What are the major types of brain tumors? What symptoms do they produce? How are they diagnosed and treated?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Brain tumors, also called neoplasms, can affect cognitive functioning in serious ways. Tumors can occur in either the gray or the white matter of the brain. Two types of brain tumors can occur. Primary brain tumors start in the brain. Most childhood brain tumors are of this type. Secondary brain tumors start as tumors somewhere else in the body, such as in the lungs. Brain tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not contain cancer cells. They typically can be removed and will not grow back. Cells from benign tumors do not invade surrounding cells or spread to other parts of the body. If, however, they press against sensitive areas of the brain, they can result in serious cognitive impairments. They also can be life-threatening, unlike benign tumors in most other parts of the body. Malignant brain tumors, unlike benign ones, contain cancer cells. They are more serious and usually threaten the victim's life. They often grow quickly. They tend to invade surrounding healthy brain tissue. In rare instances, malignant cells may break away and cause cancer in other parts of the body. Common symptoms of brain tumors include headaches (usually worse in the morning); nausea or vomiting; changes in speech, vision, or hearing; problems balancing or walking; changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate; problems with memory; muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions); and numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. The diagnosis of brain tumor typically is made through neurological examination, CT scan, or MRI. The most common form of treatment is a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.