Contents:
- Medical Video: What is Glioblastoma? (HD)
- How to detect deadly brain tumors
- Types of malignant tumors
- Treatment for malignant brain tumors
Medical Video: What is Glioblastoma? (HD)
Brain tumors are grouped into 4 types according to their nature, such as the speed of their growth and the possibility of relapse. Not all tumors in the brain turn off or end with death. Class 1 or 2 brain tumors are considered benign or non-cancerous, whereas malignant or deadly brain tumors are classified as grade 3 or 4.
Primary brain tumors are tumors originating from the brain. However, most malignant tumors are secondary cancers, aka tumors that originate from other locations and spread to the brain.
How to detect deadly brain tumors
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, each patient with a tumor in the brain can experience different symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include chronic headaches, seizures, chronic nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
People with deadly brain tumors also often experience memory problems, personality and behavioral changes, followed by weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, impaired vision, and speech disorders.
If you are aware of the symptoms above, it is best for you to immediately seek medical help. Even though it is not a tumor, you may have other health problems that require treatment.
Types of malignant tumors
In most cases, malignant tumors in the brain grow from glial tissue — the tissue that is responsible for supporting brain nerve cells. Therefore, this tumor is called a glioma. Gliomas can be grouped into smaller categories according to their original cells.
- Astrocytoma originates from cells that form the brain's framework.
- Oligodendroglioma comes from cells that produce a layer of nerve fat.
- Ependimoma comes from the cells that line the brain cavity.
Malignant tumors can originate from different parts of the brain.
Treatment for malignant brain tumors
Malignant primary brain tumors (which originate in the brain) require early treatment. Late treatment can spread the tumor and damage other parts of the brain and spinal cord. If you are diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, you will need surgery to remove as many tumors as possible. Cancer cells that cannot be removed during surgery will be targeted by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both, to prevent recurrence.
Even so, malignant tumors tend to recur. If this happens, or if you get secondary cancer, it is no longer possible to cure your condition. If this happens, the goal of treatment is only to relieve symptoms and prolong life.
It is difficult to live by knowing that you have a tumor in the brain. Patients with tumors in their brains often suffer from anxiety and depression. You can feel better after you have sufficient knowledge about the tumor and your treatment. If you have questions, don't hesitate to submit them to your medical team so that you can make wise decisions regarding your care.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
