Brain cancer: causes, symptoms and diagnosis

In the world no one doubts that oncological diseases are the most difficult and difficult to cure. Among them, brain cancer is almost a "death sentence" for the patient. So what is this disease?

The cancer of the brain is called malignant neoplasm inside the human skull, which occurs during the abnormal division of the brain cells. This division can be affected by virtually any group of cells (neurons, astrocytes, glial cells, lymphocytes, blood vessels, glands and meninges). Often, brain cancer occurs due to metastasis from other organs (hematogenous or lymphogenous pathway). The type of tumor is determined by the prevalence of certain cells in it. Symptoms of the disease manifest themselves depending on the location of the malignant neoplasm and affected tissues.

Brain cancer does not develop from scratch. For the emergence of this disease, certain prerequisites (exposure to chemicals, radiation, harmful substances, the effects of injuries, viral infections, smoking) are necessary, although human heredity plays a significant role in this. Although the causes of cancer are not reliably established until now, most often it arises from the abnormal growth of glial cells.

Depending on the location of the neoplasm and its composition, brain tumors are divided according to two classifications. According to the location of the tumor, they are divided into those that are in the brain itself and those that are outside it. The latter can also be metastases. According to the cellular content, the tumors are divided into: shell (their cover tissues of the brain membranes appear); Pituitary (appearing in the pituitary gland); Neuroma (occur in the cranial nerves); Disembryogenetic; Neuroepithelial (formed from the brain). Neuroepithelial tumors account for 60% of cases of this disease.

The first symptoms of brain cancer appear at a time when the malignant tumor is increasing in size. In the process of its growth, the brain tissue is compressed and destroyed. This symptomatology is called focal or primary. The faster the neoplasm grows and the disease progresses, the more common the symptomatology is, which includes circulatory disturbances and increased intracranial pressure.

Brain cancer, the causes of which can only be established after a series of thorough examinations and study of the medical history, has certain focal symptoms. The most frequent of them are: sensitivity disorders (pain, tactile and thermal sensations); Problems with the vestibular apparatus; Epileptic manifestations; Motor disorders; Hearing and vision impairment; Speech dysfunctions; Hormonal disorders; Vegetative disorders (pulse jerks, pressure, dizziness); dementia; Lack of coordination; Hallucinations; Psychomotor disorders (forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, irritability).

With increased intracranial pressure and compression of the brain tissue, there is a general cerebral symptomatology: a constant and severe headache; Vomiting and persistent nausea; Frequent dizziness.

Brain cancer is diagnosed in 3 stages. At the first stage, a neoplasm of focal and general cerebral symptoms is detected. At the 2nd stage, differential diagnostics and a preliminary diagnosis are performed. At this time, a computer or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed . After the tumor is detected, there is a stage 3, which confirms the diagnosis. At this time the patient is hospitalized, a tumor biopsy is performed, a therapy regimen is prescribed (irradiation, surgery, chemotherapy). In the initial stages, brain cancer therapy is based on the unified principles of treating such diseases. Surgical intervention is based on excision of the tumor but, as a rule, it is almost impossible to do this.

Cancer of the spinal cord, the symptoms of which sometimes resemble the symptoms of brain tumors (loss of sensitivity, impaired coordination, paralysis, impaired movement) is accompanied by severe pain in the back.