Primary brain tumors are tumors that originate from intracranial structures, such as the brain parenchyma or tissue, meninges or covering of the brain and the cranial nerves. Secondary brain tumors originate from elsewhere in the body and metastasize to the brain. Both represent the most common types of brain tumors.
There are more than 120 different types of brain tumors, which are often assigned different grades, ranging from a Grade I (least malignant) to Grade IV (most malignant). (The Brain Tumor Society)
Causes
Types of Brain Tumors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Other Resources
Causes of Brain Tumors
The causes of brain tumors are unknown and can occur at any age.
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop a brain tumor. The following risk factors are associated with an increased chance of developing a primary brain tumor:
- Gender: In general, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, one type of tumor, meningiomas are more common in females.
- Race: Brain tumors occur more often among caucasian people than among people of other races.
- Age: Most brain tumors are detected in people who are 70 years old or older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. Brain tumors are more common in children younger than 8 years old than in older children
- Family history: People with family members who have gliomas may be more likely to develop this disease.
Other risk factors include the environment, second hand smoke exposure, pathologists, as well as individuals who are embalmers who work with formaldehyde. These professions tend to have an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Scientists have not found an increased risk of brain cancer among other types of workers exposed to formaldehyde. Scientists are also investigating whether cell phones may cause brain tumors. Studies thus far have not substantiated an increased risk among people who use cell phones.
Types of Brain Tumors
Gliomas account for over 80 percent of primary brain tumors and are believed to be derived from glial cells. Within the brain, gliomas usually occur in the cerebral hemispheres but may also strike other areas, especially the optic nerve, the brain stem and, particularly among children, the cerebellum. Gliomas are classified into several groups because there are different kinds of glial cells.
The meningioma is a common brain tumor that originates from the meninges, the thin membranes or lining that cover the brain and spinal cord. Although the tumor forms in the meninges, it also may extend into the substance of the brain. Meningiomas account for about 15% of all brain tumors and about 25% of all primary spinal cord tumors.
Embryonal tumors arise from embryonic tissue and are named based on the location and type of tissue.
Diagnosis
Brain tumors cannot be seen or felt through the scalp and skull. In order for the diagnosis of a brain tumor to be made, a neurological assessment must be done by the physician to identify if there are any neurological deficits the patient may have, such as weakness of an arm or leg, or mental confusion. A CT scan or MRI determines the location of the tumor. An arteriogram may also be done to look at the vessels supplying the tumor with blood. A Positron Emission Topography, or PET scan, can provide a picture of brain activity, rather than structure, by measuring levels of injected glucose (sugar) labeled with a radioactive tracer. Different degrees of brightness and color represent different types of tissue or organ function. A PET scan is not regularly used for diagnosing tumors, but is used with other scans to determine the grade of the tumor or distinguish between necrosis and scar tissue.
Brain tumors may have a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to stroke. The following symptoms immediately raise the question of a brain tumor.
- A new seizure in an adult.
- Gradual loss of movement or sensation in an arm or leg.
- Unsteadiness or imbalance, especially if it is associated with headache.
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes, especially if it is more peripheral vision loss.
- An eating disorder as a child.
- Double vision, especially if it is associated with headache.
- Hearing loss with or without dizziness.
- Speech difficulty of gradual onset.
The following symptoms are usually not the result of a brain tumor, but may sometimes be associated:
- Headache
- Change in behavior
- Infertility or amenorrhea (abnormal cessation of menstruation).
Treatment
People with brain tumors have several treatment options. Depending on the tumor type and stage, patients may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy and some patients may receive a combination of treatments.
The newest treatment of tumors at the Brain and Spine center is CyberKnife ©, which is a stereotactic radio surgery system that uses a robotic arm and very high doses of radiation aimed directly at the tumor.
This is used in certain types of tumors, including many previously believed to be inoperable. Treatment usually lasts one to two hours and patients return home on the same day.
Brain Tumor Web Resources
CyberKnife
The only stereotactic Radio Surgery System designed to treat tumors and lesions throughout the body with a controlled robotic arm. Advanced image guidance technology tracks patient and target position during treatment, ensuring accuracy without the use of an invasive head frame.
American Brain Tumor Association
The American Brain Tumor Association exists to eliminate brain tumors and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. Brain tumor information, treatment explanations, support resources, and research updates are available here.
National Brain Tumor Foundation
Whether you are looking for printed information about treatments or tumor types, connecting with other patients and caregivers, or a place to find out about additional resources, the National Brain Tumor Foundation has the information you need.
The Brain Tumor Society
The Brain Tumor Society is committed to a cure through research, education and support. The Brain Tumor Society provides resources for patients, survivors, family, friends and professionals.
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