Brain Cancer
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According to the National Cancer Institute, a tumor is formed when cells lose the ability to control their growth. When this happens cells divide too often and without any order. The extra cells form a mass of tissue called a tumor. A tumor can be benign or malignant. A malignant tumor contains cancer cells.
Malignant brain cancer tumors can grow rapidly and invade nearby tissue. These malignant brain cancer tumors may grow into healthy brain tissue. A malignant brain cancer tumor that does not grow into other brain tissue is called an encapsulated malignant brain cancer tumor.
Brain Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
Please keep in mind that you need to see a doctor to determine if your brain cancer symptoms are caused by brain cancer or another health condition. According to the National Cancer Institute there are several symptoms associated with brain cancer tumors. Brain cancer symptoms are caused by damage to the vital tissue. Brain cancer symptoms can include pressure on the brain as the tumor grows within the limited space in the skull. Brain cancer tumors may also cause fluid to build up around the tumor. Another reason for brain cancer symptoms is the stoppage of cerebrospinal fluid because of a brain cancer tumor. This cerebrospinal fluid can then build up in the ventricles. Because brain cancer symptoms are caused by brain tumors, they may be overlooked if the brain cancer tumor grows very slowly.
In order to make a brain cancer diagnosis, your doctor will have to run several tests and examinations. First your doctor will check you overall health condition. The doctor will also conduct a neurologic exam when making a brain cancer diagnosis. The brain cancer neurologic exam may consist of checks for coordination, reflexes, pain response, muscle strength, and alertness checks. Your doctor should also check your eyes to look for abnormalities in the shape of the eye that may be caused by a brain cancer tumor.
Other tests which may be used to make a brain cancer diagnosis include a CT scan, MRI, and skull x-ray. An angiogram and a myelogram may also be used to diagnose brain cancer.
Brain Cancer: More Information
As a brain cancer patient at Cancer Treatment Centers of America you will work with a team of cancer experts to determine the appropriate combination of brain cancer therapies. Therapies for brain cancer may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
If you need more information on brain cancer treatment please call the toll-free number listed on the top of this page.
