Brain Cancer is a rare type of cancer in which the Brain cells overgrow and form masses or lumps known as tumors. Both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) tumors are seen to grow at a rapid pace. Brain tumors can begin in the brain known as primary brain tumors, or can begin in other body parts such as lungs, breasts, kidneys, etc. and spread to the brain known as secondary, or metastatic brain tumors. They disrupt the functioning of the body, and this can be fatal.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Brain Cancer vary depending upon the location of the tumor and its size. People suffering from brain cancer are usually seen with symptoms that include seizures, drowsiness, behavioral changes, and confusion. These symptoms are a result of either swelling and inflammation in/around the brain due to cancer or encroachment on other parts of the brain, which hinders their normal functionality.
Some common signs and symptoms of brain cancer as per medical resources include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe headaches in the morning, with changing patterns
- Lack of balance and/or lack of coordination
- Not able to walk properly
- Difficulty thinking
- Confusion in everyday matters
- Memory lapses
- Abnormal eye movements
- Problems in vision, such as blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, or double vision
- Speech difficulties
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Syncope or inexplicable passing out
- Muscle twitching/jerking
- Tingling sensation or numbness in limbs
- Personality, emotional response, and behavioral changes
- Hearing problems
Causes
Some medical theories suggest that primary brain cancer emerge when mutations occur in the DNA of the normal cells. Due to this mutation, cell divisions take place at a rapid rate and live longer, while healthy cells die. As a result, these mutated cells form masses that can develop into cancer.
As per medical research, secondary brain cancer appears in people who have a history of cancer. Also, secondary type may be symptoms of another cancer developing in the body. Cancers which have been seen to spread or metastasize to the brain are:
- Kidney cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer or melanoma
- Bladder cancer
- Colon cancer
Treatment
According to medical resources, there are several treatments for brain cancer, although they differ for primary and secondary brain tumors. These treatments are dependent upon the age and general health of the patient. Some of the treatments which are widely recommended and used by the physicians and medical people across the globe are mentioned as follows:
- Surgery: This treatment is widely used by doctors in the world only when the removal of cancer cells is possible. In some cases, removal of these cells is not possible as these cells may be present in an inaccessible or sensitive area of the brain, and thus are deemed inoperable.
- Biologic drugs: Doctors prescribe biologic drugs for boosting, restoring, or directing the patient’s natural defense against cancer. Drugs such as bevacizumab, often recommended by doctors, stops the growth of blood vessels that provide nutrition to cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy/radiation therapy: Doctors and physicians recommend chemotherapy drugs that aim to destroy and shrink cancer cells. These drugs are given either orally or through intravenous injections to the patients. Doctors also recommend radiation therapy which destroys cancer cells/tissues through high-energy waves such as X-rays. Sometimes, chemotherapy is done after radiation treatment.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
Sources-
- https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-cancer
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084
- https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/default.htm
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