Brain cancer occurs when the cells in or around the brain become abnormal and spread. Sometimes, this can cause a tissue mass to originate in the organ, called a primary brain tumor. When cancer from other body parts spreads to the brain and causes a tumor, it is called a secondary or metastatic brain tumor. Regardless of the type, brain cancer is a severe condition that requires immediate expert attention.

Causes
Experts are uncertain what causes brain cells to mutate and spread. However, the following factors are said to increase one’s risk of developing the condition:

• Increased age
  The risk increases as people age. Brain cancer is mostly diagnosed in people aged 65 years and above.
• Gender
  Some types of brain cancers, such as meningiomas, are more likely to develop in women than men.
• Family history of brain cancer
  If brain cancer runs in a family, a member is more likely to develop it.
• Chemical exposure
  Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may increase the probability of developing the condition. People working in the oil or rubber industries are also at risk.
• Previous radiation treatment
  People exposed to higher doses of radiation are at a greater risk of brain cancer.
• Compromised immune system
  Those with a weak immune system are highly susceptible to the condition.

Individuals who fall in the high-risk groups should look out for the condition’s symptoms and visit a doctor immediately upon experiencing them.

Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the part of the brain where the tumor is located and the functional system it affects. The common indicators are:

• A radiating headache that worsens over time with activity
• Seizures (also called convulsions)
• Facial weakness or numbness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry vision or losing sight on the sides of one’s field of vision
• Changes in sensation, vision, or smell
• Loss of balance or difficulty performing daily activities
• Changes in judgment or loss of initiative

When the brain tumor grows, it presses on the surrounding nerves and irritates the neurons, causing muscle contractions and twitching. Many brain cancer symptoms overlap with other health conditions, making it hard to spot. If one experiences any of these conditions regularly or they become unbearable, it is vital to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Doctors may recommend imaging scans besides performing other tests to detect a tumor in the brain.

Treatment and management
The treatment for primary brain cancer differs from cancers that have metastasized from other body parts. Benign brain tumors are removed with surgery and usually do not grow back. Treatment options for brain cancer include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor
  Surgery is done to remove the entire tumor. However, when the entire mass cannot be removed, the surgeon excises as much of the lump as possible to prevent damage to the brain tissue.
• Chemotherapy
  This therapy uses anticancer chemicals to kill cancer cells. It is often recommended after surgery to destroy any tumors that might have been left behind.
• Radiation therapy
  In this therapy, high-powered rays are used to damage cancer cells and prevent them from growing. It is recommended when the tumors cannot be surgically removed, or cancer cells remain even after surgery.
• Targeted therapy
  It is a form of chemotherapy that uses chemicals to target harmful cells without affecting healthy ones. Targeted therapy prevents tumors from growing and prevents new ones from forming.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
  Wherever possible, minimally invasive surgical techniques like endoscopy may be used instead of traditional open-brain surgery. During an endoscopy, a thin tube called an endoscope that contains a camera is inserted through one or two surgical incisions and positioned next to the brain tumor. This allows the surgeon to see detailed images of the tissue mass in the brain, which helps with its removal.
• Sophisticated brain mapping tools
  These tools allow the removal of tumors with precision and safety without damaging the organ’s neurological function. Intraoperative neuronavigation is an advanced MRI system that allows the surgeon to plan the surgery without damaging the brain. Intraoperative electrophysiology brain mapping, also called motor mapping, helps locate the important regions of the brain that has to be untouched.

Since cancer affects a person’s emotional well-being, doctors may also recommend counseling and supportive care for patients besides the abovementioned treatments.

The survival rates for brain cancer differ depending on the type of tumor, the patent’s age, and their overall health. Though this condition cannot be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment can stop the tissue mass from growing and control the symptoms.