Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a kind of cancer in brain which originates due to abnormal growths of cells in the brain or due to extended brain tumor. Avoiding it may be life threatening. Brain cancer is categorized in two types- Primary tumors & Secondary, or metastasis brain tumor. All brain tumors are cancerous. Cancer is a term reserved for malignant tumors. Primary tumors originate in the central nervous system and are categorized by the type of tissue in which they first develop. Malignant or secondary tumors migrate from cancers located elsewhere in the body and are those that develop when cancer spreads to the brain. Malignant tumors are diseases in which cancerous (malignant) cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. In general it is more serious than a primary tumor.

The symptoms that appear or may be felt as a cause of brain cancer or secondary brain tumor are- Frequent headaches (often headache caused due to a brain tumor) , Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Changes in mood and personality, Changes in ability to think and learn, Seizures dizziness, change in the vision, weakness.

Treatment of brain cancer is based on patient's age, general health and the size, location, and type of the tumor. Since the treatment or surgical procedure is complex, a neurosurgeons and oncologist usually perform the treatment procedure of brain cancer. The most common used treatments are- surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, where in some cases, more than one of these is applied. Neurosurgeon attempts to remove the tumor as per the possibilities. During the procedure an area of the scalp is shaved, and then an incision is made in the scalp. Following the incision, the surgeon removes a section of bone in order to expose the area of brain affected.

A newer "knifeless" technique (Stereotactic surgery) that destroys a brain tumor without opening the skull is used for the surgery. It lessens the complications and the recovery time is also much shorter through this surgical procedure. A steroid drug, such as dexamethasone (Decadron), is used to relieve swelling. Radiotherapy (high-energy rays) is also used to kill tumor cells and stop them from growing and multiplying.

The recuperation period depends on patient's overall condition prior to the procedure, and also on the type of brain tumor surgery performed. Usually hospitalization period is for three to four days. Patients return to work in two to three weeks after discharge and they achieve a normal healthy life.