Cancer

The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, and every process that regulates your body. ...more

A brain tumor starts when cells in the brain change and grow out of control. As they continue to grow, they form a mass of cells that becomes a tumor. ...more

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain....more

A chordoma is a form of bone cancer that can occur anywhere along the length of the spine from the base of the skull to the lower back. ...more

Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor that is found near the pituitary gland....more

Rathke cleft cysts are noncancerous fluid-filled growths that develop between the parts of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. They develop while a baby is growing in the uterus. A Rathke cleft cyst develops from a piece of the fetus' developing Rathke pouch, which ultimately becomes part of the pituitary gland. ...more

A paranasal sinus tumor is a cancer that has grown inside your sinuses, the open spaces behind your nose. ...more

An olfactory neuroblastoma often happens on the roof of the nasal cavity. It involves the cribriform plate, which is a bone between the eyes and located deep in the skull. ...more

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have a brain tumor, you will need exams, imaging scans, and tests to know for sure. ...more

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. ...more

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. ...more

Computed tomography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays. ...more

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body, in this case, the brain and spine. MRI is used to help diagnose a health problem. ...more

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test. It is used to examine various body tissues to identify certain conditions by looking at blood flow, metabolism, and oxygen use. PET scans may also be used to see how well the treatment of certain diseases is working. ...more

An EEG is a procedure that detects abnormalities in your brain waves, or in the electrical activity of your brain. ...more

A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain for surgery. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure. ...more

Many different types of treatment can be used for brain tumors. Which may work best for you? It depends on a number of factors. ...more

Brachytherapy is radiation treatment that is given directly into your body. It is placed as close to the cancer as possible. The radiation is given using tiny devices, such as wires, seeds, or rods filled with radioactive materials. These devices are called implants. ...more

One type of surgery for cancer is curative. This procedure takes out the cancerous tumor or growth from the body. Surgeons use curative surgery when the cancerous tumor is in 1 certain part of the body. This type of treatment is often the main treatment. But other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery. ...more

Surgery is a common treatment for many types of brain tumors. It's often the first treatment used. ...more

Targeted therapy is the use of medicines that target the parts of cancer cells that make them unlike normal cells. Or the medicines can target other cells that help tumors grow. ...more

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain. ...more

After brain tumor treatment, it’s normal for a child to have after-effects. For instance, your child may have trouble talking, walking normally, or swallowing. Rehabilitation therapy can lessen these problems and help your child turn to normal activities, such as attending school. ...more

Brain tumors may affect how you think, reason, and remember. Many people with brain tumors also have problems with concentration, language skills, and memory. ...more

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more

Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away. ...more

One way to reach out is to provide emotional support or help your loved one find an appropriate source of social support. Many people who have brain tumors find it helpful to talk to others who have been through a similar diagnosis and treatment program. ...more

Brain cancer includes primary and secondary tumors. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more