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| What is a Brain Tumor? |
| A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells inside the skull. Tumors may grow from the brain cells, the blood vessels in the brain, the nerves that come from the back of the brain, or the membranes that cover the brain. There are many types of tumors in the brain. Some can be cured with surgery alone while others may need radiation and chemotherapy. Although some tumors grow more slowly, all brain tumors are dangerous because they push on the brain. Some tumors can spread to the spine, but they rarely go elsewhere in the body. |
| Most Common Types of Brain Tumors |
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Medulloblastoma
• Ependymoma • Astrocytoma (or Glioma) • Crainopharyngioma • Pineal Tumor |
| What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor? |
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Symptoms depend on the size and the location of the tumor in the brain. As a tumor grows, you may
notice other symptoms. Often symptoms of a brain tumor are similar to those of other diseases.
General symptoms may include: • Repeated headaches which are worse in the morning. • Nausea or vomiting. • Mental changes (sluggishness or drowsiness). • Uncoordinated or clumsy movements. • Seizures. Specific symptoms may include: • Growing weakness or numbness in the arms or legs. • Gradual problems with vision, speech, hearing or concentration. • Memory loss. • Noted change in behavior. |
| How are Brain Tumors Diagnosed? |
| The bones of the skull hide brain tumors. Your doctor or nurse cannot feel or see them during a routine check–up. Instead, he or she will need to obtain a complete heath history, and perform a neurological examination. Most brain tumors are found using a specialized x–ray test such as Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) scan of the head, angiography (x–ray of the blood vessels in the brain), or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Only a sample of the tumor, obtained during surgery and studied under a microscope, can provide an exact diagnosis. |
| How are Brain Tumors Treated? |
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Surgery is the treatment of choice for tumors which can be removed by surgery without causing
brain damage. The goal is to remove all of the tumor that can be seen. Depending on the type or
location, tumors may be treated with surgery alone, with surgery combined with radiation or
chemotherapy or a combination of all the three.
Surgery The most common surgery for removal of a brain tumor is a craniotomy. The neurosurgeon makes an incision into the scalp. A piece of bone is removed to expose the area of the brain over the tumor. After the tumor is removed, the bone is replaced and the skin is sewn together. Radiation Therapy (X–Ray Treatment) Many tumors are radiosensitive, meaning that they easily die when exposed to radiation. Therapy is given over a period of several weeks. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses special chemicals to poison tumor cells. Tumor cells are more sensitive to these chemicals than are healthy cells Steroids (e.g. Decadron or Dexamethasone) Steroids control the swelling often seen with brain tumors. |
| Who to Call with Questions |
| Whenever you have a question or a concern, please call your neurosurgeon or a nurse practitioner. You can call: Neurosurgery (Dr. Iskandar’s) Office at (608) 263–9651, or Bonnie Ohm at (608) 265–2194 |
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