Brain tumor (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==How to know you have brain tumor?== | ==How to know you have brain tumor?== | ||
:*Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy: It is the most valuable test to detect the abnormal in brain. An brain MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. | |||
:*Computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy: Brain CT scans are often used to diagnose brain tumor. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the surroundings nearby, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope. | |||
:*Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread. | |||
:*Chest X-ray: This plain x-ray of your chest may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs. | |||
:*Whole Bone Scan: The goal of a whole body bone scan is to show if a cancer has metastasized to your bones. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Revision as of 14:13, 4 September 2009
| Brain tumor | |
 | |
|---|---|
| CT scan of brain showing brain cancer to left parietal lobe in the peri-ventricular area. | |
| ICD-10 | C71, D33.0-D33.2 |
| ICD-9 | 191, 225.0 |
| DiseasesDB | 30781 |
| MedlinePlus | 007222 000768 |
| eMedicine | emerg/334 |
Editor-in-Chief: Jinhui Wu, MD
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What is brain tumor?
Brain is a part of the central nervous system (CNS). It is the center of thought, feeling, memory, speech, vision, hearing, movement, and so on. Brain tumors include any tumor which starts in the brain. The cause of brain tumors is unknown. When person is damaged by the cancer, on one hand tumors can directly destroy brain cells. On the other hand, they can also indirectly damage cells by producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain and increasing pressure within the skull. Usual symptoms include epileptic seizures, numbness of part of the body, abnormal movements and an abnormal positioning of the body, fever, headache, etc. Treatments involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a combination.
How do I know if I have brain tumor and what are the symptoms of brain tumor?
Early brain tumor does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Decreased sensation of a body area
- Dysfunctional movement or uncontrollable movement
- Speech difficulties
- Double vision or decreased vision
- Personality and behavior changes
- Emotional instability
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for brain tumor?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of brain tumor is related to several factors.
- Radiation exposure
- Family history
- Immune system disorders
- Cell phone use: There has been a great deal of debate in recent years.
How to know you have brain tumor?
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy: It is the most valuable test to detect the abnormal in brain. An brain MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy: Brain CT scans are often used to diagnose brain tumor. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the surroundings nearby, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread.
- Chest X-ray: This plain x-ray of your chest may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs.
- Whole Bone Scan: The goal of a whole body bone scan is to show if a cancer has metastasized to your bones.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for brain tumor?
Directions to Hospitals Treating brain tumor
Prevention of brain tumor
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=3