Brain
Cancer Symptoms Despite the multitude of various histological types of
tumors, there are only so many ways that the brain can respond to giving rise
to brain cancer symptoms. It can cause the pressure inside the brain to rise.
This can cause headaches, vomiting and mental changes. The immediate site of where
the tumor is, determines what neurological problems are the result. Each part
in the brain has a certain function. All brain cells and nerve fibers are connected
with electrical circuits through which a weak electrical impulse travels. When
this mechanism is interrupted, there can be massive electrical discharges around
the tumor , which caused an interruption of insulation material. This discharge
of electricity in the brain is called a focal seizure and if strong enough the
brain cannot contain it and it grows into a generalized seizure (grand mal seizure).
Other changes of brain function such as drowsiness, lethargy, changes of personality
changes, as well as behavior changes can occur. The details of the presentation
of symptoms due to the tumor depend on the exact location of the tumor. For instance,
if a meningioma is in the frontal lobe of the brain in close proximity to the
optic nerve certain partial blindness will result, which should alert the doctor
and eye specialist immediately to the possibility of a brain tumor and a neurologist
should immediately be consulted to hospitalize the patient. A neurological examination likely will show some hidden signs
of a brain tumor. An emergency CT scan or MRI scan will likely be arranged, which
will locate the tumor. Often a neurosurgeon can remove the tumor, if it is diagnosed
early enough. The operative specimen is sent for detailed histological examination
by a pathologist and this will show whether all of the tumor has been removed,
what type of tumor it was and whether or not it was cancerous. Meningiomas are
mostly benign, but they can in time deteriorate and turn cancerous (malignant).
As they use up space and exert pressure on surrounding structures, meningiomas
can have the same effect as astrocytomas, which are malignant type brain tumors(brain
cancer). Central
herniation is a condition where the buildup of pressure inside the skull has reached
such a point that the brain substance is squeezed into the central opening at
the bottom of the skull (called by physicians the "foramen magnum").
This leads to a sudden development of a coma associated with fixed pupils in a
mid position and an altered breathing pattern. The limbs cannot be moved anymore
as the long nerve tracts have been interrupted between the brain and the spinal
cord due to the central herniation.It is obvious that this type of patient
needs to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance and the ambulance driver might
already start an infusion with concentrated mannitol solution to reduce the pressure
in the brain. The physician will add high doses of corticosteroid to help reduce
the swelling. This type of scenario has a very poor prognosis. Hopefully patients
learn more and more how to recognize the early signs of a brain tumor, which then
allows them to see their physician for a thorough work-up and if a tumor is found
an early referral for surgical therapy. Fortunately, brain tumors and cancers
are relatively rare. Here is a link regarding more
info on brain cancer symptoms.
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