Is Brain Tumor a Type of Cancer

Brain tumor is some abnormal growth of cells in our brain. Although these growths are usually known as brain tumors. All brain tumors aren’t cancer. Cancer is used mainly for a malignant tumor which grows and spreads aggressively, thus it overpowers healthy cells by occupying their blood, space and nutrients. They may also reach to farther body parts. Tumor cell also required blood and nutrients for its survival like any other cell of the body. Benign tumors on the other hand are the ones that don’t reach nearby tissues and don’t spread to farther areas. Generally, benign tumors are less serious as compared to malignant tumors; however, benign tumors can cause several problems in brain by pressing nearby tissues.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumor

Symptoms of brain tumor may be specific or general. Specific symptom is a resultant of improper functionality of a specific part of the brain due to tumor. General symptom results from the pressure of tumor on brain or even spinal cord.

General Symptoms:

• Severe headaches with activities or in early mornings.
• Motor seizure are also know as convulsions which are sudden reflex movements of an individual’s muscles. Patients may experience several types of seizures including tonic-clonic (grand mal) and myoclonic.
• Memory or personality changes
• Vomiting or Nausea
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Drowsiness
• Memory problems
• Changes in performance of daily activities or even walking

Symptoms which can be Specific to Locations of Tumor:

• Headache or pressure near the tumor
• Difficulty with fine motor skills or loss of balance is connected with tumor in cerebellum
• Problems in judgment i.e. sluggishness, loss of initiative, paralysis or muscle weakness is linked to tumor in frontal lobe of cerebrum.
• Partial or even complete loss of vision results from tumor in temporal lobe or occipital lobe of cerebrum
• Changes in hearing, speech, emotional state or memory i.e. aggressiveness and issues comprehending or retrieving words may grow due to tumor in frontal and temporal lobe of cerebrum.
• Altered perception of pressure or touch, leg or arm weakness on single side of body, confusion with right or left sides of body are associated with tumor in parietal or frontal lobe of cerebrum
• Pineal gland tumor causes inability in looking upward
• Lactation or breast milk secretion and altered menstrual periods are problems women face which is associated to pituitary tumor
• Facial numbness or weakness, double vision, difficulties in swallowing signify tumor in brain stem.

When diagnosed, relieving symptoms are a vital part of the patients treatment and care which is also known as symptom management, supportive care or palliative care. Disclose every problem or symptom to your doctor.