Brain Cancer By: Nicholas Cameron

What is Brain Cancer A brain tumour is made up of abnormal cells. The tumour can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumours do not contain cancer cells Primary malignant tumours contain cancer cells. There are more than 120 different types of primary brain tumours, which complicates the development of effective treatments. Both cells can be life-threatening

Who It Affects Brain tumours are a very rare form of cancer, accounting for less than 2 percent of all cancers. Brain cancer can occur at any age, but is mostly common in two age groups, children between ages 3 and 12 and adults between ages 40 and ,500 Americans and 10,000 Canadians are diagnosed with brain cancer each year. Men have a better chance of being infected by most types of brain tumours. Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children.

Genetic Relationship The cause of brain cancer is unknown. Scientist believe the genetic disorders Neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis increase your chance of having brain cancer. Other causes believed to increase your chances of brain cancer are: previous radiation therapy to the head, weakened immune systems from taking drugs or having HIV/AIDS, or exposure to vinyl chloride.

Signs & Symptoms The signs and symptoms depends on where the brain tumour is: Headaches (usually worse in the morning), nausea, muscle jerking or twitching, loss of appetite, change in mood, memory problems, changes in speech, hearing or vision, confusion, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

Diagnosing Brain Tumours There are several ways to diagnose brain tumours:  Imaging: allows tissue to be looked at in more detail. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are used for imaging.  Biopsy: cells are removed from the body and checked under a microscope.

Treatments Steroids are used to bring down swelling around brain tumours. Steroids do not treat the tumour, but help reduce the symptoms. Chemotherapy is sometimes given after surgery or with radiation therapy. It’s given as a pill or by injection. It aids the cancer cells from spreading or growing, but can damage healthy cells as well. Some of the side affects are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, hair loss, and increased risk of infections.

Treatments Continued Radiation treatment may be given to treat tumours that could not be completely removed. A beam of radiation is aimed at the tumour. The radiation damages both cancer and healthy cells that are in the path of the beam. Side affects are: feeling more tired and headaches. Anticonvulsants are used to stop seizures which brain cancer can sometimes cause.

Surgery Craniotomy, brain surgery, is the most common treatment for a brain tumour. - Head is shaved - small cut in scalp and small piece removed - all or most of the tumour is removed - bone and skin a placed back to heal

Side Affects of Surgery It may take a few weeks to fully recover. a tube may be inserted into your scalp to remove extra blood from the wound. It is usually removed a day or two later. Side effects are: Headaches and eyes/face may temporarily swell up or bruise.

Early Detection and Prognosis Early detection means a better chance of successful treatment. Recognizing symptoms and getting regular checkups are the best way to detect brain tumours. The sooner symptoms are reported, the sooner diagnosis and treatment can occur. Because brain cancer only makes up 2% of all cancers and there are more than 120 types. This makes it difficult for statisticians to gather and analyze information. Mortality rates vary from type to type.