Whether benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), there are two basic types of brain tumor: primary and metastatic.
Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment at Inspira
Primary tumors start out in the brain, while metastatic tumors start somewhere else in the body and migrate to the brain, usually through the bloodstream. Metastatic brain tumors are more common in adults than primary tumors, and they also occur more frequently in individuals with a history of other cancers.
Detecting a brain tumor can be difficult, as symptoms are not always immediately apparent. When symptoms are present, they typically include but are not limited to:
- Headaches that often become more frequent and/or severe
- Vision problems (blurred vision, double vision, etc.)
- Speech impairment
- Difficulty with balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Behavioral changes
To determine whether a tumor is present, your physician will perform a number of tests including a neurological exam, imaging tests and biopsy.
Brain tumors are treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of these methods. Your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the size, rate of growth and specific location of your tumor. A procedure known as a craniotomy is often the best option for removing tumors. If your neurosurgeon can only access a portion of the mass, the remaining tissue will likely be treated using radiation or chemotherapy.
Inspira’s skilled neurologists and neurosurgeons are standing by to answer your questions.
