Brain Tumer

Brain Tumer
Information:
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that is growing in or around the brain. It develops when abnormal cells multiply for unknown reasons. Benign and malignant are terms used to describe brain tumors. Benign brain tumors are usually slow growing and have distinct borders and a normal appearance under a microscope. Malignant tumors are considered brain cancer. They tend to invade healthy areas of the brain and may grow rapidly. A benign tumor may be considered malignant if it is located in a critical area of the brain or its size is life-threatening.

Causes:
Brain tumors are usually caused by a change in genetic structure, such as mutated or missing genes. This results in abnormal cells. If abnormal cells have malignant potential, they will form a tumor when they multiply.

Changes in genetic structure may be inherited, caused by the environment, or both. Overall, a low percentage (5%) of primary brain tumors are associated with inherited genes alone. However, certain types of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme, are often associated with inherited genes.

High-dose ionizing radiation, used to treat brain tumors, may on rare occasions be associated with the production of secondary brain tumors. This most often occurs from radiation treatments that are given over time. People exposed to certain chemicals, such as petrochemicals, pesticides and formaldehyde, appear to be at higher risk of developing a malignant brain tumor than those who are not exposed. In laboratory experiments, some viruses caused brain tumors in animals. It is unknown whether viruses can cause brain tumors in humans. While the general public believes that electromagnetic fields may be connected to brain tumors, there is no research showing such a relationship.


Symptoms:
Headaches
Headaches are a common initial symptom. Typical "brain tumor headaches" are often described as worse in the morning, with improvement gradually during the day. They may rouse the person from sleep. Sometimes, upon awakening, the person vomits then feels better. These headaches may worsen with coughing, exercise, or with a change in position such as bending or kneeling. They also do not typically respond to the usual headache remedies.

There are many causes, and types, of headaches. If you are experiencing headaches, we encourage to talk to your doctor. He or she is best able to listen to your concerns, outline your medical and headache history, and determine the next "best step" in your care. .

Seizures
About one-third of people diagnosed with a brain tumor are not aware they have a tumor until they have a seizure. Seizures are a common symptom of a brain tumor. Seizures are caused by a disruption in the normal flow of electricity in the brain. Those sudden bursts of electricity may cause convulsions, unusual sensations, and loss of consciousness. Focal seizures -- such as muscle twitching or jerking of an arm or leg, abnormal smells or tastes, problems with speech or numbness and tingling -- may also occur.

Mental and/or Personality Changes
These can range from problems with memory (especially short-term memory), speech, communication and/or concentration changes to severe intellectual problems and confusion. Changes in behavior, temperament and personality may also occur, depending where the tumor is located. These changes can be caused by the tumor itself, by increased pressure within the skull caused by the presence of the tumor, or by involvement of the parts of the brain that control personality.


Dignosis:
Computerized Tomography (CT): Computerized tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan is a series of detailed pictures of the brain, created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine. In some cases, a special dye is injected into a vein before the scan. The dye helps to show differences in the tissues of the brain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) provides pictures of the brain, using a powerful magnet linked to a computer. MRI is especially useful in diagnosing brain tumors because it can "see" through the bones of the skull to the tissue underneath. A special dye may be used to enhance the likelihood of detecting a brain tumor.

Secondary Tests:
Angiogram or Arteriogram: These tests are a series of X-rays taken after a special dye is injected into an artery, usually in the area where the abdomen joins the top of the leg. The dye, which flows through the blood vessels of the brain, can be seen on X-rays. These X-rays can show the tumor and connecting blood vessels.

Brain Scan: A brain scan reveals areas of abnormal growth in the brain and records them on special film. A small amount of a radioactive material is injected into a vein. This dye is absorbed by the tumor and the growth shows up on the film. The radiation leaves the body within 6 hours and is not dangerous.

Myelogram: A myelogram, sometimes called a lumbosacral spine X-ray , is an X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan of the spine. A special dye is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spine and the patient is tilted to allow the dye to mix with the fluid. This test may be done when the doctor suspects a tumor in the spinal cord.
MR Spectroscopy: