Brain Neoplasms

Definition

Definition of Brain Neoplasms
Brain neoplasm, commonly known as a brain tumor, is a collection of abnormal cells originating within the brain tissue. Depending on its type, a brain tumor may be benign or malignant in its composition. Treatment for this potentially serious condition is dependent on several factors, including the location of the tumor, and frequently involves the surgical excision of the growth, as well as the application of chemo and radiation therapies. Complications associated with this condition are dependent on the location of the tumor and may include seizures, chronic headaches, and impaired vision.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Brain Neoplasms
Headaches and seizures are the two most common symptoms described. The headaches usually occur in the early morning hours, sometimes waking the patient up, and worsen with coughing or sneezing. Headaches are the result of the expanding tumor within the brain pressing up against the skull.

New onset of seizures is another presenting symptom in patients with brain neoplasm. Other findings depend on the specific location of the brain tumor but can include change in behavior, difficulty with speech, memory, or concentration, and confusion.

Causes

Causes of Brain Neoplasms
There is no known cause for the abnormal cell development associated with the formation of a primary brain neoplasm. Generally, a primary neoplasm may form within the actual brain tissue or its supportive tissues, such as the meninges. Organs in the immediate area, including the pineal and pituitary glands, may also host the initial development of a primary brain neoplasm. Considered a rare condition, a primary brain tumor is generally named for its cell composition, such as Meningioma or Pineoblastoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Brain Neoplasms
Although there is no specific or singular clinical symptom or sign for any brain tumors, the presence of a combination of symptoms and the lack of corresponding clinical indications of infections or other causes can be an indicator to redirect diagnostic investigation towards the possibility of an intracranial neoplasm.

The diagnosis will often start with an interrogation of the patient to get a clear view of his medical antecedents, and his current symptoms. Clinical and laboratory investigations will serve to exclude infections as the cause of the symptoms. Examinations in this stage may include the eyes, otolaryngological (or ENT) and/or electrophysiological exams. The use of electroencephalography (EEG) often plays a role in the diagnosis of brain tumors.

Treatment

Treatment of Brain Neoplasms
Treatment depends on many factors such as the location and size of the tumor and age and coexisting medical problems of the patient. Surgical removal of primary brain tumors is the usual recommendation. Depending on the tumor type and location, this gives the best chance for a cure if the entire tumor can be removed. It is important to seek out a facility that has experience in dealing with patients with primary brain tumors. Surgery also provides the diagnosis of the type of brain cancer and relieves the pressure within the brain caused by the expanding tumor. Finally, surgery attempts to remove as much tumor as possible without interfering with vital structures that can cause permanent motor, speech, visual, or sensory losses.

Radiation is another form of treatment for primary brain tumors. Radiation therapy is performed by a radiation oncologist and is usually indicated in patients who have tumors that cannot be removed because of location, tumors that cannot be completely removed, or following surgery for any malignant brain tumor.

Chemotherapy is not commonly used in primary brain tumors, since the tumors originating from the brain are not sensitive to the currently available drugs. There are, however, many clinical investigations underway, and this option should be addressed with your physician.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Brain Neoplasms
The prognosis of brain cancer varies based on the type of cancer. Medulloblastoma has a good prognosis with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection while glioblastoma multiforme has a median survival of only 12 months even with aggressive chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Brainstem gliomas have the poorest prognosis of any form of brain cancer, with most patients dying within one year, even with therapy that typically consists of radiation to the tumor along with corticosteroids. However, one type of brainstem glioma, a focal seems open to exceptional prognosis and long-term survival has frequently been reported.

Prevention

Prevention of Brain Neoplasms
In general, there is no known way to prevent brain cancers. However, early diagnosis and treatment of tumors that tend to metastasize to the brain may reduce the risk of metastatic brain tumors. Avoiding or reducing contact with radiation (especially to the head) and avoiding toxic chemicals associated with the oil and rubber industry, embalming chemicals, and other environmental toxins may help prevent brain cancers. Avoiding HIV infection is also suggested.