Brain cancer – Causes, symptoms, and remedies
Brain cancer results from the growth of cancerous cells in the brain. The tumors created by malignant cells can grow slowly or quickly, depending on their type. Primary brain tumors form inside the brain due to abnormal changes or mutations in the DNA of brain cells. These may be cancerous (malignant) or benign. The most common treatments for brain cancer are surgery and radiation therapy, which aim to remove or destroy cancerous growth.
Types
There are many different types of brain tumors, which are classified based on the cells that compose the tissue mass. The majority of brain tumors are noncancerous or benign, but some are malignant and usually cancerous. Benign tumors usually grow slowly, while rapidly growing tissue masses are typically cancerous.
Causes
The causes of brain cancer are unknown, and primary brain cancer is a rare occurrence. However, there are well-known risk factors associated with the disease. Some of these factors include:
Hereditary or genetic diseases
High doses of radiation to the head
Increasing age
Working with materials like lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and some textiles increases
Having Epstein-Barr virus infection or mononucleosis
Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer
Symptoms
The symptoms of brain cancer can be either general or specific. A general indication is caused by the tumor pressing on the brain or spinal cord. Specific symptoms appear when the growth compromises the functions of a particular section of the brain.
Headaches or pressure in the head that worsens in the morning
Headaches that are severe and occur more frequently
Occasional headaches known as tension headaches or migraines
Vomiting and nausea
Issues with the eyes can include double vision, fuzzy vision, or loss of peripheral vision
Losing sensation in the leg or arm
Seizures
Having problems with balance
Speech problems
Getting extremely worn out
Memory problems
Having trouble following straightforward directions
Treatments
Surgery
The most common treatment for brain tumors is brain surgery. The tumor may be completely or partially removed depending on its location.
Prescription treatment
Certain prescription treatments reduce brain swelling and headaches. These may also help alleviate some neurological symptoms by lowering edema in the tumor-free brain tissue and tumor pressure.
Chemotherapy
This treatment form for brain tumors involves potent prescription treatments to eliminate cancerous cells. These remedies are typically administered intravenously into the patient’s body, and in some cases, they can also be placed directly in the brain tissue during surgery. The chemicals in these remedies work to reduce the size of the tumor and destroy any cancerous cells that may be present in the brain.
Radiation therapy
This therapy is used to eliminate cancer cells that cannot be physically removed. High-energy radiation, such as X-rays, is utilized in this process.
Combination therapy
The treatment method of simultaneously administering chemotherapy and radiation therapy is called combination therapy.
Immunotherapy
Patients are given chemical formulations that can boost their immune system, which enhances their body’s ability to fight cancerous cells.
Palliative care
Palliative care is a treatment approach that aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer by managing their symptoms. This approach can provide pain relief and symptom management, as well as slow down the progression of brain cancer.