A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can affect both children and adults.
The exact cause of most brain tumors is unknown, but some factors may increase the risk of developing them. These include:
Genetic mutations or inherited conditions that affect the DNA of brain cells
Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
Cancer in other parts of the body that spreads to the brain
Age, as brain tumors are more common in older people
Family history of brain tumors
Brain tumors can cause different symptoms depending on which part of the brain they affect. Some common symptoms include:
Headaches that are persistent, severe, or worse in the morning
Nausea or vomiting
Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
Seizures or convulsions
Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, face, or one side of the body
Difficulty with balance, coordination, walking, or speaking
Changes in personality, mood, memory, or behavior
Confusion or disorientation
Hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears, or loss of hearing
A physician will perform a physical examination and ask about a patient's medical history and symptoms, as well as order some tests and procedures, including:
Neurological examination, to check the function of the brain, nerves, and senses
Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan, to get detailed pictures of the brain and look for any abnormal growths
Biopsy, to remove a small sample of the tumor tissue and examine it under a microscope
Blood tests, to check for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other conditions
Several factors affect treatment for brain tumors, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, the patient's age and general health, and the patient's goals and preferences.
Surgery, to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the surrounding brain tissue
Radiation therapy, to use high-energy beams to kill the tumor cells or stop them from growing
Chemotherapy, to use drugs to kill the tumor cells or stop them from growing
Targeted therapy, to use drugs that specifically attack the tumor cells or their genes
Immunotherapy, to use drugs that stimulate the immune system to fight the tumor cells
Steroids, to reduce the swelling and pressure caused by the tumor
Anticonvulsants, to prevent or control seizures
Pain relievers, to ease the discomfort caused by the tumor or the treatment
There is no sure way to prevent brain tumors, but some steps may help reduce the risk of developing them. These include:
Avoiding exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals
Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Getting regular check-ups and screenings for cancer
Seeking medical attention if any symptoms of a brain tumor occur
It is unknown what causes most brain tumors, but certain factors may increase one's risk of developing one. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain that can cause a variety of problems depending on its type, size, and location. Different parts of the brain may be affected by brain tumors, and symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vision problems, seizures, weakness, difficulty balancing or speaking, and personality changes. Physical examinations, neurological examinations, and imaging tests, biopsy procedures, and blood tests are all part of diagnosing a brain tumor. Treatment for brain tumors is determined by a number of factors, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, the patient's age and general health, and the doctor's and the patient's preferences and goals. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, steroids, anticonvulsants, pain relievers, and supportive care are some of the most common treatment options. There is no sure way to prevent brain tumors, but some steps may help reduce the risk of developing them, such as avoiding radiation or harmful chemicals, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, getting regular check-ups and screenings for cancer, and seeking medical attention if any signs of a brain tumor occur.
