There are more than 125 different types of brain cancer. Most brain tumors fall into one of two categories: high grade, which is rapidly growing, or low grade, which is slow growing. However, the most common type of brain tumor in adults is called Glioma. No matter what kind of tumor they can develop anywhere in the brain or spinal cord, they are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.
There are many symptoms of brain cancer, some more general and some more specific.
General symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Personality or memory changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Sleep problems
- Memory problems
- Changes in ability to walk or perform daily activities
More specific symptoms:
- Pressure or headache near the tumor
- Loss of balance and difficulty with fine motor skills
- Changes in judgment
- Loss of vision
- Changes in speech, hearing, memory, or emotional state
- Difficulty swallowing
Treatment for brain tumors depends on several factors, including the tumor's type, location, and size. It can also depend on the patient's age and general health. Usually, brain tumors are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.