Brain Cancer
Overview
Brain cancer develops when atypical cells rapidly grow and multiply out of control in the brain. Over time, these atypical cells assume the form of a mass or tumor. Each year, nearly 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with primary brain tumors and more often than not these tumors are malignant. Because they spread within the brain, brain tumors can produce a multitude of damaging neurologic problems, from seizures to personality change, to loss of memory.
- Brain Cancer Locations
- Skull base tumors
- Gliomas
- Metastatic tumors
- Spinal cord tumors
- Other Brian Tumors
Risk Factors
Unfortunately, little is known about what causes brain cancer. The following are some risk factors that have been linked to the disease. Living a healthy lifestyle, being aware of changes in your body, and having regular checkups are the best prevention and detection methods.
- Radiation exposure
- An inherited risk/ family history
- HIV infection
- Environmental toxins
Symptoms & Signs
Not all brain tumors cause symptoms. The symptoms are the result of the tumor pushing against surrounding areas of the brain.
- Seizures
- Headache
- Weakness
- Clumsiness
- Change in personality
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty seeing
Tests & Services
If your doctor suspects brain cancer, you may be given diagnostic tests to determine if you have brain cancer and if so what stage the cancer is at.
- CT scan
- X-ray
- Laboratory tests
- MRI scan
- Biopsy
Treatment
Our multi-disciplinary team of neurologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons and social workers work together to offer our patients extraordinary care and the best possible treatment plans.Treatment plans are customized to fit the patient’s grade, type and location of tumor, as well as their age and overall health.
- Surgery
- Stereotactic radios-surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
