Brain cancer is usually caused by the growth of cancer cells in the brain itself or the spread of cancer cells to the brain from other parts of the body. In the former case, it is categorized as primary and in the latter as secondary. The tumor may be benign or malignant. If benign, it may not be life-threatening. The malignant one is cancerous and is the leading killer among all types of cancer. Most of the initial symptoms of Brain Cancer are usually passed off as routine medical problems and get associated with common ailments. However, they do show some indications which can serve as a warning.
Commonly Associated Brain Cancer Symptoms
- A gradual feeling of lethargy with every passing day.
- Signs of general weakness.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness or maybe a short blackout spell.
- Fever coupled with hallucinations.
- Persistent migraine or full-blown headache.
- The decline in vision or hearing.
- Lack of coordination while performing routine tasks like eating or walking etc.
- Stumbling due to unexplained reasons.
Additional Symptoms
- Feeling of numbness in both arms and legs or either arm(s) or leg(s).
- Experiencing weakness on only one side of the body.
- Both or either arm(s) or leg(s) getting numb for a period of time.
- Swelling in the brain detected during a scan.
- Hydrocephalus.
How It Affects our Body
Brain Cancer affects the organ of the body which controls all other body functions. As a result, as this cancer progresses, newer and newer symptoms will keep emerging in the patient which will restrict his functioning if remedial action is not taken to control the growth. Since cancer cells will start dominating the brain cells, a direct impact will be in the form of:
- Loss of memory – initially small spells but will gradually increase.
- Failing of motor organs.
- Loss of balance and equilibrium.
- Slurring of speech.
- The patient’s gait changes distinctly.
- Visible changes in personality, lack of focus, and attention.
Brain Cancer is a killer. However, with more and more research being conducted to stem its spread and increase the chances of a patient surviving, doctors have combined doses of radiation and chemotherapy. Where possible, surgery is being resorted to removing the tumor followed by radiation to make the patient cancer-free.
