Brain tumor (cancer of the brain)

Description

Brain tumor represents abnormal growth within the brain and the skull. It can be benign and cancerous (malign). Even the benign tumors can be life-threatening, depending on their location, which causes compression and/or elevation of pressure in the brain (hydrocephalus). Malign tumors can appear from brain cells, like astrocytoma or from the cells transported to the brain through the bloodstream or lymphatic system (metastasis).

Symptoms

A headache, seizures, vomiting, weakness, slurred speech, double vision, confusion.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. CT or MRI of the head. A biopsy might be necessary to identify the type of the tumor.

Tests

CT scan and magnetic resonance (MRI).

Additional analyses

Biopsy

Specialists

Neurosurgery

Therapy

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, but it can include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.