INFORMATION ON BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column, which are the primary components of the central nervous system. Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors. Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support neurons. The exact causes of pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors are largely unknown. Tumors can appear at any age in children with genetic risk factors.

SYNONYMS OF BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Synonyms of Brain and Spinal Tumors:

1. Astrocytoma.
2. Brain tumors.
3. Cancer brain tumor.
4. Intracranial Tumors.
5. Tumor spinal cord.

CAUSES OF BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Causes of Brain and Spinal Tumors are unknown. A brain tumor to previous exposure to radiation or a hereditary predisposition. Sometimes a brain tumor is the result of the spread of another kind of cancer to the brain. Brain tumors can occur at any age, studies show that they are most common in two age groups. The first group is children 3 to 12 years old; the second is adults 40 to 70 years old.

SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Symptoms of brain tumors include:

1. Headaches.
2. Seizures.
3. Nausea and vomiting.
4. Vision or hearing problems.
5. Behavioral and cognitive problems.
6. Motor problems and balance problems.

DIAGNOSIS OF BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Test under diagnosis includes:

1. Blood Test.
2. Electroencephalogram.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
4. Computerised tomography scan.

TREATMENT OF BRAIN AND SPINAL TUMORS

Treatment for central nervous system cancers depends upon the specific kind of tumor diagnosed, and includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. The tumor may be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score that reflects how malignant it is. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and predict the likely outcome, or prognosis, for the patient.