Brain and Spine Tumors
Brain and Spine Tumors
Brain and spine tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain or spinal cord. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may originate in the brain/spinal cord (primary tumors) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumors).
Brain Tumors
Types of Brain Tumors
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Gliomas – The most common type, including glioblastomas, astrocytomas, and oligodendrogliomas.
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Meningiomas – Usually benign, arising from the meninges (brain coverings).
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Pituitary Tumors – Affect hormone production.
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Medulloblastomas – More common in children, arising in the cerebellum.
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Metastatic Brain Tumors – Spread from cancers in other body parts (lungs, breast, etc.).
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
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Persistent headaches, worse in the morning
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Nausea or vomiting
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Vision or hearing problems
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Seizures
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Weakness or numbness in limbs
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Memory loss or personality changes
Spine Tumors
Types of Spine Tumors
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Intramedullary Tumors – Originate in the spinal cord (e.g., astrocytomas, ependymomas).
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Extramedullary Tumors – Grow outside the spinal cord but within the spine (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas).
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Metastatic Spine Tumors – Cancer that spreads to the spine from other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Spine Tumors
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Back pain, worsening over time
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Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
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Weakness or difficulty walking
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosis
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MRI & CT Scans – Provide detailed imaging of brain and spine tumors.
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Biopsy – Determines if the tumor is benign or malignant.
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Neurological Exams – Evaluate reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.