Brain cancer facts

Brain cancer can arise from many different types of brain cells (primary brain cancer) or occur when cancer cells from another part of the body spread (metastasize) to the brain.

Causes of brain cancer are difficult to prove; avoiding compounds linked to cancer production is advised.

Symptoms of brain cancer vary but often include weakness, difficultywalking, seizures, and headaches. Other common symptoms arenausea, vomiting, blurry vision, or a change in a person's alertness, mental capacity, memory, speech, or personality.

Tests for brain cancer involve a history, physical exam, and usually a CT or MRI brain scan; sometimes a brain tissue biopsy is done.

Treatments usually are directed by a team of doctors and are designed for the individual patient; treatments may include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, often in combination.

Side effects of treatments range from mild to severe, and patients need to discuss plans with their treatment team members to clearly understand potential side effects and their prognosis (outcomes).

Depending on the brain cancer type and overall health status of the patient, brain cancer frequently has only a fair to poor prognosis; children have a somewhat better prognosis.