Brain Cancer

A brain tumor forms when abnormal cells grow in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can either be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Primary brain tumors, mostly found in children, begin in the brain. Secondary tumors, or commonly referred to as metastatic cancer that has spread from another cancer in the body such as from the lungs, breast, or other parts of the body are mostly found in adults.

Symptoms

Brain cancer symptoms may include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Changes or problems in speech, vision, or hearing.
• Difficulty balancing or walking.
• Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate.
• Problems with memory.
• Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures).
• Loss of sensation or movement in the arms or legs.

If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a MemorialCare Physician partner.

Causes & Prevention

The causes of primary brain tumors and the ways to prevent them are unknown. Secondary brain tumors (metastatic tumors) are caused by cancer from other parts of the body spreading to the brain.

Risk Factors

You are at a greater risk for brain cancer if you:

• Are Caucasian.
• Are male.
• Are over the age of 70 years or under the age of eight.
• Have a family history of gliomas or brain tumors.
• Are exposed to radiation or to chemicals.

Diagnosis

After a physical exam and neurological exam, diagnostic images are taken by a CT scan or MRI. A biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine the brain tissue under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. If the brain tumor is thought to be a secondary tumor, additional exams and tests will be taken of other parts of the body to detect signs of a primary cancer.

Staging

If cancer is diagnosed, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatments

MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.

• Radiation Therapy
• CyberKnife – Radiosurgery
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) – Radiosurgery
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Permanent Seed Implants – Brachytherapy
• Chemotherapy Therapy