Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are masses of cells that grow within the brain. Slow-growing cells may form a benign, or noncancerous, tumor. Abnormal cells that grow rapidly may form a cancerous tumor.

What is going on in the body?

The brain is tightly contained within the closed cavity of the skull. There is very little extra room within the bony skull cavity. A growing brain tumor can destroy brain cells directly. Or, it may put pressure on the nearby tissue and destroy cells. These effects can occur with either a benign or a cancerous tumor.

A brain tumor that starts within the brain is known as a primary brain tumor. Often, a brain tumor grows from cells that metastasize, or spread, from a cancer elsewhere in the body. Some of the cancers that often metastasize the brain are as follows:

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The people most at risk for brain tumors include:

Many other risk factors have been reported to increase the risk of brain tumors. Research findings have been either unconvincing or conflicting. Additional factors that need further study include:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A brain tumor can produce a number of symptoms, depending on its type, size, location, and growth. Some common symptoms of brain tumors are as follows:

As a tumor continues to grow, it may cause increased intracranial pressure, or pressure within the brain. Common symptoms of increased intracranial pressure are as follows:

Seizures can occur as a result of irritation between the tumor and the brain. Pituitary tumors usually result in hormone changes such as Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much hormone.

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of brain tumor begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may order other tests, including a cranial MRI. The MRI is usually followed by surgery to remove the tumor or a biopsy to test for cancer.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

It is not possible to prevent tumors that start in the brain. Metastatic tumors can sometimes be prevented by making good lifestyle choices. For example, a person can quit smoking to lower the risk of lung cancer.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects depend on the type of brain tumor. If left untreated, noncancerous brain tumors may grow so large that they put pressure on the brain, leading to death.

What are the risks to others?

Brain tumors are not contagious. They pose no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Medicines may be used to reduce swelling around the tumor. These include corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone. Furosemide or mannitol may also be used. A craniotomy, or brain surgery, is usually done to reduce intracranial pressure. It is also used to make the correct diagnosis. A craniotomy is especially important in the case of noncancerous brain tumors. These usually do not respond to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is best to remove them completely.

Cancerous brain tumors are generally removed with a craniotomy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy after surgery will help increase the person's chance of survival.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be helpful to improve or correct function after the tumor has been treated.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The side effects of steroids, such as weight gain and increased risk of infection, may occur with a long period of treatment. Radiation therapy will usually produce some hair loss. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and a low red blood cell count, or anemia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

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How is the condition monitored?

The healthcare provider may order periodic cranial CT scans or cranial MRIs to watch for further problems. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:James Warson, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:08/31/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/01/01