Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth.
This growth can happen in any part of the body, and it can either be benign or malignant. In layman terms, a benign tumor is a mass of cells that is centralized at a specific position, and it generally doesn't spread.
On the other hand, a malignant tumor spreads and affects the other parts of the body. The tumors that spread are called cancer.
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. Although such growths are popularly called brain tumors, not all brain tumors are cancer. Cancer is a term reserved for malignant tumors.
As with all kinds of cancer, it is difficult to exactly pinpoint the cause of brain cancer. An early identification and early intervention can go a long way in treating the disease to a certain extent.
The various parts of the brain are frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, cerebellum, brain stem, occipital lobe, meninges, nerves and spinal cord. Brain cancer symptoms differ based on the location of the tumor as each part of the brain is responsible for a particular task or ability. For example, a tumor in the frontal lobe may affect your personality and moods while a tumor in the occipital lobe could have a direct effect on your vision.
The three most important signs that could indicate you might have brain cancer are:
Headache
Headache is a symptom for a wide range of diseases. But,if you're suffering from severe pain in the head, especially in the mornings as soon as you get up, then you should definitely check with your doctor and have a scan done. The headaches may increase in frequency and severity as time progresses. They could be accompanied by general body fatigue and sickness.
Seizures or Fits
When a tumor develops in a particular region of the brain, it could affect the nerves in that area. So, there may be slight to serious jerks or twitches of various parts of the body.
Drowsiness
The growing tumor may cause brain fatigue, so you'll feel sleepy and lethargic even during the day. If it persists, consult a doctor immediately.
General Symptoms of Brain Cancer
General body weakness
Change in personality
Changes in emotional characteristics
Changes in organizational and planning abilities
Unexplained vomiting, nausea and headache
Difficulties in vision and speech
Clumsiness