Understanding a Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are when an abnormal number of cells are grown within the brain, in areas such as the brain tissue, glands, nerves, and surface membrane of the brain. Additionally, they can be cancerous or noncancerous. Brain tumors can also be formed through cancer spreading to the brain.
Considering not all brain tumors are cancerous, those tumors are also referred to as benign brain tumors. They do have the potential to grow and press against the brain tissue, but have no harmful effects. Primarily, though, cancerous brain tumors have more cause for concern, also called malignant brain tumors, which can lead to the cancer cells rapidly growing and destroying the brain tissue. Common Symptoms of Brain Tumors Typically, symptoms rely on the size and what kind of tumor you have. But the most common symptoms are:
Loss of Balance
Hearing Loss
Dizziness
Blurred/Double Vision
Increase in Severity of Headaches
Nausea or Vomiting
Seizures
Memory Problems
Increased Hunger
Constantly Tired
For smaller brain tumors, symptoms can show up right away. But in tumors higher in severity and growing in undetectable areas, symptoms will take longer to show up.
Causes and Risk Factors
Brain tumors are caused by changes in the DNA of the cells within the brain. These changes inform the cells to grow quickly and live as healthy cells die out in their natural life cycle, hence producing extra cells. There is no clear reason why there are DNA changes but in rare cases, it can be hereditary. Certain groups have higher risks to experiencing brain tumors. Depending on the brain tumor, it can specifically target people at a young or old age, specific races (like white people are more susceptible to gliomas), exposure to radiation, and inherited symptoms of brain tumors. Diagnosis and Treatment
With modern technology today, we have discovered ways to spot these brain tumors in their early stages. Doctors use neurological exams to test your reflexes, response to pain, muscle strength, senses, balance and coordination. Once that is complete, they will order a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to identify brain tumors.
There are a couple of options to treat brain tumors relying on individual circumstances and effects of the brain tumor. You can opt to take medication, radiosurgery, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Brain tumors can be a scary experience and struggle to have. By learning more about how you can be affected and what kind of tumors there exist, you can instantly spot the symptoms and talk to your doctor immediately. It's important to understand your mind and body in order to learn what you can do to keep it safe and healthy.
References
Brain tumor - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic Staff)
Brain Tumors | Neurosurgery (uconn.edu) (Department of Sugery in UCONN Health)
Brain Tumor Overview - Harvard Health (Reviewed by Dr. Howard E. LeWine, MD, Harvard Health Publishing) Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board