Interesting Facts About Brain Cancer

There are 120 different sub-classifications of brain cancer, all of which are treatable if caught early, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. There are two main types of brain tumors: metastatic brain tumors and primary brain tumors. Primary brain tumors begin in the brain and usually stay within the brain. Metastatic brain tumors form when cancer from other parts of the body metastasizes, or migrates, to the brain.

Prevalence

In the U.S., there are 359,000 people living with a primary brain cancer, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. In 2008, approximately 52,200 new cases of brain cancer were diagnosed. The average 5-year survival rate for brain cancer is 33.3%.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for brain cancer include older age, radiation exposure, chemical exposure, family history, and race, according to the Mayo Clinic. Brain cancer occurs more frequently among whites than among other races, and most brain cancer sufferers are over the age of 45. Brain cancer caused by radiation usually develops 10 to 15 years after an individual has been exposed to radiation. Other risk factors for brain cancer include being exposed to vinyl chloride, petroleum products, aspartame, and to electromagnetic fields. Research on these other risk factors is still being conducted and scientists are not in complete agreement on how much of an effect these other risk factors have on the development of brain cancer.

Symptoms

One of the most typical symptoms of brain cancer is headaches, which are usually worst in the morning and get better throughout the day. Approximately 33% of people with brain cancer are not aware of their cancer until they have a seizure. Another symptom of brain cancer includes mental or personality changes. This can include memory problems, confusion or overall changes to personality, depending on where a brain tumor is located.

Tests

If you have symptoms of brain cancer, your doctor will run a series of tests to determine whether or not you have a tumor. According to the Mayo Clinic, neurological exams are often done that test your eyesight, hearing, balance, reflexes and coordination. If you're having difficulty with the exams it could be because of a brain tumor. Imaging tests such as MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) are often used to diagnose brain cancer as well.

Treatment

According to the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Institute, treatments for brain cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation treatment uses high energy X-rays that either stop cancer cells from growing or kill them entirely. Two types of radiation therapy exist: external radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. External radiation therapy involves taking chemotherapy drugs by mouth or through a vein. Internal radiation therapy involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the spinal column. Chemotherapy has devastating side effects such as hair loss, but is sometimes necessary for the survival of the patient.

References

• American Brain Tumor Association
• Mayo Clinic
• A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research

Resources

• Mayo Clinic - Brain Tumor Tests
• eMed TV - Brain Cancer Survival