Definition of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the brain. This type of cancer is often referred to as a tumor. However, some brain tumors are not malignant or cancerous. Brain cancer can develop in the brain or in another organ and spread to the brain. Like most cancers, early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery. Thus, it's vital to recognize the symptoms of brain cancer and seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

There are numerous symptoms of brain cancer, and people sometimes attribute early symptoms to a less serious condition. The most common early symptom of brain cancer is a headache, which may begin as a dull ache that gradually intensifies. As the illness becomes more severe, typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, speech problems, vision problems, loss of movement and seizures.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing brain cancer. These include having a family history of brain cancer. Additionally, constant exposure to certain chemicals can increase your risk. Radiation therapy is associated with certain types of cancers such as brain cancer; and this typically affects individuals who've been previously treated for other types of cancers. Other risk factors include race (brain cancer is more common in whites), and being older than 45.

Diagnosing

A variety of diagnostic tests are necessary to properly diagnose brain cancer. Your doctor may request a neurological test to assess your vision, hearing and balance, which can indicate brain cancer. MRI's, a type of imaging test , are widely used to detect tumors in the brain. If this test reveals a tumor, doctors will remove a piece of brain tissue and biopsy the sample.

Treatment

There are three primary treatment options available to individuals living with brain cancer. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you doctor may opt to surgically remove the tumor. In some instances, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is necessary to shrink the tumor before surgical removal. Chemotherapy uses high doses of medication to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Likewise, radiation destroys and shrinks cancerous cells. However, this treatment method uses high-energy beams to externally treat the illness.

Prevention/Solution

There are no surefire ways to prevent brain cancer. However, you can decrease your risk by being proactive about your health. Know your risk. In other words, if you have a family history of brain tumors or other types of cancers, immediately report unusual symptoms and schedule annual physicals and screenings. Also, quit smoking, adopt healthy eating habits and begin a regular exercise routine to maintain a healthy weight.