Primary brain tumors are lesions that develop
from tissues of the brain. Approximately 17,000 new cases are diagnosed each
year. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of brain tumors has increased steadily.
The risk of developing a brain tumor increases with age. Individuals with prior exposure to radiation
and those with certain genetic defects are at an increased risk. There are various types of brain tumors
ranging from low- grade to high-grade tumors. Current research focuses on
improving methods for treating these tumors.
In-depth
Information
Brain tumors produce a variety of signs and symptoms that are often related to the location of the tumor. Common signs and symptoms include: headaches, vomiting, seizures, personality changes, weakness of extremities, impairment of recent memory, and visual problems. Evaluation usually includes a CT scan or an MRI of the brain. If these studies reveal a lesion suspicious for tumor, a stereotactic biopsy of the lesion is often recommended. Further tests include blood work for such things as hormone levels. There is no staging system for most brain tumors.
The treatment of a brain tumor depends on the
specific type of tumor. Some tumors require
only surgical resection. Other tumors
may entail surgical resection, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, or any
combination of these treatment modalities. The prognosis after treatment of a brain tumor also depends on the type
of tumor. Advances in surgical
technique, delivery of radiation therapy, and new chemotherapy drugs
have improved the survival rates of patients with some tumors.
Research & Clinical Trials
If you are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor, you should consider enrolling in a clinical trial. Clinical trial protocols often evaluate new treatments that may improve an individual’s prognosis. Click here to visit our Clinical Trials Center.