Brain cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses you or your family can receive. Yet statistics show that each year around 24,810 Americans receive a diagnosis of some form of tumor.
Brain tumors are typically classified as either malignant or benign depending on their risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Read on to learn more about the types of brain cancer and how they are classified.
Ependymoma
Brain tumors are a very serious medical condition that can be caused by a variety of different diseases. Ependymomas are typically formed in the cells of the ependymal lining of the brain’s fluid-filled spaces. The two main types of ependymomas are myxopapillary ependymoma and classic ependymoma.
Myxopapillary ependymoma is a slow-growing type that is mainly found in the lower part of the spine and usually in adults. Whereas classic ependymoma can be found in the brain or the spine in both adults and children.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a diagnosis, it is important to seek out the advice of a medical professional. Providing support for those affected can be done in a variety of ways. Learn how to give by giving donations to approved charities, campaigns, and support groups. There is strength in numbers; join the fight and help bring a cure.
Metastatic
Metastatic brain cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the original tumor site to other areas of the brain or the spinal cord. Different types of brain cancer can metastasize, including melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, and colon cancer. Metastatic brain cancer can be divided into three main categories. The leptomeningeal metastasis, primary neoplasms, and secondary neoplasms.
Leptomeningeal metastases are cancer cells that have spread through the cerebrospinal fluid to the leptomeninges. Which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. Primary neoplasms arise within the brain, while secondary neoplasms originate outside of the brain and then spread to the brain.
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and highly malignant forms of brain cancer and is an aggressive type of primary brain cancer. This form of brain cancer is tumors that consist of astrocytic cells, which are cells that normally help support the function of nerve cells.
This can make them difficult to treat, as they tend to spread quickly throughout the brain. Symptoms of GBM can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, blurred vision, and seizures. Diagnosis includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a biopsy of the brain tumor.
Astrocytomas and Oligodendrogliomas
What is brain cancer? It is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. Astrocytomas, also known as gliomas, are tumors that form from star-shaped cells in the brain called astrocytes. Oligodendrogliomas are tumors that form from cells in the brain called oligodendrocytes and they usually form in the cerebral hemispheres.
Both types of brain cancer can be low or high grade. Low-grade tumors grow slowly and tend to stay within the brain, while high-grade tumors grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the body.
Understanding the Different Types of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is a devastating diagnosis, and the treatment options can be overwhelming. It is important to discuss all of your surgery and treatment options with your doctor.
The right treatment plan will be tailored to your needs, from surgery to medications to radiation therapy. Contact a specialist today to learn more about the types of brain cancer surgery and treatment options.
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