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Brain cancer

Brain cancer is a type of cancer that leads to abnormal growths within the brain. Brain tumors can be malignant, that is they have cancerous cells. They could also be benign, that is they are without cancerous cells. Primary cancer of the brain normally originates from the brain while metastatic cancer starts elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain.

Some signs and symptoms of this type of cancer include headaches, vomiting and nausea. Other symptoms include altered state of consciousness and dilatation of the pupil on the side of the lesion. Cognitive and behavioral impairment are other indicators that one may have brain cancer. Epileptic seizure in a person who has no prior history of epilepsy should also be another red flag.

Imaging is key in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are other important procedures when it comes to diagnosing brain tumors .A definitive diagnosis however can be confirmed by histological examination of samples from the tumor tissue. The sample tissues can be obtained by use of a brain biopsy or by use of surgery.

Surgical removal is used to treat metastatic tumors. This may be followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy or a combination of both. Radiotherapy is also the main treatment for secondary brain cancer tumors and the amount of use depends on the size of the area affected. Survival of primary tumor depends on the type of tumor and the age of the patient. Functional status of the patient and the extent of surgical tumor removal are other factors that determine survival rate


Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer
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Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues.
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