Brain Cancer Causes

The Basics

Brain cancer manifests itself in the form of tumors. There are two types of brain cancer: metastatic brain cancer--which begins somewhere else in the body and then travels to the brain--and primary brain cancer, the form of brain cancer that starts directly in the brain. There are many symptoms for brain cancer, including a numbing sensation in the arms and legs; headaches; nausea; and changes in the way you speak and process information.

Vinyl Chloride

Exposure to a chemical called vinyl chloride is the only known environment-based cause of brain cancer. Vinyl chloride is known to be a cancer-causing agent that's found in certain products made of plastic. These can include plastic car parts, household items and certain types of wires. People who live near certain manufacturing plants that are known to release vinyl chloride into the air have a statistically higher risk of developing brain cancer.

Genetics

The only other known cause of brain cancer is a certain type of genetic mutation. People who lack genes known as tumor-suppressing genes have a higher risk of developing brain cancer. These genes block the development of malignant cancer cells, and without their presence the cells can grow unchecked and often become tumors.

References

• Brain Cancer Causes