What is brain cancer?

Brain cancer is an overgrowth of cells in your brain that forms masses called tumors. Tumors composed of cancer cells are called malignant tumors, and those composed of mainly noncancerous cells are called benign tumors. Cancer cells that develop from brain tissue are called primary brain tumors while tumors that spread from other body sites to the brain are termed metastatic or secondary brain tumors. 

What are the different types on brain tumor?

• Primary brain tumors

Primary brain tumors originate in your brain. They can develop from your:

~brain cells

~the membranes that surround your brain, which are called meninges

~nerve cells

~glands

Primary tumors can be benign or cancerous. In adults, the most common types of brain tumors are gliomas and meningiomas.

• Gliomas

Gliomas are tumors that develop from glial cells. These cells normally:

~ support the structure of your central nervous system

~ provide nutrition to your central nervous system

~ clean cellular waste

~ break down dead neurons

Gliomas can develop from different types of glial cells.

The types of tumors that begin in glial cells are:

astrocytic tumors such as astrocytomas, which originate in the cerebrum

oligodendroglial tumors, which are often found in the frontal temporal lobes

glioblastomas, which originate in the supportive brain tissue and are the most aggressive type

Other primary brain tumors

Other primary brain tumors include:

• pituitary tumors, which are usually benign

• pineal gland tumors, which can be benign or malignant

• ependymomas, which are usually benign

• craniopharyngiomas, which occur mostly in children and are benign but can have clinical symptoms like changes in vision and premature puberty

• primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas, which are malignant

• primary germ cell tumors of the brain, which can be benign or malignant

• meningiomas, which originate in the meninges

• schwannomas, which originate in cells that produce the protective cover of your nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells

• Most meningiomas and schwannomas occur in people between the ages of 40 and 70. Meningiomas are more common in women than men. Schwannomas occur equally in both men and women. These tumors are usually benign, but they can cause complications because of their size and location. Cancerous meningiomas and schwannomas are rare but can be very aggressive.

• Secondary brain tumors

Secondary brain tumors make up the majority of brain cancers. They start in one part of the body and spread, or metastasize, to the brain. The following can metastasize to the brain:

lung cancer

breast cancer

kidney cancer

skin cancer

Secondary brain tumors are always malignant. Benign tumors don’t spread from one part of your body to another.

What are the symptoms of brain cancer?

The symptoms of brain cancer depend on the size and location of the tumor.

Common brain cancer symptoms include:

• headaches that are usually worse in the morning

• nausea

• vomiting

• a lack of coordination

• a lack of balance

• difficulty walking

• memory lapses

• difficulty thinking

• speech problems

• vision problems

• personality changes

• abnormal eye movements

• muscle jerking

• muscle twitching

• unexplained passing out, or syncope

• drowsiness

• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• seizures

Causes and risk factors for brain cancer

The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown. However, factors that can increase your risk of brain cancer include;

• exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation and a family history of brain cancer.

• Cancer in another part of your body is also a risk factor for developing a tumor in the brain, though these aren’t called brain cancer. They are cancers that have spread to the brain.

Other factors that might be related to developing brain cancer include:

~ increased age

~ long-term smoking

~ exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer

~ working with elements that can cause cancer, such as lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and some textiles

~ having an Epstein-Barr virus infection, or mononucleosis

Treatment options

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Natural treatment for brain cancer