Brain Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Brain cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the brain, forming tumors. Depending on their type, these tumors can be either slow or fast-growing. The main goal of brain cancer treatment is to eliminate the tumor and destroy any remaining cancer cells. Recent advancements in therapy have significantly improved survival rates, especially for patients with slow-growing tumors.

Primary brain cancer originates in the brain, where excessive cell growth causes tumor formation. In contrast, cancer that spreads to the brain from another part of the body is known as secondary or metastatic brain cancer. Some malignant brain tumors grow quickly and can disrupt vital body functions. Because brain tumors can become life-threatening, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial.

Types

Researchers have identified over 150 types of brain cancers. Primary brain cancers are classified as glial (from glial cells) or non-glial (from brain structures like nerves or blood vessels) and as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some tumors also form in the spinal cord.

Common Benign Tumors

• Chordomas: Slow-growing, found at the skull base or spine.
• Craniopharyngiomas: Near the pituitary gland; hard to remove.
• Gangliocytomas/Gangliomas: Rare, arise in nerve cells.
• Glomus jugulare: Located near the top of the jugular vein.
• Meningiomas: Most common, grow in the brain linings; usually benign.
• Pineocytomas: Slow-growing, in the pineal gland.
• Pituitary adenomas: In the pituitary gland, they may affect hormones.
• Schwannomas: From Schwann cells; acoustic neuromas affect hearing.

Common Malignant Tumors

About 78% of cancerous brain tumors are gliomas, including:

• Astrocytomas: Form in astrocytes, often in the cerebrum.
• Ependymomas: Near the brain ventricles.
• Glioblastomas (GBMs): Fastest-growing, most aggressive.
• Oligodendrogliomas: Rare, start in myelin-producing cells.

One serious type of brain tumor is medulloblastoma. It grows rapidly at the base of the skull and is most commonly found in children.

Stages

Brain cancer is categorized into four grades as follows:

• Grade 1: These tumors grow slowly, are usually benign, and can often be removed successfully through surgery.
• Grade 2: These tumors grow moderately and may begin to spread into nearby brain tissue.
• Grade 3: These malignant tumors grow quickly and are more likely to invade surrounding areas.
• Grade 4: These tumors are the most severe and fast-growing, with glioblastoma being a common example.

Symptoms

Brain cancer symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location. However, in its early stages, brain cancer exhibits many of the same symptoms as several less dangerous diseases. Many of these symptoms are quite common and usually not linked to brain cancer. It’s best to consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week, start abruptly, resist over-the-counter medicines, or feel unusual.

Warning Signs!

• Morning headaches that are typically worse
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lack of balance
• Coordination problems
• Difficulty walking
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulties in thinking and speaking
• Vision issues
• Inconsistent eye motions
• Jerks or twitching of the muscles
• Inexplicable fainting
• Drowsiness
• Tingling sensations or loss of feeling in the arms and legs
• Seizures

Causes and Risk Factors

It is unclear what explicitly causes primary brain cancer. Studies have found a connection between excessive ionizing radiation exposure and a greater likelihood of brain cancer. Common sources of ionizing radiation include radiation therapy, repeated imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays, and certain workplace exposures.

Other factors that may raise the risk of developing brain cancer include:

• Age
• A family history of brain cancer
• Smoking for a long time
• Using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Exposure to substances such as lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and certain fabrics may increase cancer risk

Certain cancers are more likely than others to spread to the brain, causing secondary brain cancer.

The following cancers frequently metastasize or spread to the brain:

• Lung disease
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Melanoma is a form of skin cancer

Diagnosis

Your doctor may carry out one of the following procedures to determine whether you have symptoms of a brain tumor:

A brain biopsy is a surgery where a small piece of the tumor is taken out for diagnostic testing. It helps determine whether the tumor is malignant. A neurological examination may also be done to check if the tumor is affecting brain function. Imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, are used to locate the tumor. A lumbar puncture may also be done to collect a small sample of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.

A neurological examination, which includes searching for abnormalities in your:

• Coordination and balance
• Mental condition.
• Hearing
• Vision
• Reflexes

These changes may show which part of your brain the tumor is affecting. If your doctor suspects a brain tumor, the next step is usually a brain scan, most often an MRI.

Treatment

• Surgery: Brain surgery is the most common treatment for brain tumors. Depending on the tumor’s position, it might be possible to remove it wholly, partially, or not.
• Chemotherapy: These medications can reduce your tumor and kill brain cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously.
• Radiation treatment: This procedure uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells and tumor tissue that cannot be surgically removed.
• Combination treatment: Combination therapy is the simultaneous administration of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Other medicines: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and side effects caused by the brain tumor or its treatments.
• In advanced brain cancer cases that do not respond to standard treatment, clinical trial medicines or experimental drugs may be used. These are medications that are still being tested. For instance, brain cancer clinical trials may include immunotherapy or CAR T-cell therapy.
• Rehabilitation: If cancer or its treatment affects your ability to speak, walk, or carry out daily activities, rehabilitation sessions may be necessary. Rehabilitation often involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other supportive treatments to help you regain everyday skills.

Preventive Measures

Brain cancer cannot be completely prevented, but you can reduce the risk by steering clear of:

• Pesticide and insecticide exposure
• Exposure to cancer-causing substances
• Smoking results in unnecessary radiation exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions