What is a brain tumor?

It is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain, which can start in the brain itself or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain (metastasize). Brain tumors may be classified as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behavior.

A benign tumor does not contain cancer cells and usually, once removed, does not recur.

Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells and are usually fast growing. They very rarely spread to other areas of the body, but may recur after treatment. Sometimes, brain tumors that are not cancer are called malignant because of their size and location, and the damage they can do to vital functions of the brain.

Facts about brain tumors:

Facts about brain tumors from the American Brain Tumor Association:

• More than 196,000 people in the US are diagnosed with a new brain tumor each year.
• Seventy-five percent of those diagnosed with a brain tumor are living with benign tumors; the remaining are considered malignant tumors.
• Recent statistics show that the survival rate for those diagnosed with a malignant tumor is 32 percent.

What causes brain tumors?

The majority of brain tumors have abnormalities of genes involved in cell cycle control, causing uncontrolled cell growth. These abnormalities are caused by alterations directly in the genes, or by chromosome rearrangements which change the function of a gene.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

The most common symptoms of a brain tumor:

• headache
• vomiting (usually in the morning)
• nausea
• personality changes
• irritability
• drowsiness
• depression
• decreased cardiac and respiratory function

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

A doctor will take a complete medical history and examine the patient and perform some diagnostic procedures:

• neurological examination - testing reflexes, muscle strength, coordination
• computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• x-ray - diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• bone scan - pictures or x-rays taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. These are used to detect tumors and bone abnormalities.
• arteriogram (Also called an angiogram.) - x-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.
• myelogram - a procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on x-rays.
• spinal tap (Also called a lumbar puncture.) - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

There are many different types of brain tumors. They are usually categorized by the type of cell where the tumor begins, or they are also categorized by the area of the brain where they occur.