Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is the abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the brain. These cells cluster together to form a tumor, which can grow slowly or rapidly depending on the type of tumor.

Treatment Goals:
The main goal of brain cancer treatment is to remove the tumor and destroy any remaining cancer cells. Thanks to advances in modern medical technology, survival rates have improved significantly, especially for slow-growing tumors.

This article covers:

• A summary of brain cancer and tumors

• Key symptoms to know

• Detailed discussion of current treatment options

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What is Brain Cancer?

Primary brain cancer is commonly referred to as brain cancer. It is the excessive growth of cells in the brain, forming a mass or tumor. This is different from cancer that starts elsewhere in the body and later spreads to the brain. That type is called secondary or metastatic brain cancer.

Some brain cancers grow very quickly. These malignant tumors can interfere with normal body functions. Brain tumors can be life-threatening and require prompt treatment.

Brain cancer is very rare. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing a malignant brain tumor is less than 1%.

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Symptoms of Brain Cancer

Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location. Early symptoms may resemble those of common illnesses.

If these symptoms persist for a week, appear suddenly, are not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers, or cause concern, consult a doctor promptly.

Common symptoms include:

• Morning headaches

• Nausea and vomiting

• Coordination problems

• Loss of balance

• Difficulty walking

• Memory problems

• Difficulty thinking

• Trouble speaking

• Vision problems

• Behavioral changes

• Abnormal eye movements

• Muscle twitching or tension

• Fainting for unknown reasons

• Excessive sleepiness

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Seizures

Advice:
Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment. If you experience these symptoms regularly or severely, seek medical attention immediately.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Brain Cancer

The exact cause of primary brain cancer is not fully known. However, research shows that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation increases the risk.

Sources of ionizing radiation include:

• Multiple CT scans or X-rays

• Radiation therapy for cancer

• Workplace radiation exposure

Other risk factors may include:

• Aging (risk increases with age)

• Family history of brain cancer

• Long-term smoking

• Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers

• Working long-term with lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, or certain textiles

• Epstein-Barr virus infection or mononucleosis

Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Cancer:
This occurs when cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the brain. Certain cancers have a higher tendency to spread to the brain, including:

• Lung cancer

• Breast cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Bladder cancer

• Melanoma (a type of skin cancer)

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Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are classified based on location and growth rate, graded from 1 to 4:

• Grade 1: Slow-growing

• Grade 4: Fast-growing and most aggressive

Common brain tumors:

• Glioma: Arises from glial cells, about 30% of brain cancers

• Astrocytoma: A type of glioma; glioblastoma is a fast-growing subtype

• Meningioma: Usually slow-growing and benign; most common in adults

• Ganglioglioma: Slow-growing, from neurons and glial cells; often removable by surgery

• Craniopharyngioma: Slow-growing, located near the pituitary gland; may affect vision

• Schwannoma: Forms around cranial nerves; usually slow-growing and benign

• Medulloblastoma: Fast-growing tumor in brain nerve cells; more common in children

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How is Brain Cancer Diagnosed?

If brain tumor symptoms are present, doctors may perform:

• Neurological examination: To check nervous system function

• Imaging tests: CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to locate and measure tumors

• Lumbar puncture: Sampling cerebrospinal fluid to detect cancer cells

• Biopsy: Removing a small tumor sample to determine cancer presence and grade

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How is Brain Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, size, age, and overall health.

Main treatments:

• Surgery: Most common way to remove brain tumors; may be partial or complete

• Chemotherapy: Oral or IV drugs to destroy cancer cells

• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays to kill inoperable cancer cells

• Combination therapy: Chemotherapy and radiation together

• Biologic therapy: Such as immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune response

• Other medications: Manage symptoms and side effects

• Clinical trials: Experimental treatments like CAR T-cell therapy

• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy for walking, speaking, or daily tasks

• Alternative therapies: Healthy diet and vitamins, used under medical guidance

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How to Reduce the Risk of Brain Cancer

While it may not be completely preventable, risk can be lowered by:

• Avoiding pesticides and insecticides

• Staying away from cancer-causing chemicals

• Avoiding smoking

• Limiting unnecessary radiation exposure

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Outlook for Brain Cancer

Though a brain cancer diagnosis can be frightening, modern treatments and ongoing research have improved survival rates.

Five-year survival rate varies by tumor type, patient age, and tumor grade.

Example – Meningioma (most common adult brain tumor):

• Age 20–44: ~84% 5-year survival

• Age 55–64: ~74% 5-year survival

These statistics are based on older data. Early detection and modern treatments may improve these rates.

Individual Outlook:
Your doctor can provide a more specific prognosis based on the type and grade of your brain tumor.

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