Brain Tumor Specialists
What causes brain tumors?
There are two general types of brain tumors. Primary tumors originate in the brain and may be either non-cancerous – benign tumors – or cancerous – malignant tumors. Secondary tumors originate from cancer elsewhere in the body that travels, or metastasizes, to the brain. Secondary tumors occur in the brain far more often than primary tumors, which are comparatively rare.
The reasons for primary tumors aren’t fully understood. While these can occur in people of any age, you’re at greater risk as you get older. Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as that used to treat cancer elsewhere in the body, may also increase the risk of primary brain tumors. There’s also a genetic connection, so that primary brain tumors may occur with increased frequency in some families.
Nearly any cancer occurring in the body can spread to the brain. The most common forms of cancer that spread to the brain include:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Some types of skin cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
What symptoms do brain tumors cause?
Specific symptoms depend greatly on where the tumor occurs in the brain. As well, the size and rate at which the tumor grows can affect the symptoms produced. Symptoms may also be general or specific. For example, a tumor may be discovered when you experience unusual headaches, which is a general symptom, or you may experience changes in your vision, for example, if the tumor affects the portion of the brain responsible for eyesight.
Common symptoms associated with brain tumors include:
- Unusual headaches that may get more severe over time
- New, unexplained seizures
- Nausea and vomiting that has no other logical source
- Weakness, loss of motion, or loss of sensation in an arm or leg
- Loss of mental acuity, including confusion, emotional, or behavioral changes
- Vision or hearing issues
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty with speech
How are brain tumors treated?
Given the advances possible with minimally invasive techniques, there are more surgical options for brain tumors available today. The best chances for complete removal happen when tumors are small and easily separated from brain tissue. As tumors grow, or when they’re close to sensitive areas of the brain, surgery may be more complicated, or complete removal becomes impossible. Radiation and chemotherapy may then be combined with surgery or used alone.
You can trust the expert care offered by the doctors of Arizona Neurosurgery and Spine At The CORE Institute, located in Phoenix and Peoria, Arizona. if you’re faced with the challenge of a brain tumor.
