Primary brain tumors are malignant tumors that start in the brain. They can be caused by genetic abnormalities or environmental factors. Brain tumors can affect the way you think and behave. Other symptoms include headaches, seizures, and nausea. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, some of these symptoms may be temporary, while others can cause lasting problems. If you have questions about your symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Primary brain tumors can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography scan. The diagnosis may be confirmed with histopathology. Although doctors do not know the exact cause of primary brain tumors, they do know that certain risk factors can increase your risk. These include exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation, some diseases that affect the immune system, and medications that suppress the immune system.
Symptoms of brain tumors can vary depending on the type of tumor, its size, and its location in the brain. For example, a tumor that develops in the frontal lobe of the brain may result in changes in your speech, vision, and balance. Another kind of tumor, called a meningioma, can develop in the meninges, a thin layer of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. It can grow quickly and may even invade the spinal cord.
Malignant brain tumors can also be classified according to their grade. Grade 1 tumors tend to be slow-growing, whereas grade 4 tumors are more aggressive. Besides malignant tumors, there are benign and non-cancerous types of brain tumors. Regardless of the type, a person may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
A headache is a common symptom of a primary brain tumor. Some patients report headaches that last for months. Those who are experiencing a persistent headache should have their condition evaluated by a medical professional. Using an ophthalmoscope to look at the eyes can also help to identify a brain tumor.
Seizures are another symptom of a primary brain tumor. In addition, a person who has a brain tumor may experience loss of bladder control, numbness, or weakness in one side of the body. You should call your doctor immediately if you have a seizure, especially if you are not aware of it. Keeping a record of your symptoms can be a helpful tool to assist in a correct diagnosis.
There are a number of treatment options for primary brain tumors. Surgery is usually used to remove the tumor. However, chemotherapy and radiation can also be used to treat the tumor. The decision to remove a tumor depends on the type of tumor and the size of the tumor.
A secondary brain tumor is a tumor that starts in a different part of the body. Some examples of secondary brain tumors are breast cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphomas. Secondary brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors. Often, the primary tumor is benign, but the secondary tumor is malignant.
Primary brain tumors can lead to serious complications if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Luckily, most treatments are successful.
