A serious disease, brain cancer is characterized by cancerous cell growth in the skull. This selection from the eMedTV Web site takes an in-depth look at cancer of the brain, including information on symptoms, grades, and treatment options.
Brain tumors can be benign, malignant, primary, and secondary in nature. This eMedTV article discusses the different types of brain tumors within these categories, including how they form and whether they are more common in children or adults.
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of brain cancer are unknown. However, exposure to certain chemicals may increase a person's chances of developing it. This Web page takes a closer look at the risk factors for brain cancer.
If your doctor recommends brain cancer screening, this does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. As this eMedTV article explains, brain cancer screening is used to test people for early stages of brain cancer before there are any symptoms.
This eMedTV page looks at possible signs of a brain tumor. Early symptoms may be vague, and can include headaches. Because these are common, it should not be concluded it's a brain tumor; early symptoms like these are also common in other conditions.
Symptoms of a brain tumor typically occur when the tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. This page from the eMedTV Web site provides an in-depth explanation of brain tumor symptoms, such as headaches, visual changes, and nausea.
Pediatric brain tumor symptoms (such as nausea or problems with speech) will depend on the size of the tumor, its type, and location. This eMedTV resource offers information on pediatric brain tumor symptoms, including what causes them.
This eMedTV page explains the procedure doctors use when making a brain tumor diagnosis. For example, a physical exam, questions about the patient's medical history, and tests such as a CT scan are often used to make a brain tumor diagnosis.
As this eMedTV segment explains, treating brain cancer may involve several steps, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. This article discusses these treatment options in detail, including side effects and healthcare providers involved.
Brain cancer prevention does not guarantee that someone will not get the disease, but it can decrease the risk. This section of the eMedTV website looks at avoiding risk factors as part of brain cancer prevention.
Various factors affect a person's brain cancer prognosis (the probable course and outcome of the disease). This eMedTV page lists these factors (such as the cancer stage) and reminds that a brain cancer prognosis is a prediction, not an absolute.
Brain tumors don't just occur in adults; children can have them, too. This eMedTV article discusses children and brain tumors in more detail, including types and grades, symptoms, and treatment options.
Brain cancer in adults occurs when cancer cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. This section of the eMedTV library offers a thorough explanation of the condition, including grades, symptoms, and treatment methods.
This eMedTV segment discusses the current focus of brain cancer research. For example, research studies are exploring new treatment methods, schedules, and drug combinations. Clinical trials also play a role in learning more about brain cancer.
According to brain cancer statistics from the American Cancer Society, 18,500 people would be diagnosed with brain cancer in 2005. This eMedTV webpage includes more brain cancer statistics on prevalence, survival rates, and more.
