Brain tumor and brain cancer in adults

Description of a brain tumor in adults

Brain tumor is a disease, in which brain cells divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue, It called tumor. The term cancer usually It refers to malignant tumors. They can penetrate surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread, but it can continue to grow and put pressure on nearby tissues and organs.

There are two main types of brain tumors:

• Primary brain cancer – It begins in the brain. This can be either malignant, a benign tumor. A small benign tumor in a vital spot can cause serious problems;
• Secondary, or metastatic brain cancer – It spreads to the brain from another organ. All metastatic tumors are malignant.

Causes of brain tumors in adults

The cause of most primary brain cancer unknown. The cause of secondary brain cancers are tumors of other organs.

Risk factors for brain tumors in adults

Factors, which increases the risk of brain tumors:

• Radiation;
• Immune system dysfunction;
• Family history of certain cancers.

Cancer can spread to any organ in the brain. Below is a list of the most common tumors, which may spread to the brain:

• Lung cancer;
• Mammary cancer;
• Zlokachestvennaya melanoma;
• Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Kidney cancer.

Symptoms of brain tumors in adults

Symptoms depend on the size of the tumor and its location. Around growing tumors often accumulate fluid, causing swelling. Edema puts pressure on the brain. Symptoms of tumors may develop gradually or rapidly.

Symptoms of brain tumors in adults may include:

• Headache – Most headaches are not caused by brain tumors. Headaches due to brain tumors, usually, have the following characteristics:
  • Worsens over several weeks or months;
  • Worse in the morning or you may wake up at night;
  • Different from the usual headaches;
  • Worse when changing posture, stress or cough;
• Seizures;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Weakness in the hands and / or feet;
• Loss of sensation in the hands and / or feet;
• Difficulty walking;
• Hearing loss or loss of vision (including double vision);
• Problems with speech;
• Drowsiness;
• Problems with memory;
• Changes in consciousness.

These symptoms may be caused by other, less severe disorders. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of a brain tumor in adults

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination. There will be a neurological examination, to test muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, reaction to stimuli. The doctor may also examine the eye, to check for signs of brain swelling.

Tests may include:

• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• Computed tomography of the head – This type of X-ray, which uses computer, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• PET scans – test, which determines the levels of metabolic activity by tracking radioactive sugar molecules;
• The combination of PET and CT (PET / CT);
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) – test, which uses gamma rays to take pictures of internal organs;
• Arteriography – test, which uses X-rays, to make pictures of the blood vessels of the brain;
• Biopsy – sampling brain tissue to test for cancer cells. Samples can be selected with a fine needle, which is inserted into the brain or by the operation;
• Stereotaxis – the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, To find the location of the tumor and a sample of biopsy.

There are many different types of brain tumors. Type of brain tumor plays an important role in determining the method of treatment.

Treatment of brain tumors in adults

After finding the cancer may require further tests, If there is a concern, the cancer has spread to other organs. Treatment depends on the type of, the size and location of the cancer, and overall health. Treatment can result in physical or mental limitations.

Before the start of treatment may need to take medication, including:

• Steroids to decrease swelling and fluid accumulation;
• Anticonvulsants, to prevent seizures.

Surgery

Surgical procedures include:

• Cephalotrypesis – opening the skull, to remove the tumor, or, if possible, most of the tumor;
• Şunt – implanting a long thin tube in the brain, to divert fluid accumulates in the other body part.

Radiation therapy

Radiation is used, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The procedure is often used for the treatment of brain tumors. Therapy may be the following types:

• External radiation therapy – radiation is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body. When metastatic brain tumors carried a total exposure. In primary brain tumors using focused radiation therapy. Total body irradiation may also be used in humans with cancer, and other areas of the body, to prevent brain cancer;
• Internal radiation therapy – radioactive material is introduced into the body near cancer cells. It is used much less frequently, than the external radiotherapy;
• Stereotactic radiosurgery – irradiation used narrowly focused beams of high doses of radiation. To determine the location of the tumor using special equipment, including MRI and CT. The most commonly used procedure for the treatment of metastatic brain tumors or benign brain tumors, such as meningiomas.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The formulations may be provided in various forms, including tablets, injection, and catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells. The drug can also be injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, which enters the brain tissue. This form is called intrathecal chemotherapy. It is most commonly used, when there is a likelihood of the spread of cancer to other parts of the body through a fluid, surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Reabilitatsionnaya therapy

Applied therapies include:

• Physiotherapy, to maintain the skills of walk, support balance and strength;
• Occupational therapy, to help with the development of life skills, such as dressing, food, and use the toilet;
• Rechevaya therapy, to help express thoughts and overcome swallowing difficulties.

Prevention of brain tumors in adults

There are no guidelines for preventing brain cancer.

There is currently no convincing evidence, that the use of mobile phones or living near power lines or power plants increases the risk of brain tumors.