Brain cancer can be caused by scar tissue in the brain that developed as the result of a stroke or other trauma. When more neurons are being developed because of the scar, a single cell can divide at an uncontrolled rate. (See References 1) This damaged cell can spread to create a tumor in one's brain. Symptoms of brain cancer vary depending on where the tumor is located, but any signs of weakening functions or sudden change in mood should be looked at by a doctor.
Instructions
1. Go to a doctor at the first sign of swelling in your head, decline in cognitive ability, or severe headaches. Also, you should see a doctor after any type of head trauma that could lead to a tumor. The doctor will give you a to check the nerves that control your eyes and face. (See References 1) The tests will also check your coordination and memory.
2. If your doctor suspects you may have a tumor after the , he may send you to have a CAT scan, which is a radiological test to find a tumor. Before the scan you may be injected with a dye to enhance the contrast of the X-rays taken during the scan. If you have a large tumor it will most likely be found, but if a smaller one may exist you'll be sent for more testing.
3. Have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan performed. This is another test that maps an image of your brain. This test doesn't use radiation, but is necessary if a tumor is suspected. Even if a large tumor was found in the CAT scan an MRI will be performed as well.
4. Let a biopsy be performed, where a sample of brain tissue is taken. This is typically a last resort, but the only way for doctors to be sure of a tumor in some cases. For a biopsy, a needle is placed into the suspected tumor to retrieve the sample.
5. Have other tests performed to see if the tumor may have originated elsewhere, such as in your spine. If so, another MRI may be necessary. It is rare for brain tumors to be caused by cancer that has spread from another organ, but it is possible.
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