Did you know?
The brain is a fascinating organ! It controls everything without “doing” anything. Absolutely amazing. The irony is, very rarely do we “think” about the brain unless something is wrong – headache, injury, or reading a blog like this that is talking about the brain *big grin*
Before embarking on the journey of discussing brain tumors, the basic functions of the brain must be understood and there is a lot to know. There are specialists in Medicine (Neurologists) and Surgery (Neurosurgeons) who dedicate their whole life and career to the central nervous system (CNS), of which the brain is the captain of the ship. Unfortunately, after reading this blog, you will not be a Neurologist or a Neurosurgeon (unless you were one before you started – in which case – hey, thanks for reading my blog!)
What exactly is the function of the brain?
The functions of the brain are many. For ease of explanation, lets take a look at the picture below. Here, the functions of the brain are grouped into various activities, by “geographic” location. The Frontal Lobe is by the forehead, the Temporal Lobe is alongside the ears, the Cerebellum is just above the neck, etc.,
What are the Most Common Brain Tumors
There are over 100 different types of brain tumors that range from benign (non-cancerous) to malignant (cancerous). The most common brain tumors in adults are:
Other common primary brain tumors are listed below:
The list of symptoms associated with brain tumors are many and general enough that some people may not be alarmed by them, at first. However, I encourage you to see your doctor if there are any new development/changes in your function. It may not be related to a brain tumor, but let your PCM know and they will figure it out with you. If it is taking longer than you like, it is politically correct (and your right, some may add) to ask for a referral to a specialist. Here are some basics to get you started.
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy (TTF, steroids and ongoing trials may also be discussed with your Oncologist). The type of treatment recommended will depend on the type of tumor. A type of radiation known as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is very commonly used in treating some of these tumors with or without surgery. It is important to understand where the tumor is located, what the side effects will be with and without treatment.
If the basics of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other terminology used in cancer discussion is unfamiliar to you, consider the Cancer 101 course to learn more. You may register for the FREE course HEREand test your cancer knowledge HERE
Life is beautiful and God is awesome. And know, you are pure awesomeness!
Until next time,
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Remember …
Ipsa Scientia Potestas est ——— Knowledge itself is power!
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Queen, Your Family Friendly Cancer Doc!
Category: Brain, Cancer Awareness, Uncategorized Tags: Astrocytoma, Beau Biden, brain cancer, Brain Metastases, Brain tumors, common brain tumors, GBM, Glioblastoma, Glioblastoma multiforme, Glioma, Medulloblastoma, Meningioma, Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Oliogdendroglioma, Senator McCain Brain tumor, Senator McCain GBM, Senator Ted Kennedy GBM