Brain Cancer Presented by Amal Oladuja and Michelle Garro

Introduction Brain Cancer

Anatomy Brain cancer can spread to any tissue in the brain Brain Anatomy

Genes Involved Glioblastoma –C/EBP –Stat3

Symptoms Headaches (severe in the morning) Nausea and vomiting Vision and Hearing problems

Diagnosis Imaging tests: CT or MRI Biopsy Spinal Tap

Complications Problems with walking and balance Memory problems Muscle jerking and twitching Numbness in arms or legs Seizures

Contributing Factors Radiation to head Genetic Risk HIV Infection Smoking Environmental Toxins

Forms Brain tumors can be: –Benign –Malignant Two Main Types: –Primary –Metastatic

Stages Grade 1 –Slow growth –Easily treated Grade 2 –Tumor is bigger –Has potential to become more dangerous Grade 3 –Aggressive tumor –Cancer cells can be easily distinguished from brain cells Grade 4 –Tumor is perilous –Difficult to treat

Stages of Brain Cancer

Treatment  Individualized for each patient: Surgery –W/Knife –W/O knife: Stereotactic Radiosurgery Radiation Chemotherapy

Side Effects of Surgery Brain swelling Damage to tissue Change in mental status Weakness in muscles Changes in brain functions

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy Skin damage and skin sensitivity Hair loss

Side Effects of Chemotherapy Hair loss Nausea Vomiting Weakness Damaged kidney and reproductive organs

Prevalence Gender: –Females: 0.54% risk of being diagnosed* 0.41% chance of dying from tumor –Males: 0.66% risk of being diagnosed* 0.5% chance of dying from tumor Age: –60% of brain cancer patients are years old

Prevalence (cont’d) Males more at risk Middle aged and older People of European descent Workers in factories involving toxic chemicals

Epidemiology cases out of 100,00 people ~17,000 diagnosed w/primary cancer each yr in US ~13,000 of those diagnosed die from brain cancer

Prevention Avoid toxic chemicals and environmental toxins Avoid HIV infections No smoking! *Lessen cell phone use

Awareness Brain Tumor Foundation International Brain Tumor Alliance Walk Around The World for Brain Tumors International Brain Tumor Awareness Week

Sources d.jpghttp://images.healthcentersonline.com/cancer/images/article/BrainAnatomy_captione d.jpg