What is cancer of the brain?

Cancer of the brain is a malignant growth in or on your brain. Cancers that start in the brain are called primary brain cancers. One or two of every 100 cancers are primary brain cancers. They occur most often around age 50 in adults and are also seen in children. They occur more often in men than in women, and more in whites than blacks.

Cancers that start in another part of the body and spread to the brain are called secondary brain cancers or metastatic brain cancer.

Brain cancers are always serious because as they grow they press on and destroy brain tissue.

How does it occur?

The cause of primary brain cancer is not known. Secondary brain cancers are seeded most often from cancers that start in the lung, breast, and digestive system.

What are the symptoms?

Increased pressure within the skull causes:

• headache

• vomiting

• vision problems

• drowsiness.

Depending on where the tumor is in the brain, it also may cause:

• muscle weakness

• loss of balance

• loss of feeling, speech, hearing, sight, or smell

• seizures.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and order special tests to show the size, shape, and location of the tumor within your brain. Tests may include x-ray, CT scan (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and angiography (a test that shows the blood flow to your brain). Other tests involve injecting air into the spaces in your brain and using sound waves.

A biopsy may be done to confirm that the tumor is cancer and to find out what type of cells are involved. To do a biopsy, a surgeon will remove a small sample of tumor tissue from your brain. The tissue will then be examined under a microscope.

How is it treated?

If possible, surgery is done to remove brain tumors. Radiation therapy and anticancer drugs may be used with or instead of surgery, depending on the type and location of the tumor.

How can I take care of myself?

• Tell your doctor about headaches, vision problems, or any other symptoms that have started recently or are getting worse.

• Discuss your cancer treatment options with your doctor so you understand them.

• Tell your doctor if your treatment causes discomfort. Relief may be available.

• Take care of your general health. Eat a variety of healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough rest.