Brain Tumor Awareness: What You Need To Know

One million Americans are living with a brain tumor, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. Read on to learn more about the facts, symptoms and risk factors of the condition.

What is a brain tumor?

“Any abnormal non-cancerous or cancerous growth of cells in the brain would be considered a brain tumor,” explains Kevin Reinard, MD, a neurosurgeon at ProMedica Physicians Neurosurgery.

A common misconception is that all brain tumors are cancerous. This is simply not true. While all brain cancers develop as tumors, not all brain tumors are cancerous. Non-cancerous brain tumors are called benign tumors and typically grow slowly over time. While not cancerous, these tumors can still be dangerous if not monitored by a neurosurgeon.

All brain tumors are classified as either primary or secondary tumors. Primary brain tumors start in the brain or spinal cord. Secondary tumors, or metastatic brain tumors, occur when cancer that originated somewhere else in the body has spread to the brain causing one or more cancerous brain tumors.

Recognizing Symptoms

Often, when brain tumors are small, people may not experience symptoms, or they may not notice the symptoms. The symptoms start to present more when the tumor has grown and sometimes can depend on how quickly it has grown.

“Symptoms of brain tumors are typically headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, weakness, imbalance and even seizure activity,” says Dr. Reinard. “Patient’s symptoms are dictated by the area in the brain that is affected; for example, a brain tumor in the visual (occipital) cortex could result in visual disturbances, while a brain tumor in the language cortex could result in speech impediments.”

It is always important to consult with a physician if any new or concerning symptoms arise. The doctor can then refer a patient for testing and follow up with a neurosurgeon if a tumor is present in the brain.

The good news is that with advancements in technology, brain surgery has become less and less invasive over time.

“The advent of new navigation and robotic technology and advances in surgical skills allow surgeons to take out tumors that were once considered inoperable,” says Dr. Reinard. “Neurosurgeons are able to remove complex tumors through small incisions, which reduces trauma to surrounding brain structures, reduces blood loss and length of surgery. This results in a shorter length of stay in the hospital. It is possible to have a brain operation in 2023 and return to a normal way of life shortly after.”

Lowering Risk Factors

Different risk factors such as exposure to chemicals, family history, and exposure to infections and viruses may influence the development of a brain tumor but most cannot be directly linked to the development of a brain tumor.

“Some primary brain tumors could occur because of genetic mutations or changes in the DNA makeup,” says Dr. Reinard. “These mutations could happen in a short period of time and result in rapid tumor growth. Other brain tumors could start as benign but acquire several genetic mutations over the course of an individual’s life. There are certain genetic mutations, or markers, that predispose individuals to acquiring brain tumors. Certain environmental risk factors such as exposure to radiation during childhood could result in tumors as well.”

The best thing anyone can do to reduce their risk of developing a brain tumor is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some examples include good sleep hygiene, low stress, aerobic exercise, and a well-rounded diet. Smoking cessation is important in reducing the incidence of lung cancer, which tends to metastasize to the brain frequently, explains Dr. Reinard.

Kevin Reinard, MD
Dr. Reinard is an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians Neurosurgery. View his profile.