A brain tumor is the abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain tissues. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Some are primary tumors that start in the brain, and some are tumors that start in another part of the body and come to the brain through the blood (metastatic) tumors.
Classification is made according to the origin and behavior of tumor cells, and this is important in determining treatment options.
- Benign: The least aggressive type of brain tumor is often called a benign brain tumor. They originate from cells in or around the brain, do not contain cancer cells, grow slowly, and typically have clear boundaries that do not spread to other tissues.
- Malignant: Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells and usually do not have clear boundaries. They are considered life-threatening as they grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue.
- Primary: Tumors that start in brain cells are called primary brain tumors. Primary brain tumors can spread to other parts of the brain or the spine, but rarely to other organs.
- Metastatic: secondary brain tumors start in another part of the body and then spread to the brain. These tumors are more common than primary brain tumors and are named according to where they start.
There are more than 120 types of brain and central nervous system tumors. Brain and spinal cord tumors are different for everyone. They occur in different areas, develop from different cell types, and may have different treatment options.
Symptoms of brain tumors:
Brain tumor symptoms can vary depending on the tumor type and location. In some patients, a brain tumor does not show any symptoms and may be discovered by chance. The symptoms may not be the same in every patient and it should be noted that the following symptoms may also be seen in those without a brain tumor.
- Recurrent headaches, Headache, usually in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- problems with vision
- seizures
- personality changes
- short term memory loss
- Poor Coordination
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Changes in your ability to speak, hear or see
- problems with balance or walking
- Problems with thinking or memory
- feeling weak or sleepy
- mood or behavior changes
