Brain Cancer

Brain Cancer

It is estimated that in 2005, over 12,000 people died of brain cancer. This type of cancer is characterized by the growth of cancer tissue within the skull. There are several types of brain cancer, such as primary, secondary, and malignant. Common symptoms of the condition include headaches, vomiting, and changes in speech. In general, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

What Is Brain Cancer?
Brain tumors are a diverse group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of tissue contained within the skull. Brain tumors can be benign (without cancer cells) or malignant (contains cancer cells). Other than leukemia and lymphoma, brain tumors are the most common type of cancer that occurs in children. In adults, brain tumors are usually the result of cancer that has spread from another part of the body, such as the breast or lungs. (Brain tumors and brain cancer are used interchangeably in this article to mean the same thing.)

Understanding the Brain
The brain is a soft, spongy mass of tissue that is protected by the bones of the skull and three thin membranes called meninges. Watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and flows through spaces between the meninges and the ventricles (spaces within the brain).

A network of nerves carries messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. While some nerves go directly from the brain to the eyes, ears, and other parts of the head, other nerves run through the spinal cord to connect the brain with the other parts of the body. Within the brain and spinal cord, glial cells surround nerve cells and hold them in place.

The brain directs the things we choose to do (like walking and talking) and the things our body does without thinking (like breathing). The brain is also in charge of our senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), memory, emotions, and personality. The three major parts of the brain include the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem. Each area controls different activities.

Brain Cancer (Cont.)

Cerebrum

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is located at the top of the brain. The cerebrum:

* Uses information from our senses to tell us what is going on around us
* Tells our body how to respond
* Controls reading, thinking, learning, speech, and emotions.

The cerebrum is divided into the left and right cerebral hemispheres, which control separate activities. The right hemisphere controls the muscles on the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body.

Cerebellum
The cerebellum is under the cerebrum at the back of the brain. The cerebellum controls balance and complex actions, like walking and talking.

Brain Stem
The brain stem connects the brain with the spinal cord. The brain stem controls:

* Hunger and thirst
* Breathing
* Body temperature
* Blood pressure
* Basic body functions.

Types of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer can be categorized into several different types, including:

* Benign brain tumors
* Malignant brain tumors
* Primary brain tumors
* Secondary brain tumors (also known as metastatic cancer).

Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells. However, as benign tumor cells grow, they can cause problems in the brain by pressing against sensitive areas. Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells and are generally more serious than benign brain tumors.

Primary brain cancer is cancer that begins in the brain. Secondary brain cancer is cancer that begins somewhere else in the body, but spreads to the brain.

In children, most brain tumors are primary tumors. In adults, most brain tumors are secondary tumors that have spread to the brain from the lung, the breast, or other parts of the body.

There are many different types of primary brain tumors. The most common primary brain tumor is a glioma, which begins in the glial cells. Types of gliomas include:

* Astrocytoma
* Brain stem gliomas (see Brain Stem Glioma)
* Ependymoma (see Ependymoma)
* Oligodendroglioma
* Mixed glioma.

When people talk about brain cancer, they are usually referring to glioma.

Other types of brain tumors include:

* Medulloblastoma (see Medulloblastoma)
* Meningioma
* Schwannoma
* Craniopharyngioma
* Germ cell tumor of the brain
* Pineal region tumor.

What Causes It?
No one knows the exact causes of brain cancer, and doctors can seldom explain why one person will get it and another person will not. However, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop brain cancer. Specific risk factors for brain cancer include:

* Being male
* Race
* Age
* Family history
* Exposure to radiation or to certain chemicals.

Symptoms

Symptoms of brain cancer will depend on the tumor size, type, and location. A person may experience symptoms:

* When a tumor presses on a nerve
* When a tumor damages a certain area of the brain
* When the brain swells
* When fluid builds up within the skull.

Common symptoms of brain cancer include:

* Headaches (that are usually worse in the morning)
* Nausea or vomiting
* Changes in speech, vision, or hearing
* Problems balancing or walking
* Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate
* Problems with memory
* Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)
* Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.

These possible brain cancer symptoms are not sure signs of a brain tumor. Other health problems can also cause these symptoms. People who have potential brain tumor symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible, because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Diagnosing Brain Cancer

If a person has possible symptoms of brain cancer, the doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about the patient's personal and family medical history, and recommend additional tests and procedures.

Exams and tests that are used to make a diagnosis may include:

* Computed tomography (CT) scan
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
* Angiogram
* Skull x-ray
* Spinal tap
* Myelogram
* Biopsy.

Tumor Grade
Doctors sometimes group brain tumors by grade -- from low grade (grade I) to high grade (grade IV). The grade of a tumor refers to the way the cells look under a microscope. Brain cancer cells from high-grade tumors look more abnormal and generally grow faster than cells from low-grade tumors.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment for brain cancer varies based on:

* The type of brain tumor
* The size and location of the tumor
* The brain tumor grade
* The patient's general health.

In general, treatment options can include:

* Surgery (see Brain Cancer Surgery)
* Chemotherapy (see Brain Cancer and Chemotherapy)
* Radiation therapy (see Brain Cancer Radiation Treatment).

Patients should work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets their medical needs and personal values. Choosing a treatment plan is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.

Prognosis for Brain Cancer
The American Cancer Society estimated that 18,500 people (10,620 men and 7,880 women) would be diagnosed with brain cancer and that 12,760 men and women would die of it in 2005.

A person's prognosis will depend on:

* The type of brain cancer (see Types of Brain Tumors)
* The size and location of brain cancer
* The brain cancer stage
* The brain cancer grade.