Brain Tumors

Led by nationally recognized neurosurgeon, Dr. Jon Robertson, the Brain Tumor Center is the centerpiece of brain tumor care at the Methodist Healthcare Brain and Spine Institute.

Causes of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain and can arise from the brain cells, the membranes around the brain (meninges), nerves, or glands. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull.

The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. There are many possible risk factors that could play a role:

• Radiation therapy to the brain, used to treat brain cancers, increases the risk for brain tumors up to 20 or 30 years afterwards.
• Exposure to radiation at work or to power lines, as well as head injuries, smoking, and hormone replacement therapy have NOT yet been shown to be factors.
• The risk of using cell phones is hotly debated. However, most recent studies have found that cell phones, cordless phones, and wireless devices are safe and do not increase the risk.
• Some inherited conditions increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, whether they are noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), and other factors. Sometimes, tumors that start out being less invasive can become more invasive.

Tumors may occur at any age, but many types of tumors are most common in a certain age group. In adults, gliomas and meningiomas are most common.

Gliomas come from glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. The gliomas are divided into three types:

• Astrocytic tumors include astrocytomas (less malignant), anaplastic astrocytomas, and glioblastomas (most malignant).
• Oligodendroglial tumors also can vary from less malignant to very malignant. Some primary brain tumors are made up of both astrocytic and oligodendrocytic tumors. These are called mixed gliomas.
• Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.

Meningiomas are another type of brain tumor. These tumors:

• Occur most commonly between the ages of 40 - 70
• Are much more common in women
• Are usually (90% of the time) benign, but still may cause devastating complications and death due to their size or location. Some are cancerous and aggressive.

Other primary brain tumors in adults are rare. These include:

• Ependymomas
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Pituitary tumors
• Primary lymphoma of the brain
• Pineal gland tumors
• Primary germ cell tumors of the brain

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

Brain tumors may have a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to stroke. The symptoms are common with those of other neurological disorders, making it difficult to diagnose brain tumors. A CT scan or MRI will usually determine the presence or absence of a brain tumor.

Some brain tumors may not cause symptoms until they are very large. Then they can lead to a rapid decline in the person's health. Other tumors have symptoms that develop slowly.

The specific symptoms depend on the tumor's size, location, how far it has spread, and related swelling. The most common symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Seizures (especially in older adults)
• Weakness in one part of the body
• Changes in the person's mental functions

Headaches caused by brain tumors may:

• Be worse when the person wakes up in the morning, and clear up in a few hours
• Occur during sleep
• Be accompanied by vomiting, confusion, double vision, weakness, or numbness
• Get worse with coughing or exercise, or with a change in body position

Other symptoms may include:

• Change in alertness (including sleepiness, unconsciousness, and coma)
• Changes in hearing
• Changes in taste or smell
• Changes that affect touch and the ability to feel pain, pressure, different temperatures, or other stimuli
• Clumsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Dizziness or abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
• Eye abnormalities
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Pupils different sizes
  • Uncontrollable movements
• Hand tremor
• Lack of control over the bladder or bowels
• Loss of balance
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg (usually on just one side)
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• Personality, mood, behavioral, or emotional changes
• Problems with eyesight, including decreased vision, double vision, or total loss of vision
• Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking
• Trouble walking

Exams and Tests

Methodist Healthcare uses a multi-disciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. Leading neurologists andoncologists work together with a specialized neuro nursing staff and latest technology, including gamma knife and PET imaging, to treat brain tumor patients.

Most brain tumors increase pressure within the skull and compress brain tissue because of their size and weight. The following tests may confirm the presence of a brain tumor and identify its location:

• CT scan of the head
• EEG
• Examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT-guided biopsy (may confirm the exact type of tumor)
• Examination of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) (may reveal cancerous cells)
• MRI of the head

To find a Methodist affiliated neurosurgeon in Memphis, Tennessee, please use our physician locator or call 888.777.5959.