BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD

BENIGN BRAIN TUMOR

Benign brain tumors are graded from one to two and can be successfully treated. They can grow slowly and have a rare chance of spreading. However, it could still be dangerous and be life-threatening.

Brain tumors are classified depending on how rapid it could grow and spread, and its probability of growing back after treatment. It is usually graded from one to four.

Abnormal growth of cells in the brain or the skull is called a brain tumor.

Non-cancerous brain tumors are likely to stay in one place. These types of brain tumors have a small chance of growing back after treatment. However, in some rare instances, it could grow back. If this happens, your physician may require close monitoring through scans or treatment with radiotherapy.

TYPES

Non-cancerous brain tumors have many different types and can be related to the affected brain cells. Some examples include:

  • Gliomas are tumors in the glial tissue that holds and support the nerve cells and fibers.
  • Meningiomas are tumors of the membranes that cover the brain.
  • Acoustic neuromas are tumors found in the acoustic nerve.
  • Craniopharyngiomas are tumors formed near the base of the brain. Teenagers, children, and young adults are often diagnosed with this kind of tumor.
  • Hemangioblastomas are a kind of tumor formed in the blood vessels of the brain.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of a non-cancerous brain tumor depend relatively on its size and location. However, some slow-growing tumors may not show any symptoms in the early stages.

The following are common symptoms of non-cancerous brain tumors:

  • Unusual and persistent headaches
  • Constant vomiting, drowsiness, and nausea
  • Seizures
  • Vision problems
  • Speech problems
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Behavioral or mental changes

Seek medical advice from your general physician if you experience such symptoms. Even though it’s unlikely to be a benign brain tumor, your doctor still needs to assess these symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may perform a simple neurological examination.

If your physician suspects that you might have a brain tumor or is uncertain what’s causing your symptoms, a brain and nerve specialist might be needed to further investigate your situation.

Neurological Examination

To check for problems associated with brain tumors, your physician may test your nervous system. It may involve testing your:

  • Skin sensitivity
  • Reflexes
  • Vision and hearing
  • Arm and leg strength
  • Balance and co-ordination
  • Memory and mental agility

Further Examination

Other medical tests may be performed to help diagnose a benign brain tumor.

  • MRI Scan
  • CT Scan
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • Biopsy

TREATMENT

Non-cancerous tumors are often removed through surgery. The success rate of the operation often depends on the surgeon, whether he was able to safely remove all the tumor or not. If the tumor has not been completely removed, it needs to be monitored through scans and treat with radiotherapy.

Other treatments used to treat non-cancerous tumors includes the following:

  • Radiosurgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Medications before or after surgery

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]