The thought of brain cancer can be daunting since it affects your physical and mental well-being. Several clinical features associated with brain cancer can be confusing since not all symptoms prove to be due to malignancy. 

Brain cancer Tempe specialists help raise awareness about the symptoms, and diagnosis and offer customized treatment plans for cancerous growths. 

An insight into brain cancer 

Brain cancer is a type of abnormal multiplication and proliferation of cells in and around your brain. Tumors that begin and are confined to the brain are known as primary tumors, while the ones that form elsewhere and spread to your brain are known as secondary tumors. 

Tumors can either be slow-growing, while some can proliferate quickly causing symptoms that can negatively impact your quality of life. 

There can be over 150 different types of brain cancers, but the most common ones are:

Benign brain cancers 

• Chordomas 
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Gangliocytomas 
• Meningiomas

Malignant brain cancers 

• Astrocytoma 
• Glioblastoma
• Oligodendroglioma 
• Medulloblastoma 

Risk factors for brain cancer 

The following risk factors may raise your risk of developing brain cancer: 

• Family history
• Age: Children and old adults 
• Being a male
• Exposure to chemicals 
• Exposure to infections and viruses
• Ionizing radiation 
• Head injury and seizures 
• Compromised immune system 

Symptoms associated with brain cancer

The signs and symptoms of brain cancer vary depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location. They can include:

• Headaches 
• Seizures
• Difficulty thinking, speaking, or understanding
• Personality changes 
• Weakness or paralysis in one side of your body
• Dizziness 
• Balance problems 
• Vision and hearing issues 
• Facial numbness or tingling sensation
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Confusion or disorientation 
• Decreased alertness
• Loss of bladder or bowel movements
• Difficulty walking 
• Hand tremors 

Diagnosing brain cancer

Brain cancers can be diagnosed by the following:

• Evaluation of your symptoms to know the severity 
• Reviewing the medical history to rule out other medical conditions 
• Physical examination 
• Diagnostic tests that include:
  • Skull X-rays
  • Brain MRI
  • CT scan 
  • Biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture

Treating brain cancer 

Your doctor may use a combination of therapies to treat brain cancer. Your treatment options may include:

• Brain surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Radiosurgery 
• Brachytherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy 

Other symptoms that may help with symptoms include:

• Shunts
• Drugs like corticosteroids
• Palliative care 

Conclusion

Learning you have brain cancer can be scary and stressful. Being aware of the symptoms is essential to seek timely medical help. Your doctor can design a customized treatment plan to help cure the tumor and improve your quality of life. 

---