Brain tumors are abnormal tissue growths in the skull.
There are many types of brain tumors, however they generally fit
into three categories: benign, malignant, and metastatic.
Benign and malignant brain tumors can be primary tumors. A
metastatic tumor is a malignant brain tumor caused by the spread of
cancer cells from another part of the body.
Benign Tumors
A noncancerous tumor is evaluated to determine whether it is
close to vital structures such as blood vessels, nerves or the
brain stem. Tumors near vital structures may be partially or
completely removed surgically or treated with a combination of
surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, or chemotherapy.
Tumors that are not located near vital structures and that are in a
surgically inaccessible location are typically removed
surgically. Benign tumors that are slow-growing, difficult to
access surgically, or not causing major symptoms may be left
untreated and observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or
computed tomography (CT).
Malignant Tumors
When deciding on treatment for a malignant it first is important
to determine whether the tumor is a primary or metastatic
tumor. The tumor type, size, and location are important in
planning the optimal treatment. If the tumor is near vital
structures or difficult to access surgically, alternate treatment
therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be
considered. Malignant tumors may be partially or completely
removed surgically. Often, chemotherapy or radiation therapy
is performed in conjunction with surgery to ensure that the
remaining tumor cells do not re-grow or to slow the growth
rate.
Metastatic Tumors
The most common original sources (primary sites) of metastatic
brain tumors are the lung, breast, kidney, colon and metastatic
melanoma. These tumors may cause symptoms before the primary
site is diagnosed. If a tumor is metastatic and the primary
source is unknown, extensive testing is performed to determine the
location of the primary cancer and other possible metastases.
Symptoms
The type and severity of symptoms depends on the tumor size,
type and location. Other factors that influence symptoms
include the patient's age, health, emotional status, medications
and previous and current treatment. Common symptoms
include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Vision problems
- Difficulty with memory or an inability to understand spoken
or written communication
- Decreased level of consciousness
