- Download App
Cancer type
Definition of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the brain, forming a mass called a tumor. These tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Malignant brain tumors grow quickly, can invade nearby tissues, and sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Brain cancer can either start in the brain (primary brain cancer) or spread to the brain from other parts of the body (metastatic brain cancer). It can affect how the brain works, depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location.
SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN CANCER
Here are the symptoms of brain cancer explained in a bit more detail:
Headaches
- Persistent headaches that may feel worse in the morning or when lying down.
- The pain can sometimes become more intense with coughing, sneezing, or physical activity.
Nausea and Vomiting
- Feeling sick to your stomach without a clear cause, often occurring alongside headaches.
- Vomiting may happen frequently and is not always linked to eating or food-related issues.
Memory or Cognitive Problems
- Difficulty concentrating, solving problems, or remembering things.
- Sometimes people may feel confused or have trouble making decisions.
Seizures
- Uncontrolled movements like shaking, twitching, or jerking in parts of the body.
- Some seizures might involve loss of consciousness or unusual sensations (like a strange smell or visual changes).
Weakness or Numbness
- A loss of strength or feeling, often affecting one side of the body (arm, leg, or face).
- It can make daily tasks like holding objects or walking difficult.
Vision Problems
- Blurred or double vision.
- Loss of vision in part of the field of view or difficulty focusing on objects.
Speech and Language Difficulties
- Struggling to find the right words or speak clearly.
- Trouble understanding spoken or written language.
Balance and Coordination Issues
- Feeling unsteady while walking or standing.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes.
Changes in Mood or Personality
- Sudden shifts in behavior, such as becoming unusually angry, anxious, or depressed.
- Changes in social interactions, decision-making, or how a person expresses emotions.
Other Symptoms
- Fatigue or a general feeling of weakness.
- Difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears.
If someone experiences these symptoms, especially if they are new, severe, or getting worse, it’s important to see a doctor promptly for evaluation.
TYPES OF BRAIN CANCER
Brain cancers are categorized into primary brain tumors (which originate in the brain) and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors (which spread to the brain from other parts of the body). Here are the main types:
Primary Brain Tumors
These originate in the brain or nearby tissues, such as nerves, meninges (the layers covering the brain), or glands.
Gliomas
- Astrocytomas: Start in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Includes glioblastomas, which are highly aggressive.
- Oligodendrogliomas: Begin in cells that make up the brain’s supportive tissue.
- Ependymomas: Arise from cells lining the fluid-filled spaces of the brain (ventricles).
Meningiomas
- Usually non-cancerous tumors that develop in the meninges, the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.
Medulloblastomas
- Common in children, these tumors start in the cerebellum (the lower back part of the brain).
- They are fast-growing but can often be treated successfully.
Schwannomas (Acoustic Neuromas)
- Tumors that develop on the nerve responsible for balance and hearing. Often benign but can cause hearing loss and balance problems.
Pituitary Adenomas
- Typically benign tumors that grow on the pituitary gland, affecting hormone levels and potentially causing vision problems.
Craniopharyngiomas
- Rare, slow-growing tumors near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, often seen in children and older adults.
Pineal Tumors
- Arise in or around the pineal gland, located deep in the brain. These can vary in severity.
Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors
- These are cancers that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the lungs, breast, kidneys, or skin (melanoma).
- They are more common than primary brain tumors and often occur in people with advanced cancer elsewhere.
By Aggressiveness
- Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous, slow-growing tumors that may still cause symptoms due to their size and location. Examples include meningiomas and some schwannomas.
- Malignant Tumors: Cancerous, fast-growing tumors that can invade surrounding tissues, such as glioblastomas.
By Age Group
- Children: Medulloblastomas, ependymomas, and craniopharyngiomas are more common.
- Adults: Gliomas, meningiomas, and metastatic tumors are more frequent.
- Diagnosis and treatment vary depending on the type, size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor.
Causes of Brain Cancer
The exact cause of brain cancer is often unknown, but it happens when cells in the brain grow and divide uncontrollably. Some factors that may contribute include:
- Genetic Mutations: Changes in the DNA of cells can make them grow abnormally.
- Family History: Some people inherit faulty genes that increase the risk of brain tumors.
- Environmental Exposure: Certain chemicals or radiation exposure might play a role.
Risk Factors for Brain Cancer
Certain things can increase the chances of developing brain cancer:
Age
- Brain cancer can happen at any age but is more common in children and older adults.
Gender
- Some types of brain cancer, like meningiomas, are more common in women, while others, like glioblastomas, occur more in men.
Family History
- Having close relatives with brain tumors may slightly increase the risk.
Radiation Exposure
- High doses of radiation, such as from cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, can increase the risk.
Chemical Exposure
- Being around harmful substances like pesticides or industrial chemicals may raise the risk, though this connection isn’t fully proven.
Immune System Problems
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, may be at higher risk.
Other Cancers
- Brain cancer can sometimes happen when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain.
Lifestyle Factors
- While smoking and unhealthy habits are linked to many cancers, their role in brain cancer is not as clear. However, a healthy lifestyle might reduce the overall risk.
Genetic Disorders
- Rare genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, or Turcot syndrome are linked to brain cancer.
Important Note
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean someone will get brain cancer. Many people with brain cancer have no clear risk factors. If you’re concerned, talk to a doctor about your risks and possible screening options.