Brain Tumor
An excessive growth of cells in the brain or brain stem, a brain tumor can either be benign and noncancerous or malignant, cancerous, and potentially fatal. Benign tumors, though they can be problematic in causing cell inflammation, are not deeply rooted in brain tissue, making them easier to be removed surgically. Malignant tumors however can grow and spread more rapidly than benign ones and, aggressively attacking surrounding tissues, are harder to stop and remove. Like all cancerous cells malignant tumors develop from old cells that, unlike normal cells, do not die once the body no longer has use of them. If this process continues these cells combine to form cancerous growths, which overtake and feed on other cells.
Depending upon where the cells of the tumor originated, they are either labeled as metastatic (the cells having originated in another part of the body and then travelling to the brain) or primary (cells which have developed directly in the brain; they may spread to different regions of the brain and the nervous system as well.) Tumor symptoms are wide ranging, depending upon their location in the brain as well as their type (benign or malignant). Common symptoms are short term memory loss, seizures, mood swings, trouble with vision, regular headaches, and cognitive impairments.
If you are suffering from any of the above systems and feel you may have a tumor consult with your physician, who can utilize a number of methods of diagnosis. The first step is to take a physical exam, during which your physician make also ask you questions regarding your family and individual medical history. If after conducting the physical, your doctor feels that further information is needed to diagnose, they may request either an MRI or MRA for detailed analysis of your brain and blood vessels. If a growth is discovered, they may then request a biopsy be done to determine if it is benign or malignant.
If You Have Been Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor
Once you have been officially diagnosed with a brain tumor, the most common course of treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. In some instances however, depending on the location of the tumor in the brain, surgery is rendered impracticable. Radiation and chemotherapy can then be utilized to lessen and eventually kill the tumor. In using the former two methods it is important to consult with your physician regarding the effects, as they can also damage healthy tissue and cells.
Your physician can also provide you with information regarding any type of rehabilitation service you may need after your surgery/therapy, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy to assist in regaining function of any faculties impaired by the tumor.
A Whole Health Perspective
Looking at Brain Tumors through a Whole Health model, we explore the individual’s unique presentation from the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ perspective.