Brain tumor
- Article
- 2021-01-30
Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue in the skull or bony spine. The brain and spinal cord are the main components of the central nervous system (CNS). Benign tumors are non-cancerous and malignant tumors are cancerous. The CNS is housed in rigid, bony quarters (ie the skull and spine), so any abnormal growth, whether benign or malignant, can put pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors. Most primary tumors are caused by uncontrolled growth between cells surrounding and supporting neurons, specific genetic diseases (such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis), or exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. Metastatic or secondary tumors in the CNS are caused by cancer cells that separate from a primary tumor in another part of the body. Tumors can put pressure on sensitive tissues and reduce function. Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, poor vision or hearing, behavioral changes, slurred thinking, and unsteadiness. Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis. Diagnosis is made after a neurological exam, special imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography), laboratory tests and a biopsy (where a tissue sample is taken from a suspected tumor and examined). Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, poor vision or hearing, behavioral changes, slurred thinking, and unsteadiness. Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis. Diagnosis is made after a neurological exam, special imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography), laboratory tests and a biopsy (where a tissue sample is taken from a suspected tumor and examined). Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, poor vision or hearing, behavioral changes, slurred thinking, and unsteadiness. Spinal cord tumor symptoms include pain, numbness, and paralysis. Diagnosis is made after a neurological exam, special imaging techniques (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography), laboratory tests and a biopsy (where a tissue sample is taken from a suspected tumor and examined).
Therapy
The three most commonly used treatments are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Doctors can also prescribe steroids to reduce the tumor-related swelling in the CNS.
Prognosis
Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless treated. The tumor can be classified as benign or malignant and is given a numbered score indicating the degree of malignancy. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome or prognosis for the individual.
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