Brain Tumor Facts – Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatments
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or spinal canal. Around 35,000 people per year of all ages and backgrounds develop brain tumors in the United States. It is the most common type of solid tumor in children. Although it is always serious, a brain tumor is not always fatal.
It is always serious because the brain cavity is small and tumors grow. However, some types of brain tumor can be successfully removed. It depends on size, growth, location and whether it’s a malignant or benign brain tumor.
What Causes Brain Tumors?
The exact causes of a brain tumor are unknown. There is an abnormal growth that grows and multiplies too quickly. Researchers are now looking into potential genetic and environmental causes. They are also considering the possibility that it might have a viral cause. Research continues and it may still be many years before the exact causes of a brain tumor can be discovered.
Brain Tumor Risk Factors
A look at the statistics shows that certain people are more at risk than others. Most people who develop a brain tumor are white males. Although they can strike any age, most of them occur in people over the age of 70. It also appears to be something that runs in families. Many experts believe that exposure to radiation or toxins can also increase the risk.
Symptoms Of Brain Tumors
Each brain tumor is unique and has its own symptoms. What makes it even more difficult to diagnose is the fact that many of the common symptoms mimic those of other diseases. A common symptom is having headaches in the morning accompanied by vomiting. Often, after vomiting you will feel better.
Trouble with balance, coordination and walking straight could also be indicators. Many people who suffer from brain tumors experience changes in speech, vision or hearing, and another symptom is sluggishness or drowsiness. In some severe cases, there may be seizures.
The Symptoms Of Brain Tumor Explained
Do you know how to recognize the symptoms of brain tumor? Brain tumors are caused by brain cancer. They are always serious but not always fatal. Since the success of treatment depends on early detection, you should understand the symptoms of brain tumor. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor immediately. Here are the most common symptoms of brain tumor.
Morning Headaches And Vomiting
The most common of all symptoms of brain tumor is headaches. These usually occur in the mornings and you might have one daily. By afternoon they start to feel better. Of course, a morning headache could be the symptom of any number of problems; but this headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting is one of the sure signs. Often, after vomiting, people feel better and the headache goes away.
Balance And Coordination Problems
Other symptoms of brain tumor include problems with coordination. You may feel off balance sometimes and it might be difficult to walk straight. If you have trouble doing things you ordinarily do, this could be an indication, especially if you have other symptoms of brain tumor as well.
Cognitive Problems
You may also have problems with your thinking. These most often occur in speech, vision and hearing. As a tumor grows, it begins to affect various areas of the brain. For this reason, there may be a number of different disturbances. Some patients also feel fatigue or sluggishness. In serious cases of advanced brain cancer, you might have seizures.
What To Do
If you experience any of the symptoms of brain tumor, you should see a specialist immediately. They can perform tests to see if there is any abnormal growth in your brain. These tests might include x-rays and brain scanning methods such as MRI or CT scan.
Treating A Brain Tumor
Doctors will assess which type of brain tumor you’re suffering from in order to determine the best course of action. Primary tumors are those that start in the brain and grow there. They can usually be removed through surgery without the regrowth starting again. A majority of brain cancer cases are of secondary tumors. These are also called “metastatic” tumors. These start in one part of the body and travel from there to the brain. Secondary tumors are much more difficult to treat than primary, and they have a higher chance of recurring at a later time.
Brain cancer is a serious illness but it is treatable. If you notice any of the symptoms of brain tumor, talk to your doctor immediately. Of all the symptoms of brain tumor, morning headaches accompanied by vomiting are the most common. There is no time to waste when it comes to brain cancer, to see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you believe you might be suffering from a brain tumor, you should consult your doctor immediately. Early treatment greatly increases your chances of success. When you visit your doctor, they will ask detailed questions about your medical history and perform tests. These tests will usually include a physical examination as well as more complex exams such as CT scans, MRIs and neurological tests.
Treating a brain tumor requires surgery. If the tumor is benign, there is a good chance that it can be removed successfully and you will never experience brain tumor symptoms again. A brain tumor is always serious but it is not always fatal. If you’re not sure but you suspect that your symptoms could be caused by a brain tumor, see your doctor immediately.
