All About Brain Cancer
Although brain cancer only makes up fewer than two percent of all new cancer cases, the lasting and life-altering cognitive, physical and psychological compromises from brain cancer make the disease one of particular concern for the team of oncologists at Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
Even benign tumors can cause significant changes in lives, depending on what brain regions are being affected by the tumor. Additionally, no brain regions are free from the risk of tumor progression. Many regions of the brain are difficult to directly biopsy and monitor during treatment with any area of the brain subject to any of 130 different types of brain tumors.
What Are Brain Tumors?
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, brain tumors are a mass of abnormal cells in a patient’s brain or spinal cord that grow out of control. Patients may experience different symptoms, along with disability in cognitive functions including memory loss, impaired motor skills and difficulty speaking, depending on where the tumor forms in the brain.
If not treated early enough, some brain cancers can spread to other areas of the body and other areas of the brain. How is brain cancer diagnosed? Most cases of brain cancer are diagnosed after a patient experiences so the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Problems keeping balance
- Vomiting
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Drowsiness or in extreme cases, coma
When a patient visits their regular physician with these symptoms, the doctor will need a complete medical history from the patient. He or she will mainly focus on the period when the symptoms began.
Next, the doctor may give the patient a neurological exam, which is meant to check the brain and spinal cord function. The doctor will test the patient’s reflexes, strength of muscles, vision, eye movement, coordination and balance, alertness, and more. If the patient receives abnormal results, he or she will be referred to a neurologist, and/or a Comprehensive Cancer oncologist for further examination including any of the following tests:
- Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, chest X-ray, angiogram
- Brain or spinal cord biopsy
- Lumbar puncture
- Blood and urine tests
How Comprehensive Cancer Centers Treats Brain Cancer
Treatment plans for patients with brain cancer varies by patient. Depending on the type of brain tumor, the tumor’s location, and many other factors, a patient’s cancer care team will determine the best treatment plan.
Treatment for brain tumors may include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. In addition, brain tumors can be treated with CyberKnife® Radiosurgery, a painless, non-invasive treatment alternative that requires no anesthesia and offers shorter recovery times.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is a multi-specialty practice of medical oncologists, hematologists, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, and pulmonologists treating patients with cancer, blood disorders, breast health conditions, pulmonary diseases, and sleep disorders. Our specialists are dedicated to treating our patients with the best care possible. To learn more, call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.