Q: What is a brain tumor?
A: A brain tumor is an abnormal
growth of tissue found inside the skull. Unlike
a cyst, which is filled with fluid, tumors are
solid. Whether benign or malignant, brain tumors
can be dangerous and life threatening. The skull
is bony and rigid, so any abnormal growth can
compress tissues that control involuntary movement,
such as breathing and heartbeat, as well as voluntary
physical movement and mental and emotional activity.
Tumors are diagnosed as either primary or metastatic.
Primary brain tumors originate in the brain. Metastatic
tumors are caused by cancerous cells that originate
elsewhere in the body and travel through the lymphatic
system to a new site in the brain. |
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| Q: How many people have
brain tumors?
A: According to the Central
Brain Tumor Registry, an estimated 114,000 patients
are diagnosed with brain tumors a year, an increase
of more than 5 percent since 1995. Males and females
of all ages, races and ethnicities are vulnerable
to brain tumors. Some types of brain tumors are
more prevalent in children and adolescents (e.g.,
medulloblastomas), while others occur most frequently
in adults (e.g., meningiomas). In general, brain
tumors are most common among the middle-aged and
elderly.
Q: What causes brain tumors?
A: Genetic diseases cause a
few types of primary tumors. However, the origin
of most brain tumors are unknown. Medical researchers
speculate that several factors, possibly working
together, are responsible. Potential culprits
being investigated include family history, damaged
genes, viruses, environmental factors such as
chemicals and electromagnetic fields, occupational
factors and injuries.
Q: How are brain tumors treated?
A: Three types of therapy are
commonly used, either alone or in combination.
These are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The treatment prescribed depends upon the type,
location and size of the tumor as well as the
medical history and health of the patient.
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