A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine that keeps the brain functioning properly. Doctors refer to the problem based on where the tumor cells come from and whether they are cancerous, malignant, non-cancerous, or benign.
Malignant - The malignant type contains cancer cells and often has no clear boundaries. They are considered life-threatening because they grow and invade the surrounding brain tissue.
The tumor may spread to other parts of the brain or spine.
Metastatic - the secondary type starts in a part of the body and then spreads to the brain.
When a brain tumor is suspected, several tests may be performed to help the doctor reach a brain tumor diagnosis. These tests can also help the doctor determine what kind of tumor it is.
Some of the tests are done to first diagnose a tumor and are later used to monitor progression – to see if the tumor has disappeared, is noticeable, stays the
Doctors, nurses, and other professionals who perform these tests can provide answers, information, and reassurance to make a person feel better.
• Headaches
• Numbness in arms and legs
• Memory problems
• Problems with balance and walking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Change in speech, vision, or hearing
A brain tumor is classified as a grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 types of tumor
Grade 1 – Benign, slow-growing tumors that look like normal brain cells.
Stage 2 – Malignant tumors that look less normal than stage 1 tumors.
Grade 3 – They grow and look abnormal.
Grade 4 – Malignant tumors with abnormal-looking cells that are growing and spreading.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the type, the doctor starts by asking about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. He will then perform a physical examination, including a neurological examination.
• Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to show detailed images of the brain.
• Angiogram, which involves using a dye and X-ray of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a given type of abnormal blood vessel.
• The doctor may also request a biopsy to determine if the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is taken from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor with a needle inserted through a small drilled hole.
Surgery to remove a brain tumor is the first option once a brain tumor is diagnosed. In these cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both options for killing and shrinking the tumor.
Because cancer treatment can also damage healthy tissue, it's important to discuss the potential side effects and long-term effects of any treatment with your doctor. Rehabilitation could involve working with various therapies
• Physiotherapist to regain strength and balance
• A speech therapist solves the problem by speaking, expressing thoughts
• An occupational therapist to help manage daily activities such as bathing and dressing wounds.
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