Symptoms and Tests for Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a disease of the brain in which abnormal cells arise in the brain tissue. Cancer cells grow to form a mass of cancer tissue termed as “tumor” that interferes with brain functions such as muscle control, sensation, memory, and other normal body functions.
There are two types of brain cancer:
Primary brain tumors – Cancer cells that develop from the brain tissue
Metastatic brain tumors – Tumors that spread from other body parts to the brain

Causes of brain cancer

Many researches have shown that people working in an oil refinery or in rubber industry have higher rates of brain cancer. Some other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection have been suggested to cause brain cancer. Brain cancer may be difficult for someone to recognize but there are some common symptoms of brain cancer that may be cause for concern.

Symptoms of brain cancer

Brain tumors can have many symptoms. Some of the most common are
• Headaches and weaknesses
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in ability to talk, hear or see
• Problems with balance or walking
• Problems with thinking or Memory loss
• Muscle jerking or twitching
• Weakness of arms or legs

Test for Brain Cancer

The test for brain cancer includes a thorough physical and neurological exam. A neurological helps to evaluate the brain and nervous system including some functionality of body such as reflexes, sensation, movement, balance, alertness, coordination, vision, and hearing. Imaging tests that may be performed include MRI or CT scan, which use computer technology to create detailed pictures of the brain.

Following are the list of diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of Brain cancer:

• Physical exam
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• EEG
• Spinal tap
• Biopsy
• Skull x-ray
• Angiogram
• Myelogram

Remember, Brain Cancer is treatable if caught in the earliest stages of the disease.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email