A brain tumor is an area of abnormal cell growth in the brain. These tumors are also called neoplasms, and there are a number of types of brain tumors which are classified by the region in which they appear and their size. Many neoplasms are malignant, which means that they require some form of medical attention. It important to seek treatment for neurological irregularities at an early stage, as brain tumors and other neurological conditions will only grow worse if they are not addressed.
Tumors are caused by uncontrolled cell division, which causes a swelling to appear. Some tumors are caused by genetic defects which lead to tumor formation, while others develop in response to environmental exposure, or as a result of a random mutation acquired during cell duplication at the site. All it takes is one cell gone awry for a tumor to form, as this cell will duplicate itself without stopping, causing a tumor to emerge. In the close quarters of the skull, this can become a serious problem very quickly.
The brain itself can develop a tumor, as can the cranial nerves, and the glands in the skull. If a malignant tumor is present elsewhere in the body, it can also metastasize to the brain, causing a neoplasm to develop. Once the tumor gets large enough, symptoms will start to appear, leading a doctor to recommend medical testing which can be used to diagnose and identify the tumor.
Neurological symptoms like dizziness, difficulty balancing, blurred vision, personality changes, confusion, memory loss, lack of muscle control, and slurred speech often characterize brain tumors. In severe cases, seizures and other dangerous symptoms may develop. These symptoms are caused by the pressure on the brain exerted by the tumor. If the tumor is allowed to get particularly large, it may obstruct the blood supply to the region of the brain where it is located, causing cell death and permanent damage.
Medical imaging studies like MRIs can be used to identify the presence of a tumor. However, the tumor can only be confirmed with the examination of a tissue sample from the brain. Once a brain tumor is identified and graded, a doctor can discuss treatment approaches and develop a treatment plan. Excision of the tumor is often recommended, unless the tumor is in an inoperable location, and the use of chemotherapy, radiation, and other techniques may be used in an attempt to kill the tumor and to prevent a recurrence.