Brain tumors are masses of cells that grow in abnormal, uncontrollable ways in or on your brain. While both benign or malignant brain tumors are critical conditions, cancerous brain tumors often spread to healthy parts of your brain. The multiplying cells of a brain tumor press against the healthy parts of your brain, interfering with normal functioning.
Since a brain tumor causes similar symptoms to other neurological conditions — such as a brain hemorrhage, epilepsy, an aneurysm or a stroke — seek an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified neurologist or neurosurgeon. Treating your brain tumors properly requires the work of a team of specialists at a top neurosurgery and spine center.
New Jersey’s top neurosurgeons at Premier Brain & Spine have the latest medical equipment and the most up-to-date surgical knowledge to treat brain tumors. With an on-site ambulatory surgery center, this spine and neuro center provides the best care for any neurological issues you’re experiencing, including brain tumors.
Different symptoms present themselves, depending on the type of your tumor, its growth rate and its location in your brain. The various symptoms of brain tumors include:
While you can’t expect to experience all of these symptoms, any of them are cause for concern. You may also be diagnosed with a brain tumor without showing any symptoms. Neurosurgeons often find brain tumors while testing for something else.
The cause of tumors that originate in your brain, known as primary brain tumors, is often a random mutation of brain cells. Primary brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Cancerous cells that travel to the brain through your bloodstream cause metastatic or secondary brain tumors, which are always malignant.
Adults are more likely to develop secondary brain tumors than primary brain tumors. Medical scientists don’t understand why brain tumors develop, but factors that increase your risk include:
Advanced imaging techniques allow your surgeon to see the location and characteristics of a brain tumor. Tests that your doctor uses to diagnose a brain tumor include:
After imaging tests, the doctor may still want a biopsy to determine what type of tumor you have. To collect a biopsy, your neurosurgeon uses a needle inserted into the tumor. A pathologist analyzes the sample and determine whether it’s benign or malignant.
Treatment for brain tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location and its size. If a tumor is benign, your doctor may decide to monitor it with regular MRIs to see if any changes occur. For dangerous brain tumors, treatment involves one or more interventions, including:
Treating a brain tumor requires all the expertise and skill of a talented neurosurgeon. Find doctors you trust to guide you through the process. The team at the spine and neuro center at Premier Brain & Spine has an excellent track record. Schedule an appointment today.