A brain (intracranial) tumor is a mass of abnormal tissue created by cells that grow and multiply out of control. These cells don’t have the same control mechanisms as normal cells, which routinely die and get replaced. Brain tumors are either primary or metastatic.

Primary brain tumors

Primary brain tumors are those where the tumor first grows in your brain tissue or the tissues inside your skull. They can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).

Metastatic brain tumors

Metastatic brain tumors develop in other parts of your body before traveling – usually via your bloodstream – to your brain. Metastatic tumors are malignant. They affect almost one out of every four cancer patients each year.

There are over 150 types of brain tumors. The more common types of benign brain tumors include:

• Meningioma, which is the most widespread form of brain tumor
• Schwannoma, which affects the protective covering on your nerves
• Pituitary adenoma, a tumor that grows on your pituitary gland
• Acoustic neuroma, which affects your hearing and balance

Of the malignant brain tumors, gliomas account for almost 80%. Other types include ependymomas, which are far rarer and cause no more than 3% of brain tumors, and glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-growing brain cancer.

Symptoms of brain tumors can include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Balance issues
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Confusion
• Speech problems
• Sight and hearing problems
• Hormonal imbalance

None of these symptoms is unique to brain tumors, so you shouldn’t panic if you’re experiencing issues like these. However, it’s always sensible to get a checkup if you notice new symptoms.

In many cases, brain tumors develop without causing any symptoms at all. You might only discover you have one during a scan for reasons unrelated to your brain.

To find out what kind of brain tumor you have, your doctor at Texas Neuro Spine makes a very small hole in your skull so they can perform an endoscopic tumor biopsy.

Texas Neuro Spine has extensive experience in treating all types of brain tumors. Your doctor prepares a treatment program that is personalized to your needs and takes into account the type of tumor, its size, and its location, in addition to factors like your age, general health, and personal preferences.

The key treatments for brain tumors are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Most patients who have malignant brain tumors benefit from a combination of these treatments.

Benign brain tumors might not require any treatment, just monitoring. It’s only when these tumors start causing symptoms that you might need surgery to remove them.

If you’re concerned about brain tumors, get the answers you need by calling Texas Neuro Spine today or book an appointment online.