Choose a question below to view an answer.

1. What is a brain tumor?
   
2. Why are there so many different types of brain tumors?
   
3. Can any part of the brain have a tumor?
   
4. How common are brain tumors?
   
5. What causes a brain tumor?
   
6. Are brain tumors inherited?
   
7. What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
   
8. What is a pathology report and why is it important?
   
9. What types of treatment will I need for a brain tumor?
   
10. If the brain tumor is completely resected, why would I need further treatment?

Answer 1
An abnormal growth of cells within the brain that continues to grow, divide and produce more abnormal cells. The word tumor doesn’t tell us whether a growth is benign or malignant (noncancerous and cancerous). There are over 100 different types of tumor that originate in the brain, spinal cord and meninges 0(covering of the brain).



Answer 2
Brain tumors can arise from the normal cells in the brain. Normal cells in the brain include glial cells, which have major types including astrocytes, oligodendrocyte and ependymal cells. The majority of the cells in the brain are astrocytes. Therefore, common brain tumors in adults are called astrocytomas.

Other tumors involve the meninges and are called meningiomas, tumors of the glial cells are gliomas. And tumors involving schwann cells are call schwannomas. Brain tumors can come from other parts of the body.


Answer 3
Both malignant and benign tumors can occur in parts of the body as well as the brain. Since the cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, many tumors in adults arise in this area.





Answer 4
About 1.2 million adults in the USA are diagnosed with cancer every year. 35,000 of these will have a primary brain tumor- meaning it arose within the brain. Almost half of primary brain tumors are malignant. Primary brain tumors account for only about 2% of all cancers in adults.





Answer 5
There are so many different types of brain tumors, originating from different kinds of cells in the brain. It is impossible to determine a cause for most brain tumors. Cigarette smoking is an important cause of metastatic brain tumors that come from the lung. Of the 170,000 lung cancer patients diagnosed every year in the US, 1/3 develop tumors in the brain. Greater than 55,000 people.





Answer 6
Some genetic disease are associated with the development of specific brain tumors, but these are rare. Only about 5% of brain tumor patients have a family member with the same or similar brain tumor. About 19% of brain tumor patients have a close family member with another type of cancer.





Answer 7
It is very common for Americans to complain of headaches, Fortunately, more than 99% of adults who have headaches do not have a brain tumor. However, half of all brain tumor patients do complain of headache at the time of diagnosis. Headaches in brain tumor patients are related to both the growth rate and location of the tumor. Slow-growing tumors are more likely to cause seizures whereas faster growing tumor may cause headaches. Tumors that obstruct the flow of spinal fluid are associated with headaches.

Other frequent symptoms that brain tumors patients have include nausea, vomiting, visual problems, seizures, weakness, confusion, imbalance, depression and fatigue. There can be subtle changes in personality. Loss of muscle strength, sensation of other brain function may become more pronounced with fatigue. Almost all patients with brain tumor exhibit at least some neurological deficit at the time of diagnosis, but it may be subtle.


Answer 8
A pathology report is the report that is given by a pathologist (tissue expert). It is important that tissue is looked at under the microscope by a qualified pathologist to determine what type of tissue the tumor is. A pathology report will tell the treating physician how fast cells are growing. Special stains are also done with the tissue to determine the correct diagnosis. Some tissue is also checked for hormone secretion. Treatment is based upon the final pathology diagnosis.


Answer 9
Several different physicians are usually involved in the care of the brain tumor patient. A neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist may be involved with care.

A neurosurgeon will determine if it is best to surgical remove the tumor or do biopsy of the tumor or watch. Some benign or slow growing tumors can be watched over time.

If the patient is experiencing neuro deficits, resection of the tumor and tissue diagnosis is recommended either through resection or biopsy. Depending on the type of tumor further treatment may be necessary. If the tumor is benign and is totally removed- then generally no further treatment is necessary. If the tumor is growing slowly or is aggressive and could change over time, surgical removal is discussed with the patient and possible radiation and chemotherapy could be in the plan. All treatment is based upon the pathology report and the clinical symptoms of the patient in consultation with the physician and patient.

Many times a clinical trial may be offered to a patient for treatment.

Answer 10
A complete resected tumor is called gross total resection. If a brain tumor is completely resected, there may be some microscopic cells that have been left behind at the time of surgery. These left behind cells are important for tumor types that are aggressive in growth. They may begin to grow. So further treatment is generally recommended to halt or stall their growth.