Brain Cancer

What Is Brain Cancer?

The brain is a complex organ composed of billions of neurons and supporting glial cells that work together to regulate bodily functions and thought processes. Brain cancer occurs when abnormal genetic changes cause cells within the brain to grow uncontrollably. These cancers can develop from different types of brain cells, which is why there are many forms of brain tumors, including gliomas, astrocytomas, and other subtypes.

What Causes Brain Cancer?

Brain cancer develops due to changes in the genetic material of brain cells that lead to abnormal patterns of growth and division. While the exact cause is not always clear, risk factors that may increase the likelihood of brain cancer include:

• Aging
• Family history of certain cancers or genetic syndromes
• Personal history of certain cancers or syndromes
• Exposure to certain chemical substances
• Exposure to radiation
• Genetic mutations
• Impaired immune function
• Smoking

How Is Brain Cancer Detected?

To provide the most accurate diagnosis, our specialists review medical, surgical, social, and family history, perform laboratory testing, and evaluate imaging studies. If brain cancer is suspected, diagnostic tools may include:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): Uses X-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the brain.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic fields to produce high-resolution images of brain structures.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses a radioactive tracer to highlight areas of abnormal cell activity.
• PET-CT scan: Combines CT and PET imaging for enhanced accuracy.

If imaging suggests a suspicious mass, a biopsy is typically performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the tumor type.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer may cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the size, type, and location of the tumor. These may include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Seizures
• Memory impairment
• Personality changes
• Impaired judgment or difficulty concentrating
• Weakness or numbness
• Motor or sensory impairment
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Vision changes, including double vision
• Hearing difficulties
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

It is important to discuss any of these symptoms with your doctor, as they can also be caused by other conditions.

Staging of Brain Cancer

Unlike many other cancers, brain cancer is not staged in the traditional sense because it rarely spreads beyond the brain and spinal cord. Instead, classification is based on the tumor’s type, location, size, and grade (how abnormal the cells appear under a microscope). Tumor grading helps guide treatment decisions and indicates how aggressively the cancer may behave.

How Is Brain Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted or immunotherapy. These treatments may be used alone or in combination depending on your doctor’s recommendations. Important factors considered when developing a treatment plan include:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle.
• The stage or grade of your cancer.
• Any other serious health conditions you have.
• Your feelings about the need to treat cancer right away.
• Your doctor’s opinion about if you need to treat cancer right away.
• The likelihood that treatment will help fight or control your cancer.
• Possible side effects of each treatment method.

It is important to ask questions and work closely with your physician to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each approach.

Our Approach

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. Here at The New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we build our teams around you. Our expert oncologists will help guide you through this difficult time, answering any questions you may have along the way. We are here for you and will do everything in our power to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to cancer, please call us as soon as possible at (855) 528-7322 or make an appointment online.