Brain Tumor Signs And Symptoms - What Are The Warning Signs?

A brain tumor is a growth in the brain that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Both a benign and malignant tumor can cause symptoms because the tumors' growth takes up space and causes pressure and compression on vital nerve tissue. Review these symptoms to detect if you have any of the warning signs of a tumor and learn more about the cause, diagnosis and treatment.

Brain Tumor Signs And Symptoms Cancer Medicine

The most common symptom is a headache. 90% of those with a tumor in the brain will experience a headache during the course of the illness. The headache may be described as a an intermittent (off and on) deep ache, or pressure. It is not usually described as throbbing. The headache may be increased by coughing, straining, or changing positions (i.e. standing to lying down). Headaches caused by tumors are usually more intense in the morning at the early stages of tumor growth.

Other symptoms of brain tumor may include nausea and vomiting (some persons may vomit without any preceding nausea), sudden changes in vision (i.e. double vision), memory lapses, changes in personality, or seizures.

Tumor Cause, Diagnosis and Treatment

There is no known cause for primary brain tumors (tumors that originate in the brain) and most tumors of the brain have spread (metastasized) from cancer elsewhere in the body.

The aforementioned symptoms may be noted and should be evaluated by a physician so a proper diagnosis can be made. The evaluation may include a physical examination and specialized tests such as CT or MRI scans, or EEG (electroencephalogram instrument records brain activity).

Tumors of the brain are treated by surgically removal if possible (inoperable brain tumors can not be removed because they are too large or in an inaccessible area). Radiation treatments or chemotherapy may also be considered as treatment options.

Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For!

Cancer prevention is better than cancer treatment. Although there are several cancer treatments options these days, it is still better to prevent the disease from occurring. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other kinds of cancer treatments are effective when the cancer is diagnosed in its early stage. Even with the most advance medical equipment and powerful drugs, it is very difficult to treat cancer in its advance stage. This is the reason why many doctors recommend everyone especially those with a family history of cancer to watch out for the different cancer symptoms and signs. Early diagnosis is very imperative for a successful treatment of cancer. Those who are at risk for any kind of cancer should have a regular checkup. In addition, everyone should be aware of the different signs and symptoms of cancer.

General Signs and Symptoms

There are more than 200 kinds of cancer and each has different signs and symptoms. There are however some general signs and symptoms for which are associated with all types of cancer. The acronym CAUTION is usually used to help people remember the warning cancer signs and symptoms. The C stands for change in the bowel habits while the A stands for a cut or sore which does not heal. The U means unusual discharge or bleeding and the T is for thickening or lump in any part of the body especially the breast. The I stands for indigestion or difficulties in swallowing. On the other hand, O means obvious changes in a mole or a wart while the N stands for nagging cough or hoarseness. These general cancer symptoms should be remembered by every one. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, you should go to your doctor immediately.

Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms Cancer Medicine

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death both in men and women worldwide according to cancer statistics as of 2004. Most of the common lung cancer symptoms do not appear immediately. Hence, those who have a family history of lung cancer and smokers should undergo lung cancer tests regularly. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer are shortness of breath (dyspnea), chronic coughing, pain in the abdomen or chest area and coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). Other symptoms are wheezing, weight loss, fatigue, hoarseness and loss of appetite.

Brain Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Some brain cancer types do not manifest any cancer symptoms or signs which is why it is difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stage. There are some warning signs and symptoms to watch out for. They might be caused by other brain diseases but doctors recommend individuals to watch out for them nonetheless. Brain cancer symptoms are usually caused by the presence of the tumor which can cause swelling and inflammation in the brain. The common brain cancer symptoms and signs are headache, difficulty in walking, seizures, weakness and clumsiness. Another symptom to watch out for is changes in a person's mental status such as changes in memory, attention and concentration. Nausea and vomiting early in the morning, speech difficulties, vision abnormalities and gradual changes in the emotional and intellectual capacity of a person are other signs and symptoms to be aware of.

Brain Tumor - The Symptoms and Diagnosis

The signs of brain tumor depend on the size, location and type of tumor. Symptoms may appear whenever a tumor pushes a nerve or injures a particular area in the brain. They can also be caused if the brain enlarges or fluids build up in the skull.

Majority of the common signs of brain cancers are the following: Cancer Medicine

- Headaches (regularly worse at daybreak)

- Vomiting or nausea

- Problems in walking or balancing

- Changes in personality, mood or capacity to contemplate

- Memory problems

- Changes in vision, hearing or speech

- Muscle trembling or jerking

- Numbness or itchy feeling in legs or arms

If the symptoms indicate that there is indication of brain cancer, the doctor can do any of the subsequent procedures as basis of its diagnosis:

- Physical examination - the doctor examines general sign of health

- Neurologic examination - the physician checks the attentiveness, strength of muscle, reflexes, coordination and reaction to pain. The eyes are also examined to find out if there is any swelling due to the tumor pushing the nerve which attaches the brain and eyes.

- CT scan - an x-ray apparatus connected to computer which takes series of thorough pictures of a head. The patient is given an injection of special tint in order that the brain can be seen visibly in the picture. The picture may show growths or tumors inside the brain.

- MRI - a forceful magnet attached to computer which makes comprehensive pictures of sections in the body. These pictures are shown on a screen and can be printed also. Sometimes, a particular dye is inserted in order to help illustrate differences in the various tissues inside the brain.

The following tests are also considered to help diagnose brain tumor:

• Angiogram - a particular dye is injected to the bloodstream and runs in the blood vessels inside the brain in order for them to appear on x-ray. If a growth is present, it can be seen by the doctor.

• Skull x-ray - various forms of brain cancers cause calcium accumulation inside the brain or changes on the bones in the skull. Through x-ray, changes can be checked.

• Spinal tap - the physician may take a sample of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid - a fluid that fills up the spaces around the brain as well as the spinal cord). This is done with use of local anesthesia. The spinal tap can be done around thirty minutes. The patient lies flat within several hours after extraction of CSF to avoid headache. Laboratory test is done to check for the presence of cancer cells and other indications of problems.

• Myelogram - refers to the x-ray of the spine or spinal cord. Spinal tap is done by injecting a special dye in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient tilts to let the dye combine to the fluid. This procedure assists the doctor discover cancer on the spinal cord.

• Biopsy - it is the removal of sample of tissue to search for cancer cells. The pathologist examines the cells under the microscope in order to verify abnormal cells. A biopsy may show tumor, tissue changes which might lead to tumor and other situations. This is the surest way in diagnosing brain cancer.

Brain Cancer Symptoms

Brain Cancer is a malignancy that can be detected and treated only with a detailed medical examination. It is not a routine ailment since in most cases it is fatal. It normally strikes when one type of the brain cell transforms and loses its normal characteristics and starts multiplying to form an abnormal mass of cells called a tumor. However, not all brain tumors are malignant. Benign brain tumors pose no threat and can be successfully removed.

The malignant brain tumors grow very aggressively and they destroy the healthy brain cells. Continuous growth of abnormal cells also increases the intracranial pressure resulting in malfunctioning of other brain organs and tissues Cancer Medicine .

There are two types of Brain Cancer. The Primary Brain Cancer originates in the brain itself and generally confines itself to the brain only. The second type is the Secondary Brain Cancer which is an extension of a cancer in some other part of the body gradually spreading to the brain.

The symptoms of brain tumor depend on the part of the brain affected i.e. the location of the tumor. There are numerous symptoms which if not cured by basic medication need to be examined in detail for indications of brain tumor. These are:

* Headaches - most common due to increased intracranial pressure as a result of the growing tumor.

* Nausea, Vomiting & Seizures.

* Difficulty in maintaining body balance.

* Short lapses in memory.

* Swelling in the brain.

* Weakness in the arms or legs or both.

* Poor motor functions.

* Slurring.

* Lowered eye vision.

* Spells of dizziness.

* Lack of coordination in speech and action.

* Numbness of limbs.

* Difficulty in recollecting events.

* Hallucinating.

* Persistent general weakness.

* Falling or stumbling.

* Changes in pupil sizes of both eyes.

* Change in gait.

* Cognitive decline.

* Mood changes.

It is advisable to see a doctor whenever you feel you have a tumor. If you do not share your concerns with your doctor, they may not get addressed timely.

Common Symptoms Associated With Brain Tumors

Since many brain tumor symptoms may seem innocuous, like headaches, patients and doctors fail to recognize them as potentially serious or evidence of a life-threatening growth until it's too late. As a result, a diagnosis isn't achieved until the tumor develops to a size or serious level that makes life-saving treatment unachievable.

If detected early, many brain tumors can be treated and possibly cured. New treatments, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, gene treatment therapy and radioactive treatments, are being used more often as they develop and become increasingly effective.

Consequently, physicians and patients are being advised to be cognizant of brain tumor symptoms and to do a thorough examination if potential symptoms surface. If a brain tumor is detected early enough, it can be cured. And though brain scans are costly - they are relatively painless and could save your life. To learn about symptoms connected to brain tumors and why you need to be aware, please read on.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors Cancer Medicine

If a brain tumor is still small and fairly young, it can often be treated. However, most symptoms depend on the size of the tumor and where it's found in the brain. For example, a benign tumor may take years to grow and even longer to cause an identifiable sign.

Among the basic harbingers are relentless or continual headaches, especially those that occur at night or are there immediately when an individual wakes up. Typically in young children, headaches happen simultaneously with vomiting or nausea.

Other frequent symptoms include personality alterations, sight or speech problems, behavioral issues, fatigue, numbness or paralysis or instability when walking that gets increasingly worse, seizures, and sensory disorders, like the loss of a sense or smelling something that's not there.

Too often, symptoms such as changes in behavior are ascribed to a mental disorder or to the aging process and are not addressed until it's too late to cure.

The Importance of Detecting Tumor Signs

Tumors that develop in the brain are the second most common cancer in young children, happening approximately as often as leukemia. In adults, they are also increasing. Approximately one-half of primary brain tumors are considered benign - meaning they grow slowly, do not infest nearby tissues and can generally be treated successfully. The remainder are malignant - that is, they are aggressive and encroaching but can often be treated, although they may remain incurable.

For More Information

For more information on brain tumors and their associated signs, contact the American Brain Tumor Association. Their phone number is (800) 886-2282, and they can supply information and referrals for patients and their families.

Recognizing Chemo Brain Symptoms

You may think you are going crazy. Not sure what is happening? You are losing your mind. Are you losing your mind? Maybe. But rest assured. You can get it back again. After reading this article, you will recognize if you are experiencing chemo brain symptoms. You will also get a possible solution that has helped thousands.

Not all medical professionals recognize chemo brain symptoms as real. So patients aren't always told about this side effect. Chemotherapy pumps toxic chemicals into your body. The purpose is to kill cells. So why is it so hard to believe it would affect brain cells? Cancer Medicine

Discussing the issue with others may produce various answers. "It couldn't possibly be the chemo because it doesn't cross the blood barrier." "We are all getting old, dear." And other such dismissive responses. It can be very frustrating. These responses do nothing to help your problem.

More and more research is being done on the topic, so we can expect improved medical responses. Hopefully the controversy will die down soon. Hopefully the future will contain less people surprised by chemo brain symptoms.

Part of the reason it's controversial is because not every chemo patient gets chemo brain symptoms. There are a wide range of symptoms. Each sufferer experiences different levels of each symptom. Some symptoms last a short time, while for others it takes years to shake off.

If any of the following were not present before chemo, you probably have chemo brain symptoms:

Memory. Short term memory is gone. There are memory lapses. A Lot of time is spent hunting for keys, remote, glasses, cell phone, etc.

Concentration. Easily distracted, cannot focus. Cannot read a book for any length of time.

Multi-tasking. When trying to do multiple things at once, you lose track of one of them. Like cooking and talking on the phone at the same time.

Word Recall. Words may elude you in the middle of a sentence. Another word might come out in place of another.

Slower Thinking. It takes you longer to do things than before. You used to be able to pick-up new things quickly, now you struggle.

These are some of the chemo brain symptoms people have reported. This greatly reduces your quality of life. By the end of the day you are left exhausted and frustrated.

But you can be made whole again. You can get your brain back. The brain you had before chemo. Many have reported improvements in just a few short weeks.

The right brain training can make you even sharper than before you had chemo brain symptoms.

Investigate brain training software that has helped others with chemo brain symptoms. Using these methods will change your life. You will not regret it.

Headache May Be One of the Brain Tumor Symptoms

Having headache occasionally is quite common to all, and there is nothing to worry. If it is constant or recurring, it creates in many patients a stress. Instantly they rush to their family care doctor or to a special clinic with a fear that it may be one of the brain tumor symptoms. If the doctor suspects symptoms of brain tumor, the patient feels highly afraid of his pathetic condition with each and everything.  Sometimes, stress causes tension headache symptoms which are identified as 'secondary' since stress is the organism's total response to environmental demands or pressures. Whatever may be the causes of headache, clinical specialists do view seriously. Still, the headache is exclusively dependent on the condition of the patient.                                                                                            

The headache with brain tumor symptoms is entirely different from one due to stress. Sometimes, the patient experiences severe headache symptoms and complaints known as "red flags" connected with coughing, sneezing or bending over. All such symptoms are serious to any patient as they can consequently cause other complications. Many patients can also have some other attacks with neurological symptoms like partial memory loss and affected personality. The symptoms can also include dizziness, tinnitus and incontinence. When the diagnosis gives abnormal results and the patient has visual defects or weakness then either a CT or MRI of the brain is needed. So, headache of any nature is serious and needs immediate treatment from a neurological specialist.

Signs of brain tumor headaches:                                                                          

It can produce increased pain all over the day that is throbbing in nature. The pain will be mild in the morning and then gradually progressing to the worst level throughout the day. In some cases, the pain will be deep all through the day. To the worst of all, it extends over weeks or even months together. Some patients may experience the symptoms of migraine.

Treatment                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

There are certain things which should be normally avoided to be free any risky condition. They include chain smoking, consuming tobacco, and consuming excess alcohol.  At the beginning stage, chemotherapy and radiation may be helping you with constant care. For some patients, steroids can relieve pains by progressive steps. The response will be good for steroids or anti-inflammatories. When there is no improvement they need surgery. Many times the symptoms disappear after surgery.