theory was that cell phones caused brain tumors.

Although this theory has never been proven, a number of individuals have developed brain masses on the side of their brain where cell phones are positioned. Nonetheless, many who have conducted studies on cell phone safety consider these incidents as pure coincidences, and firmly believe that cell phones are a safe means of communication.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

Brain tumors symptoms depend largely on the size of the tumor. In the beginning stage when the tumor is small, symptoms may not present themselves. On the other hand, mild symptoms may be ignored until the tumor grows and begins to cause more noticeable symptoms. The skull is a small space, thus larger tumors will cause pressure on vital veins and tissues. When this occurs, symptoms begin to show. Common symptoms of a brain tumor include:

• Frequent, unexplained headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness in arms or legs
• Frequent falling or stumbling
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech

Individuals who display one or more of these symptoms should not jump to the wrong conclusion. Many other less serious ailments cause similar symptoms. However, it is important to visit a physician for a thorough examination to determine the cause of such mysterious symptoms. In addition, even if test conclude that a tumor is present, this does not necessarily mean that they tumor is cancerous or life threatening.

Diagnosing a Brain Tumor

To accurately diagnose a cancerous brain tumor, physicians will perform a physical examination and inquire about a patient's family medical history. A neurological exam may also be necessary to check reflexes, coordination, and pain response. Based on the results of these two exams, physicians will conclude whether further testing is necessary. Imaging test such as a CAT scan and MRI are used to detect tumors and changes in brain tissue. Moreover, patients may undergo a skull X-ray or brain scan.

Treatments for Brain Tumors

The way a physician will choose to treat brain cancer depends on the size, type, and location of the tumor. Sadly, some tumors are inoperable, thus patients must rely on chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink tumors, and kill cancerous cells. Surgery is a common treatment for most brain tumors. Surgeons will either remove all of the tumor, or parts of the tumor. The remaining tumor may be successfully treated with high energy rays (radiation) that are intended to kill cancerous cells and prevent them from growing and spreading. Radiation treatments may be given externally using a large machine, or internally with implant radiation therapy. In the latter case, implants are placed directly in the tumor. Chemotherapy is a drug that is intended to stop the growth of cancerous cells. Patients may receive this treatment orally or through an injection into the bloodstream. Often, a patient may receive several cycles of chemotherapy following the surgical removal of a tumor to ensure that all cancerous cells were removed, and to prevent the cancer from returning.