Tumors (growths) may occur in the brain. These
tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even noncancerous tumors may cause compression
of the brain tissue, so they may need to be aggressively treated or removed
surgically. Malignant brain tumors may be primary (cancers
of the brain tissue itself) or metastatic (spread
from a cancer somewhere else in the body). The February 2, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about primary malignant brain
tumors.
Primary brain tumors are named according to the tissue from which they
arise. They include glioblastoma (the most common type of primary brain tumor
and the most aggressive form of astrocytoma) and meningioma. Some types of
brain tumors are more common in children than in adults, and children are
more likely to develop primary brain tumors than adults. Metastatic tumors
in the brain are commonly associated with cancers of the lung, breast, and
colon.
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures (sudden attacks involving changes
in consciousness, movements, or sensations caused by bursts of electrical
activity in the brain)
Dizziness
Weakness in hands, arms, feet, or legs
Blurred or disturbed vision
Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
Decreased memory or concentration
Symptoms similar to those of brain tumors may occur in individuals with
other neurological disorders, so in addition to taking a medical history and
performing a physical examination, your doctor may order scans such as a computed tomography (CT) scan
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that show the internal structures of the brain. The tumor type
is confirmed by examining a sample taken from the tumor site. This is delicate
surgery performed by neurosurgeons (doctors with
specialized training in surgery of the nervous system).
Treating brain tumors may be difficult because of their location. Surgery
is used in many cases. Chemotherapy (cancer drug
treatments) and radiation (high-energy x-ray) therapy
may be used to decrease the size of brain tumors. Dexamethasone, a steroid medication, can decrease brain swelling. Antiseizure medication
may be given to treat or prevent seizures associated with brain tumors.
American Brain Tumor Association
800/886-2282
National Brain Tumor Foundation
800/934-2873
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page
link on JAMA's Web site at . A Patient Page on cancer clinical trials was published in the June
9, 2004, issue; and one on cancer and children was published in the April
10, 2002, issue.
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate
in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For
specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied
noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share
with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval.
To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE