BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
An abnormal growth in the brain that may be benign or
malignant. A non-malignant brain tumor may cause as
much disability as a malignant tumor unless it is treated
appropriately.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Headaches that worsen when lying down.
- Vomiting with nausea, or sudden vomiting without
nausea.
- Vision disturbances, including double vision.
- Weakness on one side of the body.
- Lack of balance; dizziness.
- Loss of sense of smell.
- Memory loss.
- Personality changes.
- Seizures.
CAUSES
Some tumors begin in the brain (primary tumors), but
most brain tumors have spread from other cancers
especially cancer of the breast, lungs, intestines or
malignant melanoma of the skin. Symptoms are caused
by increasing pressure in the skull as the tumor
enlarges.
RISK INCREASES WITH
The following risk factors are related to cancers in other
body parts that spread to the brain:
- Poor nutrition, especially a low-fiber diet (intestinal
cancer).
- Smoking (lung cancer).
- Excess alcohol consumption (liver cancer).
- Excess sun exposure (malignant melanoma).
- Previous cancer at any other body site.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Practice breast self-exam.
- Don't smoke.
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure by
using sunscreens and protective clothing.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Brain tumors that are not treated lead to death or permanent
brain damage. Bones of the skull restrict a
tumor's outward growth, so the brain is compressed as
a tumor grows.
- If a tumor is discovered and treated early with surgery
or radiation therapy and chemotherapy, full recovery is
often possible.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Disability and death if a tumor is inoperable because of
size or location.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Many different techniques are used to locate the site
of a brain tumor: EEG, computed tomography (CT
scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan), X-rays
of the skull, bones, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
- A biopsy of the tumor will most likely be necessary to
confirm the diagnosis.
- Laboratory studies of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
- When possible, surgery (craniotomy) to remove the
tumor or as much of it as is feasible (to remove pressure
on the brain).
- Radiation therapy may be given.
- Additional information available from the Association
for Brain Tumor Research, 2720 River Rd., Des Plaines,
IL 60018, (708) 827-9910.
MEDICATIONS
- Cortisone drugs to diminish swelling of the brain tissue.
- Anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures.
- Pain relievers.
- Anticancer drugs.
ACTIVITY
Stay as active as your strength allows. Work and exercise
moderately. Rest when you tire.
DIET
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral
supplements may be necessary if you cannot eat normally.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has symptoms of a brain
tumor.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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