Brain tumors: a review of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Which is the abnormal growth of cells in the brain called the brain tumor. Probably malignant brain tumors (cancer) or benign (not cancerous).
Suspicion in the presence of brain tumors may arise from the first abnormal behavior or other symptoms. Symptoms are usually investigation with a series of tests that aim to reach a diagnosis. If the brain tumor was diagnosed, and more information about cancer cells is needed to determine the best approach to treatment. There are many types of brain tumors vary depending on the type of cells that form tumors. Also, determine the extent of the cancer helps doctors to understand the possibility that tumors will spread to other brain tissue, the feature can also be referred to as the aggressive cancer.
Here is an overview of brain cancer, including information about the following topics:
* The symptoms of brain cancer
* Test for the diagnosis of brain cancer
* Diagnosis: brain tumor. Type of malignancy, and the rope
Q benign or malignant?
S. Tumor Grade
O type of brain tumor
* Introduction of brain cancer treatment
O surgery
O Radiotherapy
Q Chemotherapy
Symptoms of brain tumors
Symptoms of brain tumors vary greatly depending on the type and location of the tumor. However, some of the most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and headaches. This is often caused by increased intracranial pressure, or high pressure in the skull, causing brain tissue pressure.
In addition to increasing pressure, and violations of the tumor and / or damage to surrounding normal tissue when they are adults. In the case of a brain tumor, it can cause poor cognitive function and symptoms associated with it. Symptoms associated with brain tumors is highly dependent on the location of the tumor is located. In various regions of the brain, called lobes, responsible for brain functions differently. For example, the memory, especially in the frontal lobes of the brain (the front of the brain, which is located just behind the forehead). Permissible for a brain tumor in the frontal lobe associated with memory loss. However, part of the brain that perform various functions, and therefore, symptoms may vary.
Key symptoms associated with parts of the brain and may include one or more of the following reasons:
Frontal lobe (located at the front, and behind the forehead)
Memory loss
Olfactory disorders *
* Loss of vision
* Behavioral, emotional and cognitive changes
* Government’s vision
Parietal lobe (near the top of my head)
* Silence
* The inability to write
* Non-recognition
Occipital lobe (the back and base of the skull)
* Loss of vision in one eye or both, and seizures
Temporal lobe (located on the side of the head, and behind the temples)
* Silence
* Seizures
The brain (located deep within the brain)
* Offended
* Difficulty speaking and swallowing
* Drowsiness
* Headache, especially in the morning
* Muscle weakness on one side of the face or body
* Loss of vision, drooping eyelid or crossed eyes
* Vomiting
Diagnostic test for brain tumors
Doctors may use several tests to diagnose brain tumors. The purpose of the diagnostic tests Leahy First, determine whether the abnormal growth of malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous), and second, if evil, to determine the type of cancer, and how they are spread widely, called the stage of disease.
The test is usually the case in the diagnosis of brain tumors include:
* Check the nerve
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
* CT scan)
* Positron emission tomography (PET)
* Biopsy
Neurology: The purpose of this study was to assess the nerve in the nervous system to determine whether there are abnormalities. Model exam to test reflexes, and sensation, and muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, coordination, and alertness.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is perhaps the most valuable test doctors use to diagnose a brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging uses powerful magnets and radio frequency waves to produce images of organs and structures. Under the influence of a strong magnet, the hydrogen atoms in the body lines like a compass needle. Furthermore, patients affected by radio waves that cause hydrogen atoms to change position for a moment. In the process of returning to the orientation under the influence of magnets, emits a short radio signal. The intensity of these radio waves reflect all types of tissue found in the area of the body. MRI system goes through the etched area of the body, point by point, and collect information about how that emits radio waves. Computer-generated images organs and structures based on these recordings to radio waves.
Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for the diagnosis of brain tumors, as it provides accurate:
* A description of the anatomy of the brain and the possibility of tumor tissue and
* Determine the extent of surrounding edema (swelling).
Brain stem is part of the brain located near the base of the skull. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best test to determine brain stem structures and tumors.
Tomography image): The CT scan is a detailed X-rays. Imaging consisted of a motorized table moves the patient through a round hole, and X-ray machine, which revolves around the patient as it moves across. Detected on the opposite side of the patient in the form of X-ray and X-ray records in and out part of the patient’s body, and the creation of X-ray “snapshot” in one position (angle). Many clips “different” that are collected during one full rotation of the X-ray machine. Computers then combine a series of X-ray images in the cross-section, or a picture of one small piece of the body. The CT scan is a series of these images in all sectors.
CT scans are more expensive than magnetic resonance imaging tests, and provides a good definition of brain tumors outside the center, or a brain tumor located deep within the skull. However, this type of survey does not provide a definition of the extent to which effective and swelling not only provide a single image plane, not three-dimensional images. CT scans are useful for determining acoustic neurinomas or meningiomas.
Positron emission tomography (PET): Unlike techniques that provide anatomical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and Pet scan shows the chemical and physiological changes associated with metabolism. This is important because functional changes often occur before structural changes in the network. Pet Photos may therefore show abnormalities long before it will be revealed to the X-ray and CT scan, MRI or.
Before the scanning test, patients will receive injections of drugs radioactive labeled drug with important elements of biological material, called isotopes. Distribution of radioactive isotopes in organs and tissues, and the tradition of natural materials such as sugar, water, protein, and oxygen. Radioactive materials are then taken by cancer cells, so that the rays to visualize the field of increased activity.
Once the patient has received injections, and a small amount of radiation flowing through the body, which reveals isotopes and reveals details of a mobile phone – the level of metabolism. Although the radiation is different from that used in radiography, approximately equivalent to walking on two of the X-rays. After the scan is complete, and the radiation does not remain in the body for a long time.
Trial scans are often used, after examination, anatomy, such as MRI or CT, have shown that there is a block does not normally exist. With a pet picture, which reflects the metabolic activity of the tumor, doctors can determine whether benign or malignant tumors. PET is also used to accurately determine the stage of tumor in the brain.
Biopsy: When CT, MRI, or PET scans show evidence of abnormal tissue in the brain, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsy involves abnormal remove tissue samples for examination under a microscope. There are different types of biopsy and the methods used to obtain tissue samples depending on the size and location of the tumor suspects.
* Typical biopsy is the surgical removal of the mass of abnormal cells.
* Fine needle aspiration involves guiding a thin needle into the tumor cells and gently absorb microscopic evaluation.
* The Stereotactic biopsy uses a computer and scan directly into three-dimensional position of the needle aspiration
To learn more about the biopsy and stereotactic techniques, go for a brain tumor operation.
And diagnosis: brain tumor. Type of malignancy, and the rope
The results of diagnostic tests to provide detailed information of where the team of health providers can access accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis includes identifying whether benign or malignant tumor, brain tumor type, tumor grade, or the extent to which cells mutate and attack the nearby brain tissue. Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the optimal treatment.
Benign or malignant?
Brain tumors, which is said to have benign or malignant based on how the cells arise from a biopsy sample under a microscope. Usually, benign tumors less aggressive and more susceptible to the treatment of malignant tumors.
Benign brain tumors: benign brain tumors composed of cells containing a normal appearance or almost normal when viewed under a microscope. Very slow growing tumors, it is clear limits, because the form of capsules, and spread to adjacent tissue in the brain. Benign brain tumors grow like a balloon being blown up, with the capsule intact and indirect invasion of the brain tissue. However, benign brain tumors can cause brain damage, or considered life-threatening because of its ability to encroach on the brain region occupied by normal cells, causing further pressure on the dysfunction of these cells.
The operation itself is often curative for benign tumors, which is complete removal is possible. The most common benign tumors of the brain and nerve sheath tumors, meningiomas (neurilemmoma).
Malignant brain tumor: a malignant, or cancerous, grow into tumors in the brain and attack normal brain tissue adjacent to but rarely spread outside the brain. Malignant brain tumors can be fast or slow growth, often life-threatening because of its ability to attack and destroy normal brain tissue. Malignant brain tumors can spread to other places in the brain and spine because they do not have distinct boundaries and are difficult to remove without causing severe damage to normal brain tissue. The cells of malignant brain tumors can also be far from the initial site and travel to remote areas in the brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid. However, the most malignant brain tumors remain local in the region where they started.
There are two types of malignant brain tumors, primary education and mobile. Primary brain tumors arise from cells in the brain, and there are a lot of this type. The most common types of malignant tumors in the brain is the main form of glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma), which is about 20% of all primary brain tumors.
Transition from a brain tumor is any cancer that has spread from other areas of the body to the brain. Cancer that is usually spread in the brain, including breast cancer and lung.
Tumor Grade
Tumor grade is determined by the extent to which the cancer cells look different from normal cells when viewed under a microscope. Grade is an important factor for how far the cancer has differentiated, or mutated, compared with normal cells, can help to determine the best choice of treatment.
Class tumors: Grade I is the most malignant, which means that they appear almost normal when viewed under a microscope. These tumors grow slowly and are usually associated with good long-term survival. Surgery alone can be an effective treatment for this grade tumors. Pilocytic astrocytoma, craniopharyngioma, and many of the nerve cell tumors, such as gangliocytoma and ganglioglioma, are examples of first grade tumors.
Grade II tumors (well differentiated): Grade II tumors appeared slightly abnormal when viewed under a microscope and a relatively slow growing. While the tumor cells in the second row is not normal, is still a good different, which means having a different limit, and therefore are not as aggressive as high grade tumors.
Third grade tumors (Anaplastic): third grade tumors, by definition, malignant, and despite the fact that there is not always a clear distinction between class II and grade III tumors. Class three active tumor cells reproduce and spread of abnormal cells in the surrounding normal brain tissue. These tumors tend to be repetitive, often have a higher degree.
Grade IV tumors (blastomas): Most of the malignant tumor, called the fourth grade. They have a strange appearance when viewed under a microscope, and reproduce quickly, and absorb the adjacent normal brain tissue. Download these tumors form new blood vessels so that they can maintain rapid growth. They also have the dead cells in their centers. World Health Organization (WHO) named the fourth grade tumors as ‘blastomas’. Is a fourth-grade glioblastoma multiforme tumors form, for example, the most common form of fourth-grade tumors.
Brain tumors
The main differences of brain tumors is whether they appear in the brain or moving from one place to another in the brain, such as breast cancer or lung. The latter is called secondary or metastatic brain tumors and the cell is identical to the cancer cells from the original site.
Cancers that arise in the brain called primary brain tumors. There are many different types of primary brain tumors, and classified according to type of tissue begins. The most common are brain tumors gliomas, which begin in glial cells located in the brain that perform supportive functions of cells that conduct nerve impulses. There are also many types of non-glial brain tumors that arise from other cell types in the brain, but most of these tumors are rare. The main types of primary brain tumors include:
Metastatic brain tumors
Gliomas
* Astrocytomas
* Ependymomas
* Oligodendroglioma
* Mixed gliomas
Non-glial brain tumors
* Craniopharyngiomas
* Germ cell tumors
* Meningitis
* Pineal tumors
* Pituitary adenoma
* Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)
* Schwannomas
Metastatic brain tumors
Transition brain tumor cancer that had spread from the original site to the brain. Central nervous system metastases usually occur through the bloodstream. There are cancer cells can break away from the original location in the body and travel in the circulatory system to make progress in small capillary network in the brain tissue. Transition of brain tumors are the most common tumors in the brain, and occurs as four times more frequently than primary brain tumors. Cancer that most often metastasize to the brain, breast and lung cancer.
For more information, go to the center of information for the primary cancer has spread, such as breast cancer or lung cancer.
Gliomas
About half of all primary brain tumors, and about one-fifth of all primary tumors in the spinal cord and gliomas, which means they grow from glial cells. Glial cells provide support for the function of neurons, brain cells that conduct nerve impulses.
Astrocytomas: Astrocytomas are the most common form of tumors, and the most common types of brain tumors. These tumors can develop in any part of the central nervous system: brain and brain stem or spinal cord. Astrocytomas further classified according to how the cells look under a microscope. Different cells with either mean that they have clear boundaries and structure. What is the most malignant form of brain tumor.
* Non-invasive astrocytoma: Non-invasive astrocytomas are tumors that grow slowly, and usually do not grow in the surrounding tissue. There are two types of non-invasive astrocytomas and pilocytic called subependymal adolescents.
* Diffuse astrocytoma (stage I and II astrocytoma): diffuse astrocytomas that contain normal cells are relatively low-grade tumors. Grow relatively slowly and can sometimes be removed surgically. However, even well differentiated astrocytomas can be life threatening if they are not accessible. In some cases, these tumors can also progress or recur, such as tumors and functional top.
* Anaplastic astrocytoma (stage III astrocytoma): Anaplastic astrocytomas grow more rapidly than low grade tumors and contain cells with malignant traits, meaning that it looks completely different from normal cells when viewed under a microscope.
* Form of glioblastoma multiforme (stage IV astrocytoma, JP): The most advanced stage of astrocytoma is glioblastoma multiforme, or a computer. These tumors grow rapidly, invade nearby tissue and contain cells that are malignant. The most common computer and destroy the primary brain tumors that affect adults.
* Recurring glioblastoma multiforme range: Computers or advanced, who returned after initial treatment and recurrent disease. Birthday calculator may occur after initial treatment of low-grade astrocytoma, such as publishing or Anaplastic.
Ependymomas: Brain tumors that develop from the cells that line the cavities and canals of the brain cavity, which contains the spinal cord are called ependymomas. Most of these tumors are usually benign (not cancerous) and slow growth.
* Well, mixed ependymoma (stage II): Well, differentiated ependymomas have cells that look very much like normal cells, and grow very slowly.
* Anaplastic ependymoma (stage III): Anaplastic ependymomas are ependymal tumors that do not look like normal cells and grow faster than the ependymal tumor with well mixed.
* Ependymoblastoma (phase IV): Ependymoblastomas is a rare cancer that usually occurs in children. Can grow very quickly.
Oligodendroglioma: Oligodendroglioma tumors begin in brain cells called oligodendrocytes, which provide support and food for the cells that carry nerve impulses.
* Well, differentiated oligodendrogliomas are slow-growing tumors was very similar to normal cells.
* Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas grow more quickly, and the cancer cells look very different from normal cells.
Mixed gliomas: gliomas that occur in more than one type of brain cell called a hybrid, and may involve astrocytes, cells, ependymal, and / or oligodendrocytes. Mixed gliomas include three separate types of tumors: astrocytoma mixed ependymoma, astrocytoma oligodendroglioma and mixed astrocytoma mixed ependymoma – oligodendroglioma.
Non-glial brain tumors
Craniopharyngiomas: Another tumor that grows in the area near the pituitary gland called the hypothalamus region craniopharyngioma. Usually these tumors are benign, but they are sometimes considered malignant because they can suppress or damage to the hypothalamus and affect vital functions. These tumors occur most often in children and adolescents.
Germ cell tumors: Germ cell tumors arise from the development of sex cells, called germ cells. There are different types of germ cells, including germinomas, cancer of the embryo, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas.
Meningiomas: meningitis are very common brain tumors that occur in the membrane that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Meningiomas grow slowly, and usually tend to affect women more than men. Most benign tumors meningiomas, however, can even cause benign brain tumors disability and can sometimes be life threatening. Meningitis is a rare malignant tumor that grows faster than meningiomas friendly. Types of meningitis including Anaplastic malignant meningioma, hemangiopericytoma and papillary meningioma.
Pineal tumors: Pineal region tumors Tumors found in or around the pineal, gland, a small device that is located near the center of the brain that mediates changes in the energy field with light and dark, causing drowsiness with dark and light with increased vigilance. Tumors may grow slowly (pineocytomas) or fast growing (pineoblastomas).