Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is not a rare disease. It is definitely one that needs to be monitored closely.Because the brain is so sensitive, brain tumors, even very small ones, cause many symptoms. These include headaches (due the extra pressure in the skull), vomiting, changes in speech and vision, trouble walking and thinking, seizures, and muscle twitches. Further, changes in personality and memory are also possible. Since a brain cancer patient may have a seizure, it is important that family members and close friends educate themselves on seizure preparedness and first aid. The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown. However, potential causes may include exposure to head radiation or chemicals. There is also a slight chance that heredity may play a role. Brain cancer usually does not spread beyond the brain and spine. CAT scans and MRI scans are used for diagnosis, and it can be treated by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, as well as other therapies. Not all tumors can be surgically removed because of the sensitive nature of the brain. Removing some types of tumors may result it brain damage or deficiencies. Therefore, sometimes only part of a tumor is removed, and sometimes surgery is not an option at all. Many different types of brain cancer exist. They are classified according to the cells in which the cancer first develops. The most common types of brain cancer are gliomas; they start in the glial cells. The most common gliomas in adults include glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytoma. The most common gliomas children include brainstem glioma.