Brain Tumor

By Nurse Diane

Years ago, when you heard about someone having a brain tumor, the information was usually passed in hushed tones.  Prognosis for this type of condition was not very good, however, research, surgery and medications have helped to control even erase tumors of the brain.

There are two types of brain tumors.  Brain tumors are either primary or metastatic tumors. Primary brain tumors are those, which originate in the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are those, which originate from cancerous cells that have migrated from other areas of the body.

Metastatic brain tumors are also known as secondary brain tumors. Not all brain tumors are cancerous – benign brain tumors are non-cancerous tissue and are harmful only when they grow to a size that affects adjacent areas of the brain. Benign brain tumors tend to grow more slowly than malignant (cancerous) brain tumors.

Signs of a brain tumor include:

• Seizures;
• Headaches;
• Fatigue, tiredness and drowsiness;
• Impaired speech;
• Difficulties when swallowing;
• In infants, an increase in head size;
• Impaired vision;
• Vomiting;
• Poor body coordination;
• Behavioral and mood changes;
• Weakness in a limb or on one side of the body;
• Difficulties with balance; and or
• Tingling sensations and/or weakness in the arms or legs.

This week is Brain Tumor Action week. Each year over 190,000 people are diagnosed, mostly children.  Brain Tumor Action Week seeks to raise awareness about brain tumors, including raising awareness about incidence, diagnosis, treatment and care of people suffering from brain tumors. Specialty care and follow up care, rehabilitative services and clinical trials are activities, which can enhance the quality of life of people living with brain tumors.  For More information visit: http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/braintumour.html

(All images from Google)