Brain
Cancer Symptoms Despite the multitude of various histological types of
tumors there are not too many ways how the brain responds to the development of
a tumor. It can cause the pressure inside the brain to rise. This can cause headaches,
vomiting and mental changes. The immediate site of where the tumor is, determines
what neurological deficits are the result. Each part in the brain has a certain
function. All brain cells and nerve fibers are connected with electrical circuits
through which a weak electrical impulse travels. When
this mechanism is interrupted, there can be massive electrical discharges around
the tumor , which caused an interruption of insulation material. This discharge
of electricity in the brain is called a focal seizure and if strong enough the
brain cannot contain it and it grows into a generalized seizure (grand mal seizure).
Other changes of brain function such as drowsiness, lethargy, changes of personality
changes, as well as behavior changes can occur. The details of the presentation
of symptoms due to the tumor depend on the exact location of the tumor. For instance,
if a meningioma is in the frontal lobe of the brain in close proximity to the
optic nerve certain partial blindness will result, which should alert the doctor
and eye specialist immediately to the possibility of a brain tumor and a neurologist
should immediately be consulted to hospitalize the patient. A neurological
examination likely will show some hidden signs of a brain tumor. An emergency
CT scan or MRI scan will likely be arranged, which will locate the tumor. Often
a neurosurgeon can remove the tumor, if it is diagnosed early enough. The operative
specimen is sent for detailed histological examination by a pathologist and this
will show whether all of the tumor has been removed, what type of tumor it was
and whether or not it was cancerous. Meningiomas are mostly benign, but they can
in time deteriorate and turn cancerous (malignant). As they use up space and exert
pressure on surrounding structures, meningiomas can have the same effect as astrocytomas,
which are malignant type brain tumors(brain cancer). Central herniation is
a condition where the buildup of pressure inside the skull has reached such a
point that the brain substance is squeezed into the central opening at the bottom
of the skull (called by physicians the "foramen magnum"). This leads
to a sudden development of a coma associated with fixed pupils in a mid position
and an altered breathing pattern. The limbs cannot be moved anymore as the long
nerve tracts have been interrupted between the brain and the spinal cord due to
the central herniation.It is obvious that this type of patient needs to be
rushed to the hospital by ambulance and the ambulance driver might already start
an infusion with concentrated mannitol solution to reduce the pressure in the
brain. The physician will add high doses of corticosteroid to help reduce the
swelling. This type of scenario has a very poor prognosis. Hopefully patients
learn more and more how to recognize the early signs of a brain tumor, which then
allows them to see their physician for a thorough work-up and if a tumor is found
an early referral for surgical therapy. Fortunately, brain tumors and cancers
are relatively rare. Here is a link regarding more
info on brain cancer symptoms.
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