A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control in the brain. Since the skull is a rigid structure, any growth inside this restricted space can lead to problems. Tumors in the brain can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), but both can cause increased pressure inside your skull as they grow. Brain tumors are categorized as primary or secondary conditions. A primary tumor is one that originates in the brain but is usually benign. A secondary tumor originates in another organ such as the breast or lung and spreads to the brain. If left untreated, tumors can result in brain damage and become life-threatening.
In most cases, doctors are unable to determine the exact cause of a brain tumor. However, there are a few known risk factors, such as:
Symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its size and location and can either be general or specific. General symptoms are caused by the pressure a tumor puts on the brain or spinal cord, whereas specific symptoms occur when part of the brain does not work well because of the tumor. As a tumor grows, it puts pressure on your brain tissue, resulting in noticeable symptoms which may include the following:
General Symptoms
Specific Symptoms
Treatment for a brain tumor depends on a number of factors including the type, size and location of the tumor in addition to your general health. Early treatment can minimize the risk of complications that may occur as the tumor grows. Read on for a closer look at the treatment options for a brain tumor:
If you are worried about any symptoms you may be experiencing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lewis at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic. As a leading specialist in the field of neuroscience, he is trained in a variety of treatment techniques in addition to the development of innovative instrumentation to deliver patients with precise diagnoses and surgical solutions. He pioneered endoscopic brain surgery and was also the first surgeon in Mississippi to remove a vascular malformation from the brain stem and thalamus. He has taught courses on skull base surgery and the surgical treatment of complex brain tumors since 1995. He also performs gamma knife radio surgery for deep seated and metastatic brain tumors.
Contact us today to learn more about brain tumors or to schedule a consultation. We’ll find a solution that works for you. Call us at (601) 366-1011.