A brain tumor occurs when cells within the brain divide and multiply uncontrollably causing a mass called tumor to form. A brain tumor can either be benign (non-cancerous) or it can be malignant (cancerous). Brain tumors can be formed within the actual brain structure, in the brain cavities, and in other parts of the central nervous system, such as the spinal column. Brain tumors may also develop from cancer in other organs within a person, which have spread through other parts of the body, usually through the bloodstream.

Statistics of Brain Cancer

In the United States, about 43,000 cases of brain tumors were reported, according to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States. Brain tumors make up about 1.4 percent of all cancers that are reported in the U.S. and are responsible for 2.4 percent of all deaths related to cancer. There are about 13,000 deaths related to brain cancer every year in the United States.

Symptoms

No matter what type of brain tumor someone has or what factors caused the brain tumor, there are always common signs that are characteristic of all types of brain tumors. The reason why functions of the brain are impaired in the presence of a brain tumor is because the tumor may pinch nerves and brain matter due to the space that it occupies in the cranial cavity. The functions of those areas are then hindered and no longer work properly without treatment.

Symptoms of brain tumors generally depend on which stage of growth the tumor is in and how large the actual tumor is. There are also both fast-growing and slow-growing tumors. A slow-growing tumor will show symptoms much later than fast-growing tumors. Symptoms also depend on the location of the tumor on the brain. Since the brain is a very complex structure with many different functions controlled by different areas, if the tumor is in a certain location, for example, where a person's vision is processed, he or she will experience vision impairment. While a person experiencing one or a few of these symptoms may have a completely unrelated ailment, the following are characteristic of brain tumors:

Common Symptoms:

Headaches caused by increased intracranial pressure, especially in the morning;

Nausea and/or vomiting;

Loss of coordination;

Muscle weakness;

Memory Loss;

Seizure;

Coma.

Symptoms of Specific Brain Tumors:

Change in behavior and/or personality;

Facial Paralysis (usually on one side);

Visual impairment;

Aphasia;

Ataxia;

Trouble concentrating;

Double vision.

What are the Different Types of Brain Tumors?

There are a number of different types of brain tumors that can develop in a person's brain. Some are usually benign and some are usually malignant, but all of the types can be both. Each type of tumor is caused by different factors, grow in different locations in the central nervous system, cause specific symptoms, have different physical structures, respond uniquely to treatments, have differing survival chances, and have differing chances of relapsing.

Glioblastoma Multiforme:

The most common type of brain cancer found in humans, glioblastoma multiforme is known for its aggressive nature. Glioblastoma multiforme makes up about 52 percent of all parenchymal brain tumor cases and 20 percent of intracranial tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme can also occur in dogs, so much of the research done on this type of brain tumor is performed on dogs. Unfortunately, glioblastoma multiforme has a poor prognosis, even after intense treatment regimens. Glioblastoma multiforme has common symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting (without nausea), and hemiparesis (a type of paralysis that affects only one side of the body. If the tumor continues to grow, an individual may experience memory loss, seizures, and changes in personality. Treatments for glioblastoma multiforme include surgery called open craniotomy to remove the entire or most of the tumor. Also, a patient may receive chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy, designed to kill cancer cells that were not removable through surgery and control cancer growth.

Medulloblastoma:

Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant infratentorial brain tumor which originates in the cerebellum and in the area known as the posterior fossa, the part of the brain that holds the brain stem and cerebellum. Medulloblastomas are classified as primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), due to their rapid growth rate and their ability to spread to other areas of the central nervous system in cerebrospinal fluid. Medulloblastomas are thought to occur because of a genetic defect in a person's cells. Children are very likely to be diagnosed with Medulloblastoma after repeated episodes of vomiting and morning headaches. Later, medulloblastoma will cause a child to develop balancing problems and will begin to fall over frequently. They will also experience dizziness and facial sensory disturbances. Treatment for medulloblastoma is first begun with resection to remove all or most of the tumor. After surgery is completed, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are given to kill remaining cancer cells and increase the odds of survival for many years after. This treatment gives an 80 percent survival rate five years after treatment ends. Chemotherapy is the primary weapon against medulloblastoma recurrence.

Astrocytoma:

Astrocytoma is a form of brain tumor that begins in small brain cells called astrocytes, which are important in many functions. Astrocytoma can originate in many parts of the brain and can even start in the spinal cord (astrocytes are found within the cerebrum). Astrocytoma is commonly found in adults, but can occur in people of all ages. Astrocytomas make up about 75 percent of neuroepithelial tumors. Common symptoms of astrocytoma can include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, mood changes, drowsiness, lathery, personality changes, and blackouts. If a children experiences astrocytoma, the child's head may grow due to the increased pressure the tumor puts inside the intracranial area. Some patients may also experience seizures during cases of slow-growing astrocytoma. Treatment usually involves resection of the astrocytoma tumor, usually allowing the lives of patients to be normal. The survival rate for patients after five years of surgical treatment is way up at 90 percent. Children may experience a mild for of astrocytoma called pilocytic astrocytomas. This is when a cyst forms inside a child's brain and allows a child to live normally, but may eventually progress into a anaplastic version of astrocytoma after a few years without treatment.

Meningioma:

Meningioma is considered to be the second most primary common tumor of the central nervous system. Most meningioma tumors are benign, but it is possible to be malignant in some cases. Researchers do not know the exact cause of meningioma but, many suspect that radiation therapy a person may have previously had is the main culprit. Genetic mutations may also be a reason for the development of a meningioma tumor. Meningioma tumors that are smaller than 2 centimeters do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Larger tumors however, cause focal seizures, weakness in legs, erratic motor and sensory functions, and intracranial pressure. If the meningioma tumor is discovered early, no treatment initially may be required; rather it may be put on observation for a period of time to track its progress. Many patients' tumors do not grow larger in the follow-up examination, though some tumors may grow 4 mm a year. If the tumor begins to cause symptoms, surgery will be conducted to remove all or most of the tumor.

Oligodendroglioma:

Generally, oligodendroglioma is a slow-growing tumor and is very painless. A patient may survive for many years after symptoms begin. Oligodendroglioma has a very positive prognosis because of their less aggressive nature. Oligodendroglioma tumors usually originate in the cerbral area of the brain and may spread to other areas including the temporal and occipital lobes. The first symptom a person may experience if they have an oligodendroglioma tumor is a seizure. In addition, frequent headaches may begin, and will increase in intensity in the morning hours after waking up. Furthermore, if left untreated, oligodendroglioma may lead to vision impairment, muscle weakness, difficulty thinking and memory loss. If oligodendroglioma in a person is in its very early stages, a physician may choose to take a "wait and see" approach. If a person is experiencing certain symptoms, treatments may be given based on those symptoms. Some instances may call for chemotherapy treatment to help weaken and shrink the tumor. Since oligodendroglioma has high infiltration into the brain, surgery is very difficult. If a patient does undergo surgery, only some of the tumor may be removed.

Schwannoma:

Schwannoma is a type of benign tumor that affects the myelin sheath, a material that serves as the insulating material that protects peripheral nerves. The tumors originate in what are called Shwann cells which generate the myelin sheath. Schwannoma is usually non-cancerous, though malignant schwannomas may occur. Schwannomas are thought to arise from a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis. Since schwannoma affects the acoustic nerve, symptoms of Schwannoma include ringing in the ears and eventual hearing loss if the disease is left untreated for too long. To treat schwannoma, doctors usually elect to perform surgery to remove part of the tumor, along with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both. Generally, if the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, the chances of a successful treatment plan is lowered a great deal.

Craniopharyngioma:

This is a type of brain tumor with qualities of a cyst that originates in the pituitary gland tissue and usually occurs in children. Adults, during the ages of their 50s and 60s are also susceptible to craniopharyngioma as well. Craniopharyngioma is distinguished by most physicians by its calcium deposits it forms that show up on imaging equipment. The first signs of craniopharyngioma is headaches, nausea, vomiting, failure for a child to grow normally, and eventually, it can lead to what is known as heteronymous hemianopsia, or partial loss of vision. Some men have also experienced impotence as a result of the tumor. The treatment options of craniopharyngioma, though limited, may be affective. Subfrontal or transsphenoidal excision may be necessary as far as surgery options go. This means that surgery is performed through the sphenoid bone and sphenoid sinus through the nose (the sphenoid is located just beneath the pituitary gland). Further treatment therapy is given through radiotherapy, a form of high-energy rays to destroy what is left of the tumor.

Ependymoma:

Ependymoma is a type of brain tumor that originates in the ependyma, a certain tissue that is found in the central nervous system. Adults are usually diagnosed with ependymoma on the spinal area while children usually get it in the intracranial portion of their central nervous system. Ependymoma has cells that are regular, round and oval nuclei and are usually originated in the fourth ventricle. Ependymomas are considered to be a slow-growing tumor. The symptoms for ependymoma are quite severe and unique to many other brain tumors. Initial symptoms for ependymoma include nausea, vomiting, headaches, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, temporary color blindness, muscle twitching, involuntary muscle spasms, visual obstructions in eyesight, and memory loss. These symptoms may vary however, depending on the location of the tumor. If left untreated, the tumor may cause seizures in most patients, changes in personality and cognitive impairment. Most ependymoma tumors are benign and require a relatively relaxed treatment plan, which includes radiation therapy to shrink the tumor and keep it a certain size to prevent further symptoms. There is a chance that a ependymoma tumor may not respond to radiation therapy, in which case surgery may be required to remove most or all of the tumor. For anaplastic ependymoma tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both may be required.