Brain tumors are very complex, and they can affect anyone at any age. Treatment options include surgery, targeted chemotherapy, and radiation. Medical advances are now giving patients much better outcomes. With our expertise at Dickinson Neurological Surgery, we believe we can give you a fighting chance to make a full recovery.

What Are Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors can begin in the brain, or they can spread from other parts of the body. The treatment option you opt for will depend on the type of brain tumor you have, as well as the size and location of it. 

The World Health Organization has identified over 100 types of brain tumors. Some of the most common types of tumors are listed here.

Types of Brain Tumors

These tumors start in the fluid-filled cavities within the brain. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, but the malignant form, choroid plexus carcinoma, is most commonly found in children.

This tumor begins in the cells of fetal development and stays in the brain even after birth. It occurs mostly in young babies and children.

Germ cell tumors begin in reproductive cells. If they reach the brain, they tend to be in the pineal or pituitary glands. They are more common in children and are mostly benign.

This type of tumor starts in the pineal gland. It’s responsible for making melatonin, which helps with sleep. These tumors can be malignant or benign and tend to be found in children.

These are tumors that start in the brain or spinal cord. They are usually benign but can be malignant. Meningiomas are the most common type of benign tumor.

Nerve tumors occur around the nerves. The most common type is an acoustic neuroma or a schwannoma, which is located on the nerve connecting the brain to the inner ear.

This type of tumor can be benign and is on the pituitary gland. Most tumors that begin in this area are benign.

Causes of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors can be caused by many different factors, some of which include:

Genetic predisposition

If you have a family member who has had a brain tumor, you could be more likely to develop one yourself. Genetics alone account for 5% of tumors.

Exposure to ionizing radiation

Medical radiation is used in some medical scans. People are exposed to it when they undergo a CT scan or an X-ray. Less than 1% of tumors are caused by ionizing radiation.

Environmental factors

The most-known environmental factor is radiation from a previous cancer treatment. Radiation can damage healthy brain cells, and as a result, you have a small risk of developing a second brain tumor if you have undergone radiation treatment for the first.

Immune system disorders

Immune system disorders can also increase your risk of getting a brain tumor. Some immune system disorders include neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Turner syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Who Is At Risk for Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors can affect anyone. Certain types of tumors are more prevalent depending on gender or age. However, regardless of these factors, you are more likely to develop a brain tumor if you have a family history of them, a previous cancer, or certain immune system disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of brain tumors include:

  • Balance issues
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulty thinking or speaking
  • Headaches
  • Loss of hearing
  • Personality changes
  • Vision changes
  • Weakness or paralysis

These symptoms can vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and growth rate. Timely diagnosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. If you persistently experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Brain Tumor Diagnosis

A brain tumor can be diagnosed in several ways. It can be done via an MRI scan with contrast or a CT scan. A PET CT scan can also be performed. Depending on your results, we may need to take a sample of your brain tumor. This practice is known as a biopsy. A brain angiogram may also show the blood vessels within the brain, which can assist with diagnosis. Lumbar punctures can also be conducted to check the fluid around the brain or the spinal cord. Early detection and diagnosis will give you the highest chance of access when curing the tumor.

Treatment Options

There are numerous treatment options if you have a brain tumor. Surgery remains to be the most effective.

Brain tumor surgery

The type of surgery you have will depend on the type, size, and placement of your tumor. Surgery might include a craniotomy, which is the removal of a piece of the skull so we can access your brain. During this process, you are awake, but you will not feel pain. We might choose to access the brain through other body parts, such as the nose. This procedure is known as a neuroendoscopy. After the initial surgery, you might require neuroplastic surgery, which preserves skull appearance after an invasive procedure.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses X-rays and light energy to destroy cells. External beam radiation therapy is the most common type, but sometimes, whole-brain radiation is required to treat metastatic brain tumors. If you have multiple metastatic brain tumors, this will most likely be the best treatment.

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy isn’t typically used as a standalone treatment for brain tumors. It’s often used in combination with surgery or radiation but remains to be effective at removing any lingering cancer cells.

Targeted drug therapy

This medication selectively attacks specific cells, halting the spread of cancer. It has mild side effects and is most effective when paired with surgery or radiation.

FAQs About Brain Tumors

No, you cannot prevent a brain tumor.

You will have to attend a pre-assessment and undergo testing to ensure you are fit for surgery.

Generally, you can expect your recovery time to be anywhere from six weeks to several months.

Yes, but having friends or family members who are willing to help can provide you with extra support.

Contact Us Today

If you have a brain tumor and seek treatment in Idaho Falls, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dickinson Neurological Surgery today. Our team can provide you with more information about your treatment options.

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