The body normally forms new cells only when they are needed to replace old or
damaged ones. If something happens to disturb this controlled process, abnormal
or excessive cells are produced. When this occurs a tumor is developed. This is
known as cancer. When a tumor is developed on the brain, it is called a brain
tumor or brain cancer. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant (benign being not
cancerous and malignant being cancerous). Both types can be deadly when dealing
with the brain. Benign brain tumors consist of very slow growing cells. They
have distinct borders and rarely spread to other locations. When viewed under a
microscope, the cells of a benign tumor have an almost normal appearance. Even
though these tumors sound harmless they can be life-threatening when located in
such a vital area. Since the skull is unable to expand when the tumor grows it
puts’ pressure on the brain. This results in damaged brain tissues and if left
untreated a person could die. A malignant tumor is a tumor that could
potentially invade and destroy important tissues and cells. They can also spread
to other parts of the body (metastasize). Brain tumors can initially start in
the brain. They can also spread to other parts of the body from the brain but
this rarely happens. Some tumors may be worse than others. Tumor staging is used
to determine the extent of cancer. The stage indicates if the cancer has spread
and how far. The stages are listed below: T = Primary tumor size/extent T0:
Primary tumor not present T1, T2, T3, T4 The higher the number, the larger the
size/extent of the tumor. N = Regional lymph node involvement N0: No lymph node
involvement N1, N2, N3 The higher the number, the more lymph node involvement. M
= Distant metastasis M0: no metastasis M1: Metastasis present The cause of brain
cancer is unknown. It is likely they are caused by many factors. Some of these
factors are genetic damage, inheritance, electromagnetic fields, weak immune
system, viruses, injury, diet, chemicals, hormones, environmental factors, and
occupational factors. The most common and often first symptoms of brain tumors
are headaches and seizures. Later symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever,
change in pulse, and trouble breathing. Mental changes may also occur such as
difficulty in communication and speech. In general symptoms greatly depend on
the location of the tumor. For example if the tumor is on the occipital lobe,
you would have problems with your vision. Treatment of a tumor depends on its
location and type, but surgical removal of the tumor if the primary treatment
for cancer. Some tumors can be removed without harm to any part of the brain
while others are in areas that make surgical removal impossible. Most tumors are
treated with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. A
new procedure is being tried called gamma knife, which is a type of radio
surgery. It uses precise radiation to isolate and kill the tumor. One positive
aspect of this procedure is that it limits the amount of radiation that the
entire brain receives so less normal brain cells are destroyed. Some Statistics
✓ Within the next year, over 100,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed
with brain cancer. ✓ Brain tumors are the second leading cause of death
in the age group 15-34. ✓ Brain tumors are the second fastest growing
cause of cancer death among those over age 65. ✓ Approximately 44 percent
of all primary brain tumors are benign. ✓ Unlike most benign tumors when
located on the brain they can cause death. ✓ Because of their location
brain, tumors are difficult to treat. ✓ Brain cancer research is
underfunded. ✓ The cause of brain cancer is still unknown. ✓ The
cure rate for brain cancer is lower than that of most other types of cancer.