Brain Tumours Whilst it sounds like a rare occurrence, brain tumours can affect anyone at any age. As the leading cause of cancer death in young people under the age of 40 and children under 10, brain cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, yet is one of the least understood cancers. Not all brain tumours are cancerous, but what does a diagnosis mean for you? Types of Brain Tumours There are over 100 different types of brain tumours. They are commonly named after the type of cell they come from. Most brain tumours develop from glial cells, which grow from the supporting cells of the brain. These tumours are called ‘gliomas’. Tumours that begin in the brain are known as primary brain tumours. Some types of brain tumours are malignant (cancerous) and others are benign (non-cancerous). Benign brain tumours are often slow growing and are unlikely to spread, but they can press on and damage the surrounding brain tissue. Usually, this type of tumour can be successfully removed with surgery. Conversely, malignant brain tumours vary in how fast they grow and respond to treatment. Some are contained inside a capsule and are easy to remove, while others have thin filaments spreading through the brain that make them very difficult to take out. Brain cancer affects adults of all ages and is one of the few cancers that occur in children. Causes of Brain Tumours The causes of primary brain tumours are not fully understood. Researchers know that brain and spinal cord tumours are more common in people with certain inherited or genetic conditions; or people exposed to very high doses of radiation. However, for most people, the cause of their brain tumour is unknown. Many people ask whether or not mobile phones cause cancer and more specifically, brain tumours. At the moment, the evidence is very weak that mobile phones cause cancer. Brain tumour incidence rates have also remained relatively steady, globally, but research continues in this area. Diagnosis of Brain Tumours If your doctor suspects you have a brain tumour, you will be referred to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for further tests, such as: • Neurological examination – checking muscle strength, reflexes, memory and the ability to tell General Health Who’s at Risk? Pindara M 22 agazine Summer | 2014/15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
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