When tumors form in the brain, the mass of abnormal cells may or may not be cancerous. However, regardless of whether the tumor is cancerous or benign, it often can affect a person’s physical and mental function. Knowing about the symptoms related to brain tumors and brain cancer can promote early detection and treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 25,000 new cases of brain and other nervous system cancers will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022. At Regional Cancer Care Associates’ 25 care centers throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington D.C., area, patients can find expert care for brain cancer.
Because the brain is complex and contains regions that control different physical and cognitive functions, brain cancer symptoms vary from patient to patient. The skull doesn’t allow much room for tumor growth, so as brain tumors become larger, they may press on and interfere with the brain’s control of functions such as balance or speech.
The following are some of the most common symptoms of brain tumors and brain cancer:
It is important to note that these symptoms may reflect the presence of many different conditions that range widely in seriousness. For example, reduced appetite may be caused by anything from depression to metabolic disorders. Sudden-onset speech difficulties or drooping on one side of the face may indicate an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke – both of which require immediate medical attention. While most people experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above will not have brain cancer, all of the symptoms should be evaluated by a physician, and those that occur suddenly or that are severe need to be assessed immediately, with patients or others calling 911 for symptoms that may indicate a stroke or other serious or potentially life-threatening condition.
It’s not always possible to know what caused a person’s brain cancer. However, researchers have identified a number of risk factors, including:
There are many different types of brain cancer. Physicians categorize brain tumors from Grade I through Grade IV. This helps them determine which treatments will be most effective for a particular patient. There are other factors to consider as well, such as the location of the tumor, the age of the patient, and his or her overall health status. At Regional Cancer Care Associates, our medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other medical professionals work with surgeons and other clinicians to identify and implement the best treatment plan for each patient.
Brain cancer treatment options can include:
Depending on the size, grade, and nature of the brain tumor, one or more of these techniques may be included in the treatment plan. Following treatment, physicians will continue to closely monitor patients to determine whether the brain tumor has come back and if further treatment is needed.
The expert medical oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates have extensive experience in treating a wide variety of brain tumors and offer patients comprehensive, cutting-edge and compassionate care at our convenient locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Doctors at Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) are specialists in brain cancer. These experts have proven their leadership as professors, clinicians and researchers and were trained at the world’s most distinguished medical institutions. RCCA offers high-quality, advanced treatment near your home. We work with you and your family to make sure your care is second to none.
You can set up an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you. Or, for more information, call (844) 346-7222.
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