By Nurse Diane
Years ago, when you heard about
someone having a brain tumor, the information was usually passed in hushed
tones. Prognosis for this type of
condition was not very good, however, research, surgery and medications have
helped to control even erase tumors of the brain.
There are two types of brain
tumors. Brain tumors are either primary
or metastatic tumors. Primary brain tumors are those, which originate in the
brain. Metastatic brain tumors are those, which originate from cancerous cells
that have migrated from other areas of the body.
Metastatic brain tumors are also
known as secondary brain tumors. Not all brain tumors are cancerous – benign
brain tumors are non-cancerous tissue and are harmful only when they grow to a size
that affects adjacent areas of the brain. Benign brain tumors tend to grow more
slowly than malignant (cancerous) brain tumors.
Signs of a brain
tumor include:
- Seizures;
- Headaches;
- Fatigue, tiredness and drowsiness;
- Impaired speech;
- Difficulties when swallowing;
- In infants, an increase in head size;
- Impaired vision;
- Vomiting;
- Poor body coordination;
- Behavioral and mood changes;
- Weakness in a limb or on one side of the body;
- Difficulties with balance; and or
- Tingling sensations and/or weakness in the arms or legs.
This week is Brain Tumor Action week. Each year over
190,000 people are diagnosed, mostly children.
Brain Tumor Action Week seeks to raise awareness about brain tumors,
including raising awareness about incidence, diagnosis, treatment and care of
people suffering from brain tumors. Specialty care and follow up care,
rehabilitative services and clinical trials are activities, which can enhance
the quality of life of people living with brain tumors. For More information visit: http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/braintumour.html
(All images from Google)
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