There are multiple types of brain cancer. Some examples include astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas.
Headaches, weakness, and vision problems are common symptoms of brain cancer. However, it is important to note that symptoms like headaches can be caused by many things. They do not always indicate brain cancer.
If a person receives a brain cancer diagnosis, a doctor will help them start an appropriate course of treatment.
When a brain tumor is cancerous, a doctor
Read on to learn more about different types of brain cancer, common symptoms of each, and treatment options.
A brain tumor develops when brain cells divide uncontrollably. This excessive growth creates masses, or lumps, within the brain. These are known as tumors.
Tumors harm the body by pressing on areas of the brain and restricting blood flow. Additionally, tumors interfere with how neurons, the cells in charge of transmitting information, communicate with other areas of the brain and body.
Brain tumors are either primary or secondary.
Primary brain tumors originate in the brain. Secondary brain tumors emerge when cancer has spread to the brain from another part of the body.
There are two types of tumors: benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Not all brain tumors are cancerous. For example, chordomas are a type of benign brain tumor that grows very slowly.
When doctors find a brain tumor with an imaging scan, such as an MRI, they usually cannot tell from the image whether a tumor is malignant or benign. They generally need to
There are multiple types of cancerous brain tumors. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer in adults. They make up 78% of cancerous tumors.
Gliomas originate from glial cells, which are cells that support neurons. There are three types of glial cells: astrocytes, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes.
Examples of gliomas include:
Astrocytomas
These brain tumors originate as astrocytes. They usually occur in the cerebrum, which is the large, upper part of the brain.
Astrocytomas are graded from 1 to 4, with the different levels indicating the severity. Grades 1 and 2 are relatively slow-growing. Grade 3 grows faster and is common in middle-aged men and women, though more common in men. When an astrocytoma progresses to grade 4, it is referred to as a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common form of malignant brain tumor.
Symptoms
Symptoms of astrocytomas could include:
- headaches
- seizures
- limb weakness
- vision problems (double or blurred)
- problems with speech
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastoma multiforme, which are grade 4 astrocytomas, are an aggressive, fast-growing form of cancer. They are most common in men between 50 and 70 years of age.
Symptoms
A person could experience:
- headaches
- blurred vision
- loss of appetite
- personality changes
- seizures
Ependymomas
These tumors
Symptoms
Symptoms
- headaches
- nausea
- back pain
- weakness in the arms and legs.
Oligodendrogliomas
Oligodendrogliomas develop in the brain’s white matter, which plays an important role in the communication between the brain and spinal cord, and within the brain itself. These tumors
They are most common in middle-aged men, and they rarely occur in children.
Symptoms
Symptoms could include:
- headaches
- feeling numb
- problems with movement and balance
- difficulties with thinking
- trouble remembering things
- seizures
Some types of brain cancer are more common in children than adults. Some examples include:
Medulloblastomas
Medulloblastomas usually form in the cerebellum, which is the bottom part of the brain located at the back of the skull.
They are very fast-growing, and they spread through the CNS through the cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid in the brain and spinal cord.
With this tumor, a parent
Brainstem gliomas
There are two types of brainstem gliomas occuring in children.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are a fast-growing form of brainstem tumor. Because they easily spread to nearby cells, they are difficult to treat.
Focal gliomas grow slowly and in most cases are benign, or non-cancerous. They are usually relatively easy to treat.
Symptoms of brainstem gliomas include headaches after lying down or upon waking up. Parents may notice their child loses their balance easily, or that they drop things more than usual. The child may also have facial weakness or double vision.
Cancerous brain tumors usually require more treatment than non-cancerous tumors.
Factors affecting how a person responds to treatment
- tumor location
- how quickly the tumor is growing
- a person’s age
- underlying health conditions
Doctors use several methods for treating brain cancer. These include:
- Surgery: If a tumor is easily accessible, this is the first approach a doctor would suggest.
- Radiation therapy: This includes x-rays and proton therapy. High-energy beams destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Radiosurgery: This type of therapy uses high-energy radar beams. It aims to prevent the tumor from growing and dividing.
- Chemotherapy: This type of therapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can also stop them from growing and dividing.
- Targeted therapy: This type of treatment uses drugs that target specific genes related to tumor growth.
Because the types of brain cancer are so varied, the outlook for each individual case will be very different. However, early detection improves the prognosis for all cancers. If an individual is experiencing potential symptoms of any of the types of cancer discussed in this article, they should contact a doctor.
Talking about brain cancer can be scary, but it is important to remember that gliomas are common brain tumors in adults. One
These include:
- how well a person responds to chemotherapy
- the amount of tumor a surgeon can safely remove
- if a person has chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery
- the tumor grade
This study involved a moderate sample size of individuals diagnosed with gliomas. It is unclear if the study was representative of multiple demographic factors, so more research is needed in this area.
Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. Individuals who have received a diagnosis, as well as their loved ones and support network, should feel empowered to find support during this challenging time.
If they need help, there are plenty of resources they can call upon.
These include:
- Cancer Horizons: A financial support charity that helps people living with cancer pay rent, medical bills, and also provides financial assistance to caregivers.
- American Brain Tumor Association: They provide social and emotional support for people who have received a brain tumor diagnosis.
- NeedyMeds: This organization provides information on programs that help people get access to medication if they cannot afford it.
- Love, Team Tessa: This charity can help people with bills, as well as fuel and transportation costs.
There are many types of brain cancer. The most common type of glioma is an astrocytoma, which in severe cases, can become glioblastoma multiforme. GBM is particularly aggressive and fast-growing.
Some types of brain cancer, such as medulloblastomas, are more common in children than adults.
There are several different treatments available for brain cancer. A doctor will help an individual determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Receiving a brain cancer diagnosis is incredibly difficult. However, there are many organizations that provide support to people living with cancer, including help with bills.