A detailed overview of brain cancer

Brain cancer tumors may originate in the brain (primary site) or they may metastasize to the brain from another site. Prostate cancer, for example, may metastasize to the liver, the lung, the hip, and then to the brain. Metastasized brain tumors have a poor prognosis because of the already advanced state of the cancer.The human brain anatomy is complex system responsible for many body functions. Injury that causes damage, traumatic experiences, or brain tumors can greatly alter one's life.Cancerous tumors that form in the brain (primary) tend to stay within the brain and not branch out to other organs. Their growth can take up the space needed by the healthy brain and cause many conditions, including hearing loss and stroke. The ratio is about 50/50 regarding the occurrence of metastasized and primary brain tumors. The leading cause cancer related death in people in people younger than 35.The most dangerous chemical in terms of causing this type of cancer is Vinyl Chloride. This is used 'all over' in plumbing, furniture, and house wares. This is presumed to be safe to use unless it is heated as in a microwave oven, which evaporates and drives the substance into the food being heated.For this reason, always use glass or other microwave safe containers in the microwave oven. Don't burn plastic such as plastic wrapping and containers in a bon fire or fireplace. The smoke can be 'hazardous to your health'.Typical Symptoms: Any impairment in hearing, sight, judgment, speech, cognitive skills such as reasoning or remembering, or stroke symptoms such as paralysis of one side of the body, inability to walk properly, can be symptomatic of a tumor in the brain.The treatments are generally the same for other kinds of cancer and tumors. One innovative treatment is the use of the GLIADEL WAFER. These are packed into the space formerly occupied by the tumor and slowly release chemotherapy agents in order to destroy any cancer cells that may have not been removed. This has increased life expectancy for some kinds of brain tumors by fifty percent.

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The Brain Cancer Risk From Careless Radiation Testing at Hospitals

It started when my brother-in-law, who is kind of fond of the drink, fell down heavily at home one day when a stroke hit him. It was a minor stroke that he recovered from with a week in hospital; but to be on the safe side, the doctors recommended a kind of radiation test that they said would help them identify the exact spot the blockage existed in that had caused the blood flow problem in his brain. The radiation test was to be a procedure called the CT brain perfusion scan; it was kind of scary to hear about - it was to beam the equivalent of hundreds of x-rays worth of radiation into his brain. We might have suspected that this would cause problems later on, but all the high-tech wizardry we were surrounded by kind of helped calm our fears. And then it started there was the perfect circle of hair that just dropped out of his head one day soon.When we brought it up with the doctor, he didn't say that he believed that there was something wrong with the procedure; he wondered if my brother-in-law had started combing his hair in the wrong direction. This was kind of like the way Toyota likes to blame the out-of-control acceleration in their cars on drivers getting their pedals mixed up. We began to read up, and then came this breaking story in the New York Times that really was a wake-up call. That CT brain scan was what was behind it all the time. Those machines (made by GE, Toshiba and others) didn't have the software set up so that they would be easy for the technicians to use; the companies didn't train the lab technicians properly, and my brother-in-law had ended up getting 10 times the radiation he should have. And there are so many people this is happening to that there's actually a class action lawsuit being planned.What exactly happens then when this machine zaps your brain? The most visible thing that happens right away is that you lose your hair for a few weeks. But there are more serious things that go on within. Brain cancer and memory loss happen to be real possibilities. The problem here is that there is so much going on on the cutting-edge science of radiation therapy that there has been not enough time to discover everything that can go wrong, and to establish training procedures that will help lab technicians learn their skills properly before they zap anyone into orbit. There actually is no legal limit to how much radiation they can give you either.While they suspect that brain cancer could be a strong possibility, there hasn't been enough time that has elapsed that they could actually find out how serious things can be. Perhaps the problem is that we've come to depend on safety features built into everything we use. If you don't close the door of your microwave properly, it's not going to work; if you don't close the door of your car properly, it's going to warn you repeatedly. Technicians who work these machines easily use the automated features provided, assuming that they've been designed to be idiot proof - to warn them when they are about to zap someone into getting brain cancer. They forget that idiot-proofing is just a consumer innovation. Professional equipment doesn't come with these features, because they assume that technicians know what they are doing. If it's at all comforting to hear this, a few high-ranking hospital staff at hospitals around the country have suffered the same effects. It just goes to show how light the veneer of the safety is that we take for granted.
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Caffeine Protects Against Brain Cancer

Regular consumption of caffeine can help people fight the risk of deadly brain cancer, according to a scientific study. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) revealed that people who had more caffeine in their diet were less likely to suffer from brain tumors such as gliomas, which can be difficult to treat.EPIC researchers studied the diets and lifestyles of half a million men and women over eight years and compared cancer rates among those who frequently consumed caffeinated products to volunteers who had little or no caffeine. The team of scientists discovered that a daily dose of caffeine reduced the risk of brain cancer by an average of 34 per cent. Furthermore, it was revealed that men would benefit the most from taking caffeine as males reduced their risk of brain cancer by 41 per cent compared to women who lowered their chances of getting the disease by 26 per cent.The report, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, stated: "We found an inverse association between total tea and coffee consumption and the risk of glioma. "These findings, if further replicated in other studies, may ¬provide new avenues of research on gliomas." The Daily Express reported that approximately 4,200 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year in Britain and around half are gliomas.People who are worried about brain tumours should look out for symptoms which range from headaches and seizures to blurred vision as well as drowsiness and even changes in personality, memory or mental ability. The benefits of caffeine is positive news for those looking to lose weight fast through t5 fat burners and slimming pills as these health supplements contain large doses of the compound. Health supplements such as t5 fat burners and slimming pills contain caffeine in order to stimulate weight loss by providing the consumer with increased energy which they can then use for exercise.People who take these products for the first time may experience increased body temperature and shakiness although this will dissipate once they have got used to the effects of caffeine. Nausea may be another side effect of t5 fat burners and slimming pills but this can be prevented by eating and drinking plenty of water. Research by the University of Liverpool discovered that weight loss products are most effective in the long term if people take the supplements alongside a balanced diet and healthy exercise regime.
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Chemical Fertilizers Linked to Brain Cancer

Recent concern has been brought to the attention of farmers, gardeners and the general public in the probable link between chemical fertilizers and cancer. Because cancer has become prevalent amongst our communities, we've seen a popular trend to return to organic living. But as the popularity of organic living soars, so too does the concern of what's being used on the produce we find in our local supermarkets.Over the years, the demand to grow, maintain and even sustain foods with longer shelf life has been taken to a new level. (The more research done, the more scientists realize that these farming techniques, emphasizing quantity rather than quality, means fewer nutrients found in the produce we buy from our local grocery stores.)What has happened is that in order to keep up and compete in the economy, companies, farmers and even gardeners have resorted to using pesticides and chemical fertilizers to enhance their produce. Chemical fertilizers are used to assist a plant's growth and then, once picked, used to make sure it will stay "fresh" through transportation, shelving and eventually to your kitchen. (Again, this is why you want to watch what you purchase in the local produce section.)Scientists have concluded that these chemical fertilizers and pesticides used to "assist" our fruits and vegetables are actually causing cancer. This shouldn't shock you. Think about it. Our bodies are not designed to ingest loads and loads of chemical fertilizers. The thing is, in our attempts to eat "healthy" we are actually introducing unnatural, counterproductive, and cancer-causing chemicals to our body.This warning should be especially given to farmers and gardeners because of their time and direct contact with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Research published in the journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in June of 2007 came to the conclusion that farmers and those who use pesticides and fertilizers (such as gardeners) have a greater risk of developing brain cancer.To determine the connection between brain cancer and weed and feed-type fertilizers, scientists analyzed more than two hundred brain cancer cases and compared them to over four hundred healthy people in a control group. Lifestyle information including the exposure to pesticides or fertilizers was also determined. The study is among the largest to specifically examine the link between occupational and environmental exposure to garden chemicals and brain cancer.It was found that all agricultural workers exposed to pesticides have a slightly greater risk of developing a brain tumor, and of course those exposed to the highest levels have more than twice the risk of developing fatal brain cancer.Similarly, people who use pesticides on household plants were found to be at more than twice the increased risk of developing brain cancer. More research needs to be done to identify the types of garden chemicals that pose the greatest risk for triggering the development of cancer, but needless to say, why take a chance?So whether you are a farmer, gardener, or just a consumer, it is important that you reduce if not eliminate the use and direct contact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Continue to grow your own fruits and vegetables but do so with the best all natural fertilizer you can find, not only for your safety and health, but for your plants as well.
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How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer

The most likely reason for asking about how to know if you have brain cancer is that the person or a loved one has experienced some symptoms that are suspected could (but hopefully not) be caused by brain cancer. There are many related questions that follow and this series is a result of research into the various aspects of the issue of brain cancer, including treatments and outcomes.Research shows that there are areas of agreement as well as areas of disagreement amongst those that provide care and advice. Additionally, there are conflicting reports from brain cancer patients and family members of patients as to the value and effectiveness of both methods of diagnosis as well as treatment choices.
The most common symptoms are:

• headaches,
• weakness,
• nausea,
• clumsiness,
• difficulty walking,
• changes in speech,
• vision or hearing difficulties,
• twitching or seizures, and
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.

None of the symptoms are unique to brain cancer so they must be taken as indicators only. Also, symptom onset can be quite gradual and is often overlooked.It is quite common for different medical organizations or practitioners to provide differing lists of the most common brain cancer symptoms. This appears, in part, to be due to the various parts of the brain that could be cancerous and thereby affecting the different parts of the body that are associated with the affected part of the brain.The following are regarded as less common but possible symptoms:

• altered mental status,
• changes in concentration,
• impaired judgment, memory, attention, or alertness,
• gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity,
• impaired sense of smell,
• paralysis of one side of the face or body,
• drooping eyelid or crossed eyes,
• prolonged drowsiness,
• swelling,
• discontinuation of menstruation,
• excess secretion of milk in women, and
• impotence in men.

All research sources were quick to point out that symptoms are not a sure sign of cancer. When asking how to know if you have brain cancer it is important to know that other conditions could also cause these symptoms.

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Coffee, Tea, Caffeine and Brain Cancer Risk

The information in this column is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or recommendations by the author. Please consult with your physician before making any lifestyle or medication changes, or if you have any other concerns regarding your health.Coffee and tea are widely enjoyed around the world, and both have been the subject of numerous health claims (most of them unproven). Tea, and green tea in particular, has been the focus of extensive research, with many prior studies suggesting that tea may improve cardiovascular health and, to a much lesser extent, may decrease the risk of some cancers. Much of the published research regarding coffee has, on the other hand, been focused on trying to disprove purported links between coffee consumption and a potential increase in the risk of some cancers. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of such research has not identified a strong link between moderate coffee consumption and an increased risk of cancer.The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study is a huge ongoing prospective multinational public health study, and several of this enormous study's preliminary results have already been published. The EPIC study is focused on potential links between diet, nutritional status, lifestyle, and environmental factors and the incidence of cancer (among other chronic diseases). EPIC is one of the largest studies of diet and health ever undertaken, and has already recruited 520,000 research volunteers in Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.Now, a new update from this historic public health study suggests that increased coffee and tea consumption may be associated with a decreased incidence of malignant brain tumors. This new update from the EPIC study appears in the current issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.Following an average duration of follow-up of nearly 9 years, 588 new cases of brain tumors were diagnosed among the EPIC research volunteers. Gliomas, the most common and most aggressive type of brain tumors that occur in adults, were found to be 34 percent less common among people who drank at least 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) of coffee or tea per day. Although not statistically significant, this association was also noted to be stronger in men, with a 41 percent lower risk of gliomas in men, as compared to a 26 percent reduction in glioma incidence in women.Although it is not clear what causes gliomas of the brain, prior public health studies have at least suggested a link between glioma brain tumors and chronic occupational exposure to high-intensity electrical and magnetic fields, and to rubber and plastics manufacturing. As I discuss in "A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race, there is also some data linking prolonged cell phone use with an increased incidence of gliomas and other brain tumors.Other smaller public health studies have also identified an apparent link between increased caffeine intake and a decreased incidence of gliomas, and there is laboratory evidence available suggesting that caffeine may reduce the growth of malignant glioma cells growing in culture dishes. Thus, these new findings from the giant EPIC study further suggest the possibility that coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages might be able to reduce the risk of gliomas of the brain.

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7 Questions on Glioblastoma Multiforme in brain cancer

What are glia cells?

Glia cells hold together the neurons in the brain. The glia communicate with the neurons to trigger the neurons to function. One way to think of glia is that they are a network of cells throughout the brain. The glia are also described as the glue that holds the neurons in place.

What happens to the glia when they become malignant?

When the cells of a glia multiply, a malignancy is forming. Initially there will not be any symptoms. Unfortunately the cancer of the glia is very aggressive, that is, develops quickly. By the time symptoms are noticed a tumor is growing.

What is gliblastoma multiforme?

GBM, as glioblastoma multiforme is called, is the deadliest, most aggressive form of brain malignancy. GBM can form anywhere in the brain, and is the highest grade of cancer, a grade 4. There is no cure. There are 500,000 cases a year in the U.S.

What are GBM symptoms?

The symptoms are directly related to where the tumor is located in the brain. Brain malignancy is difficult to diagnose because for every group of symptoms there are multiple possible diagnoses. For instance, when my husband began searching for words, we thought he was experiencing "senior moments." Yet, he quickly progressed to no longer knowing the names for objects. Then he could no longer spell or read. These symptoms progressed over four weeks.

How is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosed?

When brain involvement is expected, the MRI is performed. The MRI will show up the tumor, where it is located, its shape, and it its size. From a biopsy, tissue samples are sent to pathology where the tumor is diagnosed.

What is the treatment standard for glioblastoma (GBM)?

The first line of defense is surgical removal, called a resection. Not all GBMs are operable. If the malignancy is located at the brain stem or anywhere else where resection would cause more harm than improvement, then surgery is not an option. The next line of defense is radiation therapy, five days a week, for four to seven weeks, along with chemotherapy. When the radiation is completed, then there will be a maintenance protocol of continued chemotherapy for several months.

What is the prognosis for this type of cancer?

Poor, glioblastoma multiforme is incurable. Other GBM tumors will form, and other surgeries may be performed. Aggressive radiation and chemotherapy will be offered. Life expectancy is anywhere from few weeks to a couple of years.The most aggressive and deadliest form of brain cancer is glioblastoma multiforme. This is the type of cancer that Ted Kennedy had. There is no cure for this cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

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The Primary Regions of the Brain Studied in Brain Cancer Clinical Trials

Brain cancer clinical trials are used to test the various hypotheses of researchers and medical specialists. They are also used to focus studies on the symptoms discovered to be a direct result of the cancer and to determine more information about the specifics on the topic of brain cancer.When professionals conduct a clinical trial, they focus on six areas of the brain. These areas are often referred to as the primary regions.
The Focus
When medical professionals study those that are experiencing conditions of the brain, they work to identify the regions of the brain that are specific to the patient's symptoms as a whole. When an individual has brain cancer, they have the capability of experiencing a multitude of symptoms.Professionals may observe the data obtained from the brain cancer clinical trials and determine where a tumor is, the size of the abnormal growth, as well as the speed in which the cancer is growing and/or spreading.
Primary Regions
As stated previously, there are six different regions of the brain that medical professionals evaluate during brain cancer clinical trials. The regions and a small description of functionality for each of the main regions listed below:

• Cerebellum - This region of the brain is located just above the brain stem on the backside of the brain. This area is responsible for balance, the posture of an individual, and the coordination in general.
• Brain Stem - This primary region of the brain assists in connecting the actual brain to the spinal cord. This region permits things to pass from the body to the brain and assists in maintaining the blood pressure and energy levels.
• Frontal Lobe - This region of the brain is located in the front section of the brain. This area has many responsibilities which include, but are not limited to cognitive functions, solving problems, and assisting in the development of the basic personality that an individual has.
• Occipital Lobe - While in the back region of the brain, this is positioned in about the center of the brain region. This region is the main area that controls the patient's vision.
• Parietal Lobe - This region is directly behind the frontal lobe region. This region impacts a person's ability to touch and even to feel. It is also responsible for cognitive functioning such as the ability to comprehend new information.
• Temporal Lobe - This lobe is located in both sides of the brain. The lobe on the left assists in memorizing memory that is verbal based. The right side controls memory that is visual in basis. This is the lobe that helps professionals determine the "right brain, left brain" topics that professionals write regarding the personality of an individual.

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Living Life After Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a serious medical condition that could prove to be potentially fatal. If you have recently suffered from this type of cancer, it is likely that you know and understand the impact that it has had on your relationships and various types of interaction with others. This is a tremendously overwhelming disease that has the capability of producing immense degrees of stress, as well as strains on your day to day social interactions and activities.Not only are your relations with others altered, the way that others relate to you are also altered. If you are reading this, it is likely that your brain cancer treatment has proven to be successful and you are clear of all cancerous cells and abnormal growths. Now, you are ready to live your life after brain cancer. In this guide, you will discover some helpful steps to help you initiate the process.
The Recovery Process
Despite the fact that your brain cancer treatment has been successful and you are ready to move forward with your life, it is important to ensure that you keep in mind that there is a recovery process that you will need to experience. While the most challenging aspects of your medical care have been overcome, you will still have quite a bit to overcome. You should be certain that your relatives and others that you deal with know and understand that the recovery process may be slow.It may take some time to get to the point where you are able to indulge in activities that you enjoyed prior to the cancer diagnosis. Taking one step at a time and explaining to others that you will need time to recoup after experiencing the disease is the first step to living life after brain cancer.
Teaching
Many brain cancer survivors do not realize that teaching is an important aspect of living life after cancer. You should educate them on your condition, the treatments that you experienced, and the recovery process. You should also inform them that the cancer could return. Teaching others about your condition and your recovery is a beneficial move.

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Facts Pertaining to a Brain Cancer Prognosis

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer, it is important to understand that medical professionals are typically able to provide an in-depth outlook on the situation. This is referred to as a brain cancer prognosis. This is basically the professional's opinion regarding the general course of the condition, as well as the outcome of the condition.There are many factors that come into play when a doctor provides a prognosis. While it is true that the practice of medicine is a type of science and that it is impossible for any professional to accurately predict the course of a condition 100%, if a brain cancer prognosis is provided, it is typically accurate based on statistical information obtained from other patients.
Understanding the Concept of Prognosis
When a doctor provides a brain cancer prognosis to a patient, it is an opinion that they have established based on the facts pertaining to the individual case that is being dealt with. The opinion establishes whether or not the patient has the ability to fully recover from the condition.In many instances, it establishes if a patient that is currently cancer free has the chance of a recurrence. These include the following:

• The individual making the brain cancer prognosis will first consider the type of cancer that the patient has. In considering this, they must also consider the size of the cancer as well as the general location of the cancer.
• The doctor that is working with the patient that has brain cancer will also need to consider the actual cancer and how fast it is spreading throughout the body.
• Most professionals will take the stage of the cancer that the patient has into consideration.
• Last, the doctor will examine how well the individual has responded to treatment.

The Benefits of a Brain Cancer Prognosis
While a brain cancer prognosis may be quite challenging to deal with, there are many benefits to acquiring one. Typically, cancer patients have many questions that they need to be answered.

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The Benefits of Brain Cancer Home Care

There are many benefits associated with brain cancer home care. If your condition has progressed dramatically, it is not at all unusual for the medical professional that is involved in your case to express a concern about receiving additional assistance so that day to day activities are completed easier and the overall quality of life is improved.Home care for those that suffer from brain cancer is a bit different than that for other medical conditions. When a brain cancer patient receives in home care, it is customized according to the symptoms that they experience as a whole. It is important to understand that many health insurance companies will pay for or assist in paying for this type of care.
Personal Care
Individuals that suffer from this condition are often unable to appropriately care for themselves on a personal level. Home care professionals will come into the home and assist in these tasks. Additionally, they will also assist in using the restroom, walking from one area to another, showering, and other tasks that are important to the personal care of the brain cancer patient.
Home Upkeep
Home upkeep is another task that the home care professional will be able to assist with once they are assigned to a patient. Many may even perform additional tasks such as laundry, taking care of pets, assisting in lawn care responsibilities and running errands.If a home care aide is brought into the home, though, they will be able to enjoy the fact that all of the chores are kept up and their home retains the beauty and comfort required to allow them to rest and work on healing.
Emotional Support
If a brain cancer home care professional is assigned to a particular individual, they will develop a strong bond with that person that is emotionally strong. All too many times, those that suffer from brain cancer are isolated from their relatives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers due to their condition.If you have brain cancer, there are many benefits to having home care.

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Astrocytoma Brain Cancer Tumors

Astrocytoma brain cancer tumors are considered to be the most common type of Glioma. These tumors may develop in various regions of the brain, as well as the spinal cord. These particular type of brain cancer tumors initiate from cells that are called astrocytes. While there have been cases of Astrocytoma a brain cancer tumor in children, this condition is most often diagnosed among those that are part of the adult population. When children are diagnosed with these tumors, they are most commonly located in the base region of the brain rather than the main region of the brain.
Common Symptoms
There are many common symptoms that are often experienced when an individual has an Astrocytoma brain cancer tumor. The symptoms that are experienced often correlate with the pressure against the brain and skull regions as a result of the size of the tumor. It is common for an individual to exhibit behavior changes.Individuals that have this type of tumor with their brain cancer will often experience headaches and pain in the neck region. Gastrointestinal complications such as vomiting are also one of the most common symptoms associated with the Astrocytoma brain cancer tumor.
Diagnosing the Astrocytoma Brain Tumor
Diagnosing the Astrocytoma brain tumor is a challenging task to many medical professionals. A full neurological examination is typically ordered if a patient is exhibiting certain symptoms. In some instances, a patient that is exhibiting new, unusually painful headaches and swelling may be further evaluated. In addition to these symptoms, those that experience seizures and signs of potential swelling such as vomiting will be referred to a neurologist for a full, in-depth medical examination.There are many different tests that may be used to determine if an individual has an Astrocytoma brain cancer tumor. One of the main diagnostic tools used to scan the brain for this type of tumor is the MRI or the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan.In diagnosing this type of brain cancer tumor, many doctors may utilize tests that help gauge the coordination, the hearing, and the vision in order to effectively rule out other medical conditions.
Treatment
There are several different methods used to treat an Astrocytoma brain cancer tumor. Immediately following surgery, the patient may have to undergo chemotherapy and possibly even radiation therapy to ensure that all components of the tumor are successfully eliminated.
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Metastatic Brain Tumors at a Glance

Most individuals that suffer from brain tumors have metastatic brain tumors. When it comes to brain tumor diagnoses, this is the most common type of brain tumor identified in patients. When an individual suffers from this type of tumor, it means that it is a type of cancer that has developed in the brain that has originated from another region of the body.Cancers that affect the lungs, the kidneys, the breasts, the bladder, and other areas of the body may result in the onset of metastatic brain cancer.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that may develop when an individual develops a metastatic brain tumor. These symptoms come as a result of the fact that tumors have the capability of destroying cells in the brain, the inflammation that typically occurs with tumors, and the pressure that the tumor may cause as it grows.The symptoms that are experienced are typically unique to the individual that experiences them. The following represents the symptoms that may be experienced when a patient has a metastatic brain tumor:

• Emotional changes are quite common when it comes to those that have brain tumors.
• For most people that suffer from any type of brain tumor, headaches are common.
• Cognitive changes and complications are quite common among those that experience a metastatic brain cancer. These may include the inability to retain information as well as they used to, a general form of memory loss, judgment that is impaired, and even complications associated with numbers and basic complications.
• Many patients will start to experience seizures.
• Complications with both the vision and the speech are relatively common among patients with this common tumor type.
• Many will experience a general feeling of malaise that may or may not be accompanied by a low grade to moderate fever when they experience a metastatic brain tumor.

Conclusion
As you can see, there are many challenges for the individual that suffers from a metastatic brain tumor. This is the most common type of tumor that an individual may suffer from. Since doctors deal with this tumor type on a regular basis, there are many treatments available that may assist in eliminating the tumor and/or reducing it in size so that the symptoms are reduced and the patient is more comfortable overall.

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Brain Cancer Chemo Related Nausea

Brain cancer chemo-related nausea is one of the most frustrating effects that often accompany chemotherapy. While it is true that chemotherapy is effective in killing cancerous cells and reducing the possibility that those abnormal growths that are part of brain cancer will spread throughout other areas of the brain and the body as a whole, not too many patients feel that this brain cancer treatment is enjoyable.This is especially true if they experience the nausea that is quite common among many individuals that indulge in treatment for their condition. In this medical guide, you will learn important facts about brain cancer chemo-related nausea.
Risk Factors
It is important to understand that there are many risk factors that may indicate that an individual will develop brain cancer chemo-related nausea.

• Oxaliplatin
• Cisplatin
• Altretamine
• Doxorubicin
• Carmustine

In addition to medications that may result in nausea, there are other risk factors that may mean that a patient has an increased chance of developing nausea while undergoing this brain cancer treatment option.

• If the patient is a female, they stand a higher chance of developing this form of nausea.
• Those that have issues with motion sickness are more likely to experience this symptom.
• If the patient typically vomits when they are suffering from a standard sickness, it is likely that they will do the same when it comes to brain cancer chemotherapy.
• If the patient is female and had bouts of morning sickness when they were pregnant in the past, they may develop nausea during chemotherapy.
• Those that experience any type of anxiety may experience nausea as well.

Preventing Chemo-Induced Nausea
There are several different techniques that may be used to prevent chemo-induced nausea. While making changes to the diet when undergoing chemo, it is important to ensure that fluids are drunk on a regular basis. It is considered standard to drink at least eight different glasses of water on a daily basis.

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Techniques Of Brain Cancer Treatment

Brain cancer is a very difficult cancer. Brain tumors are difficult mainly because of the brain tissue they are around. Data shows that the incidence of brain cancer due to metastasis is around 25% of all brain cancers.Certain symptoms could be indicative of brain cancer. They are chronic headaches, weakness, difficulty in walking, seizures, clumsiness in actions, reduced memory or concentration, nausea and vomiting, vision defects, speech difficulty and other motor skill difficulties. Brain cancer treatment is typically individual-specific. The physician would take into consider the age and general health condition of the patient, along with the size, type and location of the tumor. Brain cancer treatment involves consultation with several specialists like neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, dieticians, and physiotherapists, apart from the primary physician.Brain cancer treatment is normally done by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these three methods. A benign tumor could safely be removed by surgery. A modern method of surgery, which is a knifeless technology, is training of high-energy radiation from different angles on the tumor. The recovery time is much shorter in this 'gamma knife' surgery. Radiation therapy could be of two types, external and internal. In external therapy, the brain tumor is targeted with high-energy radiation beams. Internal radiation is done by implanting a small radioactive capsule inside the tumor. Chemotherapy is the administration of a powerful drug or a combination of such drugs to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy is normally done in 2 to 4 cycles of treatment, each cycle consisting of a short period of intense medication with enough rest and recovery period after that. However, chemotherapy is not suitable for most brain cancer patients, because very few chemotherapies cross the blood brain barrier so it is useless to give them, and the stronger the medications the more side effects that will cause other consequences and effects on the body. .Even after undergoing brain cancer treatment, regular follow-up tests and checkups are needed to make sure that there is no recurrence of brain cancer. The physician would also watch the long-term effect of the treatment for corrective action, if needed.

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A Simple Guide to Prevent Brain Cancer

Cancer is a degenerative disease that figuratively speaking eats at your organs, being diagnosed with cancer can be the most devastating news you will ever hear; today were going to review over how to prevent brain cancer.Just like a car's engine, our brains are the core of our existence. Without the usage of your brain, you would be a vegetable, having no movement, thoughts, or impulses. When a cancerous tumor is present in your brain it impairs many body functions controlled by electric impulses that are sent from the brain. Many people, lose their mobility, speech, and are subject to multiple uncontrollable body movements.There are preventive measures that you can take to prevent this devastating disease from claiming residency in your brain.

• Explore your family history, find out what diseases run in your family. If cancer is prominent, be sure to let a doctor know about your cause for concern. Be sure to visit your doctor at least every 4-6 months for brain scans, if anyone in your family passed away over a problem in the brain.
• Get healthy, healthier living promotes longer happier lives. Do not partake of any impurities such as smoking, or drinking alcohol. Exercise frequently and stay informed about any medical issues pertaining to brain cancer. Talk with a certified physician to obtain a full list on things you can do to prevent the cancerous tumors associated with brain cancer.
• Use your cell phone with care. Studies have shown that people who regularly use their cell phones chances of getting a brain tumor, which can later on evolve into cancer is 240% higher then someone who stays off the phone. Cell phones give off radioactive waves which attack brain cells.
• Educate yourself on brain cancer, know the causes and the symptoms, so if you feel that you may be suffering from a cancerous tumor you know the warning signs.

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Herbal Medicines for Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a tumor or tumors that form on the brain itself. Most brain tumors have spread to the brain from other affected parts of the body (such as the breast or the lung) via the blood-stream. Only a small percentage of brain cancer cases originate in the brain.In its early stages, brain cancer often produces no symptoms, or it displays symptoms that are mistaken for everyday headaches. As a result, the condition is often quite advanced before it is detected. Brain cancer is a very serious condition that can cause extensive neurological damage or death.The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown, but heredity is suspected to play a role in its development.
Signs and Symptoms
Brain cancer is usually asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a certain size. At that point, symptoms include:
1. Persistent headaches
2. Vomiting
3. General weakness, or localized weakness in the arms or legs
4. Loss of coordination
5. Dizziness
6. Change in personality
7. Loss of mental abilities, including memory
8. Double vision, or loss of vision
9. Seizures
Conventional Medical Treatment
If you suspect you have a brain tumor, see a physician immediately. A CAT scan or MRI of the head can usually confirm the presence of a tumor and pinpoint its location. If a tumor is found, the physician may take a CAT scan of the chest and abdomen to make sure the cancer has not affected other areas of the body. If the tumor is localized and is situated in an area where removal is possible (on the outer surface of the brain, for example), surgery may be performed. However, some tumors-particularly those located deep within the brain tissue-cannot be operated on. In these cases, radiation and chemotherapy will be used to destroy cancerous cells. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation and chemotherapy.)
Complementary and Alternative Treatments Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupressure By pressing on certain acupressure points along the body's meridians, a practitioner may be able to reduce cancer-related pain and headaches.Chinese Herbal Therapy Traditional Chinese Medicine considers any type of tumor formation the result of stagnant blood, so a practitioner may recommend formulas that energize blood flow and strengthen the immune system, such as Ginseng and Astragals Formula. In cases of brain cancer, an herbalist may prescribe the Chinese formula called Three Yellows.

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The Symptoms and Diagnosis for brain tumors

The signs of brain tumor depend on the size, location and type of tumor. Symptoms may appear whenever a tumor pushes a nerve or injures a particular area in the brain. They can also be caused if the brain enlarges or fluids build up in the skull.Majority of the common signs of brain cancers are the following:

• Headaches (regularly worse at daybreak)
• Vomiting or nausea
• Problems in walking or balancing
• Changes in personality, mood or capacity to contemplate
• Memory problems
• Changes in vision, hearing or speech
• Muscle trembling or jerking
• Numbness or itchy feeling in legs or arms

If the symptoms indicate that there is indication of brain cancer, the doctor can do any of the subsequent procedures as basis of its diagnosis:

• Physical examination - the doctor examines general sign of health
• Neurologic examination - the physician checks the attentiveness, strength of muscle, reflexes, coordination and reaction to pain. The eyes are also examined to find out if there is any swelling due to the tumor pushing the nerve which attaches the brain and eyes.
• CT scan - an x-ray apparatus connected to computer which takes series of thorough pictures of a head. The patient is given an injection of special tint in order that the brain can be seen visibly in the picture. The picture may show growths or tumors inside the brain.
• MRI - a forceful magnet attached to computer which makes comprehensive pictures of sections in the body. These pictures are shown on a screen and can be printed also. Sometimes, a particular dye is inserted in order to help illustrate differences in the various tissues inside the brain.

The following tests are also considered to help diagnose brain tumor:

• Angiogram - a particular dye is injected to the bloodstream and runs in the blood vessels inside the brain in order for them to appear on x-ray. If a growth is present, it can be seen by the doctor.
• Skull x-ray - various forms of brain cancers cause calcium accumulation inside the brain or changes on the bones in the skull. Through x-ray, changes can be checked.
• Spinal tap - the physician may take a sample of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid - a fluid that fills up the spaces around the brain as well as the spinal cord). This is done with use of local anesthesia. The spinal tap can be done around thirty minutes. The patient lies flat within several hours after extraction of CSF to avoid headache. Laboratory test is done to check for the presence of cancer cells and other indications of problems.
• Myelogram - refers to the x-ray of the spine or spinal cord. Spinal tap is done by injecting a special dye in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient tilts to let the dye combine to the fluid. This procedure assists the doctor discover cancer on the spinal cord.
• Biopsy - it is the removal of sample of tissue to search for cancer cells. The pathologist examines the cells under the microscope in order to verify abnormal cells. A biopsy may show tumor, tissue changes which might lead to tumor and other situations. This is the surest way in diagnosing brain cancer.

source by ezinearticles.com