Brain Cancer
Abby Tesconi & Hannah Rawitscher
DEFINITION
Tumors in the brain can be cancerous or benign, and can occur at any age. Primary brain cancer tumors initially form in the brain tissue. Secondary brain tumors are cancers that have spread to the brain tissue from elsewhere in the body. Secondary brain cancer is named for the organ or tissue in which the cancer begins, such as lung cancer with secondary brain metastasis.
(image from huffingtonpost.com)
SYMPTOMS
People who have had the surgery to remove brain tumors, can still have bad side effects that include but are not limited to; problems with thought, speech and coordination, seizures, or weakness. Physical therapy can help with these effects.
Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, seizures, dizziness, personality changes, loss of vision, memory loss, speech problems, sensory changes, and weakness on part of the body
HOW COMMON IS BRAIN CANCER?
700,000 people in the United States are living with the diagnosis of central nervous system or primary brain tumors. In addition, 66,290 cases of primary brain tumors are expected to be diagnosed this year. Brain cancer is most common in children ages 0-19, the second leading cause of cancer death. Glioblastoma, the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer is diagnosed in 10,000 Americans each year.
(image from digitaltrends.com)
DIAGNOSES
The most common imaging tests used for diagnosing a brain tumor include:
- MRI. An MRI uses magnetic fields to produce images of the body
- CT scan. A 3D picture inside the body with an x-ray machine
- PET scan. Create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body
- Cerebral arteriogram. X-ray of the arteries in the brain
- Lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Procedure where a doctor uses a needle to take a sample of cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid to look for tumor cells, blood, or tumor markers
- Myelogram. Uses a dye injected into the CSF. The dye shows up on an x-ray to help the doctor look for a tumor
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Age, medical radiation, previous cancers, genetic conditions, family history, and body size could possibly be causes of brain tumors/cancer, although there are no definite causes
Age
older = increased chance of brain tumors
some types are more common in young adults
2nd most common type of cancer in kids
Medical Radiation
only definite risk factor known
CT scans, X-rays, radiotherapy increase risk
Previous cancers
may be because of previous treatment
Genetic Conditions
intermediate family being diagnosed would increase risk
Other Medical Conditions and Medicines
having HIV/Aids double risk
hormone replacement may increase risk
Body Size and Exercise
overweight = increased risk
Factors that May Reduce Risk
some allergies reduce risk
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LEVEL
TREATMENTS
Works Consulted
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<http://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/brain-cancer-treatment>.
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<http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/brain-tumour/about/brain-tumour-risks-and-causes>.
Johns Hopkins “Research Yields New Clues to how Brain Cancer Cells Migrate and Invade.” ENP Newswire 3 May 2012. Science in Context. Web. 16 Dec. 2015.
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