A Brain Tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain. Your skull, which encloses your brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Tumors can directly destroy healthy brain cells. They can also indirectly damage healthy cells by crowding other parts of the brain and causing inflammation, brain swelling and pressure within the skull.
Causes of Brain Tumor
The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown. However, factors that can increase your risk of brain cancer include exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation and a family history of brain cancer.
Cancer in another part of your body is also a risk factor. Cancers that commonly spread, or metastasize, to the brain include:
Lung Cancer
Breast Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer
Other factors that might be related to developing brain cancer include:
Increased age
Long-term smoking
Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer
Working with elements that can cause cancer, such as: lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and some textiles
Having an Epstein-Barr virus infection, or mononucleosis
Symptoms of Brain Tumor
Symptoms of Brain Tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly.
Changes in speech or hearing
Changes in vision
Balance problems
Problems with walking
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Problems with memory
Personality changes
Inability to concentrate
Weakness in one part of the body
Morning vomiting without nausea
Risk factors
The risk factors that increase the probability of suffering a brain tumor are:
Family history, if any of the parents, siblings, or more than a relative has this disease, the chances of developing it increase.
Radiation exposure
Diagnosis of Brain Tumor
A doctor specialized in Neurosurgery, will be in charge of making a diagnosis based on a series of tests and taking your symptoms into account
We group some of the criteria to take into account to confirm if you have a brain tumor:
Neurological exam, tests are done to check the vision control, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tests that are done by imaging can help the doctor evaluate the tumor and the treatment plan
Biopsy, a sample of abnormal tissue is analyzed
Molecular diagnostics analyzes the DNA of a tumor
Treatment of Brain Tumor
Treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type and severity. Common treatment options include:
Surgery
Specific biological agents
Radiotherapy
If safe for the patient, surgical resection is usually the first recommended treatment to quickly reduce pressure on the brain.
Living with a brain tumor
With the right information and the support of your family and close ones, they can help you manage this condition.
We have grouped some of the things to consider that could help us to know how to deal with this disease.
Medicines administered by your doctor, such as corticosteroids that help decrease inflammation in the brain, pain relievers, and anticonvulsant drugs
Mobility aids
Emotional Support provided by specialist
Rehabilitation
Attend complementary therapies such as meditation, breathing exercises, etc.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Find services and support near you
Seek help with daily tasks
¿When should I see a doctor?
The Neurosurgeon and Neurologist are the specialists in charge of treating these types of diseases; they will be in charge of evaluating memory wear and other thinking skills.
The Neurosurgeon and / or Neurologist will undertake to review the medical history of the family history, neurological examinations, as well as a general physical examination.
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BlueNet Hospitals
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