Brain/Pituitary

What is Brain/Pituitary Cancer?

Brain

There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary brain cancer originates in the brain and generally does not metastasize to other parts of the body. Metastatic brain cancer begins in another part of the body and spreads to the brain. Brain tumors are either benign with no cancer cells apparent or malignant with cancer cells that spread quickly. Since the brain is such a sensitive area it is important to remember that either kind of tumor can impair certain functions and put pressure on sensitive areas of the brain. Both types of brain tumors can be life threatening.

There are currently over 120 types of recognizable brain tumors. Specific brain cancers include:

• Meningiomas
• Chordomas
• Schwannomas (trigeminal and acoustic)
• Olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma)
• Epidermoid cysts
• Sphenoid sinus cancers
• Metastatic tumors
• Gliomas (optic gliomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastoma multiforme)
• Hemangioblastomas

Pituitary

The pituitary gland is the part of the brain that helps to regulate certain hormones as well as control the amount of water that is in the body. Pituitary cancers are a type of brain cancer. The diagnosis between a brain and a pituitary tumor is wholly dependent on what part of the brain the tumor occurs. Specific pituitary cancers include:

• Meningiomas
• Chordomas
• Schwannomas (trigeminal and acoustic)
• Olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma)
• Epidermoid cysts
• Sphenoid sinus cancers
• Metastatic tumors
• Gliomas (optic gliomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastoma multiforme)
• Hemangioblastomas

Brain/Pituitary Cancer Risk Factors

At this point the cause of primary brain tumors are unknown. Some types of brain tumors appear to occur more frequently in people who are exposed to radiation or certain chemicals, such as those who work in oil refining, rubber manufacturing, and chemical and nuclear industries. But a definite cause-effect relationship has not been proven.
Although brain tumors can occur at any age, they are most common in people older than 65. In children, those younger than 8 years of age appear to be at a higher risk of brain tumors than are older children.

Brain/Pituitary Cancer Early Detection

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its size, location and rate of growth.
A brain tumor can cause a variety of signs and symptoms because it can directly press on or invade brain tissue. This can damage or destroy areas responsible for sight, movement, balance, speech, hearing, memory or behavior. Pressure from a brain tumor can also cause surrounding brain tissue to swell, further increasing pressure and symptoms.

Some signs of brain tumors are:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision and hearing problems
• Cognitive and behavioral problems
• Motor and balance problems
• Personality Changes

Brain/Pituitary Cancer Treatment

The first test for a brain tumor is to have a neurological examination. To truly diagnose a brain tumor, some sort of special imaging technique must be employed. These tests can include a computed tomography (CT/CAT Scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET scan). MRI’s tend to be the most commonly used form of imaging for diagnosing brain cancers. These tests can be used in conjunction with certain laboratory techniques including an EEG and or a spinal tap. The only way to diagnose the particular type of tumor is through a biopsy so that doctor’s are able to examine the cells.

The most common treatments for brain cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. The above treatments can be used in isolation or in conjunction with each other.