BRAIN TUMOURS

Attack: anyone
Causes: unknown
Screening: unrealistic
Prevention: impossible
Urgently needed: more research and support

Each year, over 300 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Canada. Brain tumours are the second most common childhood malignancy (after leukemia) and the number one cause of cancerous death in children under 20.

1. What is a brain tumour?
2. What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?
3. How is a brain tumour diagnosed?
4. What is the difference between a benign brain tumour and a malignant (cancerous) brain tumour?
5. How are brain tumours treated?
6. Where can I get more information on brain tumours?

1. What is a brain tumour?

• A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain forming a mass of tissue
• It disturbs normal brain activity and can cause brain damage by increasing pressure, shifting the brain and it can affect vital nerves and other healthy parts of the brain
• There are many different types of brain tumours that affect different areas of the brain and thus produce different symptoms

2. What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?

Common symptoms may include:

• Headaches that become frequent and more severe
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained seizures or convulsions
• Difficulty thinking and confusion
• Loss of sensations or tingling, typically on one side of the body
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Changes in speech, vision or hearing
• Behavioural changes

Symptoms vary greatly and depend on tumour size, type and location.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know might have a brain tumour, please contact your doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

3. How is a brain tumour diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves several steps that may include:

• Neurological examination: Involves coordination and alertness tests
• Brain scan: Internal structures of the brain are examined with a specialized machinery (CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
• Biopsy: Tissue sample is taken from tumour site and examined under a microscope for abnormal cells

4. What is the difference between a benign brain tumour and a malignant (cancerous) brain tumour?

Certain brain tumours are cancerous and others are not.

Benign brain tumours:

• Slow growing and are not considered cancerous
• If safely removed, usually do not grow back
• May become malignant over time
• Can be considered dangerous if in a harmful or inaccessible location

Malignant brain tumours:

• Higher risk and more life threatening than benign brain tumours
• Grow very rapidly and invade surrounding normal brain tissue
• Malignant brain tumours will rarely spread to other parts of the body
• Depending on the case, some malignant tumours can be treated successfully

5. How are brain tumours treated?

Treatment may include:

• Surgery: physical removal of tumour
• Radiation therapy: involves high-energy rays to destroy tumour cells
• Chemotherapy: drugs are used to kill tumour cells

Treatment of brain tumour depends on type, location and progression.

6. Where can I get more information on brain tumours?

National Brain Tumour Society: http://www.braintumor.org/BrainTumorFAQ/
Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brain-tumour/DS00281
Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_tumour/article.htm

References:
National Brain Tumour Society: http://www.braintumour.org/home/
Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brain-tumour/DS00281
Medicine Net: http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_tumour/article.htm