Brain Cancer

Brain cancer occurs when brain cells grow uncontrollably in the brain, causing a tumour. Brain tumours are of two main types: benign tumours and malignant tumours.

Benign brain tumours are incapable of spreading beyond the brain itself. Benign tumours in the brain usually do not need to be treated and their growth is self-limited. Sometimes they can cause problems because of their location, in which case surgery and/or radiation can be helpful.

Malignant brain tumours are typically called brain cancer. These tumours can invade vital structures in the brain, and may rarely spread outside of the brain. Malignant tumours of the brain will always develop into a problem if left untreated and an aggressive approach is almost always warranted. Brain malignancies can be divided into primary brain cancer, which originates in the brain, and metastatic brain cancer, which spreads to the brain from another site in the body.

• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Prevention
• Treatment at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
• Brain Cancer In-Depth at UPMC Cancer Centers

Risk Factors
The cause of primary brain cancer is unknown, but some risk factors (something that increases your chance of getting a disease), include:

• history of previous brain tumours or other cancers
• radiation exposure
• immune system dysfunction
• family history of rare types of cancer

Metastatic brain cancers can be traced to the site of origin in the body. Any cancer throughout the body can ultimately spread to the brain. The following is a list of the most common tumours that may spread to the brain at some point:

• lung cancer
• breast cancer
• malignant melanomas
• gastrointestinal tract cancer
• genital or urinary tract cancer

Symptoms
Symptoms of brain tumours or cancer can vary, depending on the tumour's size and location. A growing tumour is often associated with fluid build up, which puts pressure on the brain. Symptoms may develop gradually or rapidly, and may include:

• headache: The vast majority of headaches are not caused by brain tumours. Headaches associated with brain tumours tend to have the following features:
  • progressively worse over a period of weeks to months
  • worse in the morning or cause you to wake during the night
  • different than normal headache
  • worsens with change of posture, straining, or coughing
• seizures
• nausea or vomiting
• weakness in arms and/or legs
• loss of sensation in arms and/or legs
• difficulty walking
• vision changes
• speech problems
• drowsiness
• memory problems
• personality changes

Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam, with particular attention to the neurologic exam. A neurologic exam tests muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, response to stimuli, and alertness. The doctor will also look into your eyes to check for signs of brain swelling.

More in-depth tests may include:

• MRI Scan -- test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body.
  
• CT Scan -- type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body.
  
• PET Scan – a test that detects the level of metabolic activity in the brain and other organs by tracking a radioactive sugar molecule that is injected into the bloodstream. Pet scans are not approved to look at primary brain tumours, but can be very helpful if the doctor is trying to determine if symptoms are related to a growing tumour or injury from treatment (surgery or radiation).
  
• arteriography – a test that uses x-rays to make pictures of the vasculature in the brain after injection of contrast material into an artery.
  
• biopsy – removal of a sample of brain tissue to test for cancer cells.
  
• stereotaxis – use of a computer-assisted CT or MRI scan to locate the tumour and take a biopsy. The doctor drills a small hole in the skull, inserts a needle, and withdraws the sample tissue.

Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing brain cancer. There is also no current conclusive data that using cell phones or living by electrical wires or power plants increases your risk of developing a brain tumour.

Treatment at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
There are numerous approaches to brain cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The health care and oncology professionals practicing at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre specialize in radiotherapy, and will work with you, your doctor, and other specialists to design the most effective radiation treatment and recovery plans for your particular needs, including:

• IMRT
• IGRT
• Support Services

Brain Cancer In-Depth: Information from UPMC Cancer Centers

UPMC Cancer Centers, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians and health care specialists in the United States. Working with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the academic and research partner, UPMC Cancer Centers strives to offer patients the latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and innovative treatment. With the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre, UPMC is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring world-class cancer treatment to patients right in their own communities.

• Learn more about general brain tumors from the experts at UPMC Cancer Centers
  (This link will take you to the website for UPMC Cancer Centers.)
• Learn more about neuroblastomas from the experts at UPMC Cancer Centers
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