All about brain tumor  primary brain tumors secondary brain tumors types of brain tumors causes of brain tumor risk factors for brain tumors complications of brain tumor symptoms of brain tumors diagnosing brain tumor brain tumor treatment |
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What are secondary brain tumors?
A secondary (metastatic) brain tumor occurs when cancer cells spread to the brain from a primary cancer in another part of
the body. Secondary tumors are about three times more common than primary tumors of the brain. Usually, multiple tumors develop. Solitary metastasized brain cancers may occur but are less common. Most often, cancers that spread to the brain to cause secondary brain tumors originate in the lung, breast, kidney, or from melanomas in the skin. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors take their origins from tumor cells which spread to the brain from another location in the body. They are more frequent than primary brain tumors. Approximately, one quarter of metastatic cancers spread to brain. Lungs and breasts are most common locations from which secondary brain tumors originate. Tumor cells travel to brain by blood vessels. Since brain has no lymphatic drainage system like other organs (cerebrospinal fluid system acts like lymphatic system in the brain), spreading of tumor cells by lymphatic route (which is very typical for cancers of other organs) is impossible for brain. Different from primary brain tumors, metastatic tumor masses may occur in various remote locations in the brain. Highly aggressive brain tumors like glioblastoma may also be observed in more than one location but usually in the advanced stages of the disease. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are quite similar to those of primary tumors, however in case of secondary tumors the initial location of the tumor cells must be identified and treated, as well. |
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More information on brain tumor
What is brain tumor? - Brain tumors are abnormal growths made up of cells whose growth and division are no longer under the control of the body.
What are primary brain tumors? - A primary malignant brain tumor is one that originates in the brain itself. Primary brain tumors are named due to the cell types.
What are secondary brain tumors? - A secondary (metastatic) brain tumor occurs when cancer cells spread to the brain from a primary cancer in another part of the body.
What types of brain tumors are there? - About half of all primary brain tumors are known collectively as gliomas. Some brain tumors are categorized by their location in the brain.
What causes brain tumors? - The majority of brain tumors have abnormalities of genes involved in cell cycle control, causing uncontrolled cell growth.
What're the risk factors for brain tumors? - Risk factors for brain tumors include age, environmental or occupational risk factors, diseases associated with brain tumors.
What're the complications of brain tumors? - Brain tumors may lead to an emergency complication known as hydrocephalus. A brain tumor can cause temporary or permanent brain damage.
What're the symptoms of brain tumors? - Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on the size and location of tumor. Many symptoms are related to an increase in pressure in or around the brain.
How is brain tumor diagnosed? - Brain tumor is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms and evaluation of neurological functions.
What's the treatment for brain tumors? - The approach for treating brain tumors is to reduce the tumor as much as possible using surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or investigative procedures. |
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