No one is certain of the causes of brain tumors, and research has only established a few risk factors. Children receiving radiation therapy to the head are more likely to develop adult brain tumors, as are those who have genetic illnesses such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis. However, such cases only represent a small percentage of the approximately 35,000 primary tumors diagnosed each year.
Age is another significant risk factor -; those over 65 are four times more likely to receive a brain cancer diagnosis when compared to younger people. Primary tumors originate in the brain, and not all are cancerous. Even a benign brain tumor can be life threatening, according to Oncology Doctors in Newton KS.
What is a Brain Tumor?
Tumors are masses of tissue formed by the accretion of abnormal cells. Cancer occurs when the cycle of cell life, death and replacement is disrupted. Cells continue to grow even when not needed, and they do not die like normal cells. As the process continues, the tumor grows larger. A primary brain tumor comes from cells of the central nervous system and the brain, and they are named for their area of formation. Most brain cancers in adults are due to astrocytic tumors and gliomas, but meningeal tumors also occur.
Differences Between Malignant and Benign Brain Tumors
By definition, a benign brain tumor is noncancerous. A malignant primary tumor originates in the brain, grows faster than a benign tumor, and invades tissues in the surrounding area. Brain cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body, with the exception of other areas of the central nervous system and the brain.
A benign brain tumor typically has a clearly defined border, and it is not rooted in the brain. This fact makes it easier to remove the tumor through surgery as long as Oncology Doctors in Newton KS can safely operate on that part of the brain. Even after a tumor is removed, it can return -; although benign tumors reoccur less frequently than the malignant variety.
Although a benign tumor in any part of the body can cause a problem, they are usually not considered life threatening. However, tumors can damage surrounding cells by putting pressure on tissues and inside the patient’s skull. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, please Contact Cancer Center of Kansas as soon as possible.
