What is
Brain tumours are cell masses that are growing uncontrollably in the brain. Brain tumours rarely spread to other parts of the body. In other types of cancer benign tumours are less dangerous since they do not spread to other parts of the body. Both benign and malignant brain tumors can be life threatening when they grow and press on normal brain tissue. Because of this doctors speak of brain tumours rather than only brain cancer. Most brain tumours develop from glial cells, which are support cells that normally protect the neurons. Astrocytomas or glioblastomas are tumours that start in the astrocytes, a kind of glial cells that normally repairs damage. Oligodendrogliomas are tumours that start in the oligodendrocytes, a kind of glial cell that normally makes myelin that insulates nerves. normally repairs damage. Ependymomas are tumours that start in the ependymal cells that line the fluid filled regions of the brain that normally allow ceribospinal fluid to flow. Meningiomas are tumours of the brain meninges, a tissue layer that lines the brain. Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumour in children and it arises from neuroectodermal cells that are usually not seen in the adult brain.
Main Causes
The main cause of brain cancer is not well understood. Other than radiation exposure no known lifestyle-related or environmental factors have been associated with brain tumours.
Description
Because tumours in the brain almost never spread to other parts of the body, they do not have a formal staging system like most other cancers. Brain tumours are typically divided into grades I-IV, based on their histopathology. Lower grade (grade I or II) tumours grow more slowly and are less likely to grow into nearby tissues. Higher grade (grade III or IV) tumours tend to grow quickly and are more likely to grow into nearby tissues. These tumours often require more intense treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of brain cancer are based on the location of the tumour and whether it is affecting normal brain functions and regular everyday activity. These symptoms may start suddenly or develop more slowly over time. Symptoms include headaches, moodiness, confusion, changes in usual personality, blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. There are brain region-specific symptoms like movement difficulty of a limb or a side of the body, speech can get affected and so can sense smell, hearing or sight.
Typical Treatment Plan
The treatment options for brain tumours depend on the type and location of the tumour, its spread, its genetic changes, and the patient’s age and overall health. Surgery is often the first option for large non-infiltrating brain tumours. In addition to surgery, treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Certain types of tumour cells might also be exposed to alternating electric fields which can interfere with the tumour growth. This may be tried along with radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Nutritional Supplements
There are no nutritional supplements recommended specifically for brain cancer. There is some evidence that retinoids, compounds related to Vitamin A might have activity against glioblastoma. Vitamins C, D, and E and their derivatives may modulate glioma formation. It is important to not start any high dose vitamin or nutritional supplementation regimen without talking to your oncologist to avoid potential interactions with your cancer therapy.
