What Is a Tumor?
A tumor is a mass of tissue that's formed by an accumulation of
abnormal cells. Normally, the cells in your body age, die, and are replaced by
new cells. With cancer
and other tumors, something disrupts this cycle. Tumor cells grow, even though
the body does not need them, and unlike normal old cells, they don't die. As
this process goes on, the tumor continues to grow as more and more cells are
added to the mass.
Primary brain tumors emerge from the various cells that make up
the brain
and central nervous system
and are named for the kind of cell in which they first form. The most common
types of adult brain
tumors are gliomas and astrocytic tumors. These tumors form from astrocytes and
other types of glial cells, which are cells that help keep nerves healthy.
The second most common type of adult brain tumors are
meningeal tumors. These form in the meninges, the thin layer of tissue that
covers the brain and spinal cord.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Adults?
Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and
the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions
of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested.
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.
A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches.
Often, they don't respond to the usual headache
remedies. Keep in mind that most headaches are
unrelated to brain tumors.
Other symptoms include:
- Seizures
- 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
It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused
by a number of different conditions. Don't assume you have a brain tumor just
because you experience some of them. Check with your doctor.
How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
To diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions
about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or
she performs a physical
exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain
tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:
- Imaging
studies such as a CT(CAT) scan or MRI
to see detailed images of the brain
- Angiogram or MRA,
which involve the use of dye and X-rays of blood
vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormal blood
vessels
The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine
whether or not the tumor is cancer.
A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the
tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull
before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
How Are Brain Tumors Treated?
Surgery to remove the tumor is typically the first option once a
brain tumor has been diagnosed. However, some tumors can't be surgically
removed because of their location in the brain. In those cases, chemotherapy
and radiation therapy are both options for killing and shrinking the tumor.
Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is also used after surgery to kill any
remaining cancer cells. Tumors that are deep in the brain or in areas that are
difficult reach may be treated with Gamma Knife therapy, which is a form of
highly focused radiation therapy.
Because treatment for cancer also can damage healthy tissue, it's
important to discuss possible side and long-term effects of whatever treatment
is being used with your doctor. The doctor can explain the risk and the
possibility of losing certain faculties. The doctor can also explain the
importance of planning for rehabilitation following treatment. Rehabilitation
could involve working with several different therapists, such as:
- Physical
therapist to regain strength and balance
- Speech
therapist to address problems with speaking, expressing thoughts, or
swallowing
- Occupational
therapist to help manage daily activities such as using the bathroom,
bathing, and dressing
Source: webmd.com
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