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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Brain Cancer Survival Rate - Dare to Know Your Chances

A brain cancer survival rate refers to the percentage of people who were reported still living after being diagnosed with the cancer about 5 yrs ago.

Basically, brain tumor is the abnormal growth of cells in the brain and we commonly refer to it as cancer cells. There are different ways in which a tumor may spread. One is that it can be a cause of the spread of cancerous cells originating from another body part or the cancer cells are really coming from the brain itself.

It is true that exposure to harmful chemicals leads to abnormal growth of brain tumor. It was statistically confirmed that about 80% of brain cancer patients are suffering from oligodendroglioma.

Cancer of the brain remains one of the most incurable cancers with an average survival period of one to two years.

Factors Affecting Survival

A five-year brain cancer survival rate may be influenced by several factors including the size of the tumor, at which part of the brain, the severity of the cancer and the stage. In most occasions, the general health of the patient is also an indicative factor of survival.

How do you calculate the rate of survival?

Survival statistics are based on a large number of people, and should not be used to predict the survival of an individual or patient.

Healthline.com reported that children at the age of 14 have around 73 percent chance of surviving cancer of the brain and live until five years of more, while the rate drops to 55 percent with young adults between 15 and 44. Middle-aged patients between 45 and 64 have a rate of 16 percent, and older people have a survival rate of only 5 percent.

Other facts

Statistical facts show that with the proper combination and usage of radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic drugs, the lives of those with brain cancer may be prolonged. In some patients, the quality of live may even be improved but there are those who easily give up and were not luckily able to live more than 2 years.

The brain cancer survival rate presented here is based on a relative result. The total 5-year brain cancer survival rate from the years 1995-2001 was more than 33%. The relative survival rates at 5 years for brain cancer by race and sex were:

• 32.1 percent of Caucasian men
• 37.7 percent for African-American men
• 33.5 percent of Caucasian women
• 37.5 percent for African-American women.

Brain cancer survival rate statistics reveals that about 85% of physical disorders were affected by the negative mental and emotional stress at the fourth/metastatic stage of the disease.

Many patients could attest to the fact that negative emotion and mental stress weaken the immune system despite the fact that there is no such direct connection between negative emotion and cancer, medically speaking. This is one thing we should remember when dealing with patients suffering from cancer, in general.

There are still a lot of thing you need to know about the recent brain cancer survival rate. Get an up-to-date information by visiting Cancer Survival Rates.


View the original article here

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Adult Brain Tumor Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells that have multiplied out of control. There are many different types of brain tumors. Some are benign, or non-cancerous, while others are classified as malignant, or cancerous. Symptoms you experience and treatment options depend largely on the type of tumor as well as its size and location.

Primary brain tumors are those that originate in the brain or tissues surrounding it. These tumors are much less common than secondary tumors, which occur when cancer from another part of the body metastasizes or spreads to the brain. While any type of cancer may do this, melanoma and cancers of the breast, colon, kidney, and lung are the most common to metastasize to the brain.

Researchers have not been able to determine exactly what causes brain tumors to form. Only a few risk factors have been documented. Exposure to radiation therapy of the head may put you at a higher risk for developing brain tumors. Certain genetic syndromes may increase your risk as well. Typically, there is not a clear indication of what caused the tumor to form. Research continues to determine if cell phones may contribute to the formation of brain tumors. At this time, no clear conclusions have been made linking the two.

There are no reliable screenings that detect brain tumors before symptoms appear. Patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms before visiting their physician for diagnosis. The size, location, and rate of growth of the tumor often determine what symptoms occur. Some of the most common symptoms may include:

Headaches that occur more often and become more severe over timeBlurred or double visionHearing lossUnexplained nausea and vomitingChanges in personalityConfusionSeizuresWeakness or loss of movement in an arm or leg

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your physician for a diagnosis. He or she will recommend a variety of tests to determine whether or not a brain tumor is the problem. Checking your vision, hearing, coordination, and reflexes with a neurological exam may indicate which part of brain is affected. An MRI allows the physician to scan your brain and evaluate the situation. A CT scan may be administered to determine if there is cancer in another part of your body that may have spread. If a tumor is found, the patient may undergo a biopsy to diagnose the tumor as benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are less aggressive than malignant ones and do not normally spread to surrounding tissue or other parts of the body. Even though they are not cancerous, benign tumors can still be very serious and possibly life threatening. If they are located in a vital area of the brain, exert pressure on sensitive nerve tissue, or increase pressure in the brain, these tumors may pose a serious risk to the patient. Benign tumors are often successfully treated with surgery, reducing the patient's risk of disability or death.

There are three standard types of treatment for malignant tumors: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. New treatments are constantly being researched and used in clinical trials throughout the world. For some patients, clinical trials are the best choice of treatment. Your cancer care team will make recommendations for the treatment options that best suit your particular situation.

It is important that those patients who are dealing with a brain tumor not only get the best treatment available, but also find support to cope with their diagnosis. Talk with your physician or oncologist about support options in your area.

Laura Mims is a writer for FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, which specializes in oncology, cancer care, and cancer treatment in Pinehurst, North Carolina.


View the original article here

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Late Effects: Cognitive Changes That Can Result From Cancer Treatment

Interviews with families and patients show that a cancer diagnosis and treatment is unbelievably stressful and draining, and it feels as though a child who survives surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and any other issues and complications that come their way has certainly dealt with enough. Unfortunately, survivors of childhood brain tumors frequently develop problems after the initial battle is won, in the areas of intellectual ability, academic achievement, memory, and attention. Cognitive changes are not uncommon among brain tumor survivors, however, the extent to which any one change will take effect depends on many different factors, including tumor location and surgery, age at diagnosis and treatment with radiation therapy.

Neurological problems such as seizures and muscle coordination problems are relatively common among childhood brain tumor survivors. These sorts of disabilities often develop around the time of diagnosis or after initial surgery, but sometimes they may first appear months to years after diagnosis. Radiation injury to the brain may, on rare occasions, cause delayed neurological problems that may become not become apparent until 10 or more years after treatment.

Neurosensory problems such as impaired vision and hearing may also develop, both early in the course of diagnosis and treatment and years after treatments are finished. Radiation can cause delayed visual problems through several different mechanisms. Direct damage to the eye nerves (optic nerves) can infrequently result in visual changes years after treatment. In rare instances, previous radiation can produce cataracts in the eyes that can interfere with normal vision. If your child has had surgery near the eye or eye nerves or has had radiation to the head, regular visits to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) are highly recommended. Hearing difficulties are also common after treatment for brain tumors and, in general, remain stable or even decrease in severity over time. Under certain circumstances, though, hearing problems have been shown to get worse or appear for the first time months to years after treatment ends. Children who receive treatment with the combination of the drug cisplatin and radiation to the brain appear to be at the greatest risk for developing delayed hearing problems. Periodic hearing tests should be performed for all children at risk for hearing problems as well as for any child who is experiencing academic or learning difficulties.

Learning disabilities are particularly common among brain tumor survivors and are difficult and frustrating. Many children with learning disabilities require special education services at school. Moreover, one may observe deterioration in function over time, particularly in children who were treated with radiation to the brain at a young age. Like any other problematic issue, early detection of a problem is the best way to combat it, and this assessment is best accomplished by working closely with a pediatric neuropsychologist who has experience working with children with brain tumors. As symptoms may develop over time, it is extremely important to reassess cognitive functioning periodically in all survivors who are at high risk, as well as in survivors who are experiencing academic difficulties. This is done by administering a battery of tests known as psychometric or neuropsychological tests.

Most major medical centers will have trained neuropsychologists on staff, as will many schools, who can administer these exams. It is critical at the time of testing that you have available to you a detailed history of your child's previous therapy. This should include the exact diagnosis and date of diagnosis, the names, modalities and total doses of all chemotherapy drugs, the doses and sites of all previous radiation therapy, the sites of all surgeries, and the start and stop dates for each treatment. This information can usually be obtained from the team supervising your child's cancer therapy. At the end of treatment, it's a good idea for you to ask your child's neuro-oncology team to review with you the treatments your child received as well as any late effects that might occur as a result of these therapies. If appropriate, this may be the time to begin to make arrangements for follow-up treatment with specific specialists (for example, a neuropsychologist or pediatric endocrinologist), as preparing for your child's follow-up care early, at the end of planned therapy, helps ensure a smooth transition from treatment to life after treatment.

"We created a medical data sheet to hand over to all new medical professionals we came into contact with. It was helpful that we maintained our journal even after treatment ended, for over the years, it is a quick and easy resource to rely on."
-Parent of Brain Tumor Survivor

If problems are identified, then the school must provide your child with appropriate services. Although this is now mandated by federal law, you and the members of the medical team may need to advocate for your child to get all the services to which he or she is entitled.

Late effects are new problems that can occur months to years after therapy has ended. Whether or not a child will develop a late effect depends on a number of factors. The most important of these factors include the type and amount of treatment an individual received (for example, radiation therapy, specific chemotherapy drugs) and the child's age at the time of treatment. Other factors include the type of tumor and its location within the brain. In general, children who are treated at a young age (younger than 7 years) and those who receive the most intensive therapy (for example, high doses of radiation combined with high doses of several chemotherapy drugs) are more likely to develop late effects.

However, it is important to remember that everyone is unique and that no two people react in exactly the same way to a given treatment. Equally important is that being at risk for a given problem does not necessarily mean a child will develop the problem. Clearly, knowing the details of your child's cancer treatments is essential and will help your child's health care providers, both current and future, determine which late effects your child may develop over time. Knowledge is power and it can only help you to combat cognitive problems that may arise.

Joseph Fay, Executive Director of Children's Brain Tumor Foundation


View the original article here

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What Is an Oligodendroglioma?

At the age of 6, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It is most commonly found in adults, so perhaps that means I am mature, but likely it only indicates a lack of fortune.

Oligodendroglioma is a type of tumor that is thought to originate the oligodendrocytes in the brain. Most of the time oligodendrogliomas occur in adults; only four percent of them occur in children. On average, patients diagnosed with them are about 35 years old.

Oligodendrogliomas originate from an unknown source at this time. Some studies have shown a link to a viral cause while others have found a genetic cause. More than likely, both are causes.

There is no way to tell if a tumor is an oligodendroglioma aside from taking a biopsy. They often take a shape similar to a fried egg and sort of wrap around healthy cells. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and seizures. Since oligodendrogliomas can occur anywhere in the brain, they can ultimately have a number of different symptoms associated with them. For instance, visual loss, motor problems, and even cognitive difficulties can result depending on the location of the tumor.

Many experts believe that oligodendrogliomas are ultimately incurable. They tend to be slow growing and are difficult to remove completely and so recurrence is almost certain. Depending on the "grade" of the tumor, victims typically live anywhere from 3-12 years (although I have made it almost 30). Of course this range is only semi-accurate as severity of the tumor, type of treatment, general health at the time of diagnosis, etc., all have a significant impact on the survival rate of oligodendrogliomas and any type of cancer for that matter.

There are a number of different approaches to dealing with oligodendrogliomas including:

1. Surgery- obviously one way to remove any tumor is to surgically excise it. This may be a particularly important approach when the tumor is directly affecting particular brain structures.

2. Radiation therapy- this may be done in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment to destroy the tumor cells. However, it can also damage healthy tissue.

3. Chemotherapy- this is a natural approach to any tumor because it can be effective at killing off tumor cells, but it often also brings harsh side effects.

4. Stereotactic Surgery- this is a relatively recent approach that allows doctors to "target" cells three dimensionally and essentially "shoot" them with radiation. That way only the bad cells are affected, unlike with radiation.

Oligodendrogliomas are terrible things to have and I regret to admit that I can personally attest to that fact.

I have additionally written my experiences on my blog at http://www.oligodendrogliomas.com/


View the original article here

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Returning to School After a Cancer Diagnosis

"Back to normal" means "back to school" for most children who have been treated for a brain or spinal tumor. When your child returns to school, you want him or her to be treated as normally as possible and it will take the cooperation of both the school and the health care professionals working with your child to make this happen.. To make the transition back to school an easy one the teachers and school nurse should be encouraged to prepare classmates by providing them with information about the disease and treatment and answering any questions they may have. Let the teachers and classmates know what to expect and give them an opportunity to express their concerns and feelings. It is important for teachers to communicate to other students that cancer cannot be caught and that radiation treatments do not make a child who has them "radioactive." These types of open conversations may eliminate children's curiosity and make it easier for them to accept your child back into the class and help them to accept the differences in their classmates and make them more empathetic and willing to help. Some medical centers provide an education team consisting of a child life worker and health care practitioner who can help prepare the class for your child's return, which in some cases may be helpful.

In order to make the re-entry into the scholastic environment less abrupt for your child, the students and the teachers, a slow, transitional approach to reentering school can be helpful, perhaps only having lunch, attending specific classes, or going on a field trip with the class prior to a full-time return to school. It is important to update your child's teachers and the school nurse with whatever medical information will help them help your child in school. The more knowledgeable and familiar the teachers are with how your child functions, the more the classroom environment can be adapted to your child's special needs, no matter what level of school they may be returning.

Before your child returns to school, set up a meeting with the teacher, school nurse, and principal. This meeting will give you an opportunity to discuss any special requests or concerns you might have. Suggest that the meeting also include health care professionals such as neuropsychologists familiar with brain tumor treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and shunts and give your child's teacher a copy of Cancervive Teacher's Guide for Kids with Cancer. You might want to meet or speak with the teacher on a weekly basis to monitor your child's progress; it might also be helpful to connect with your other children's teachers as well. Remember to keep an open line of communication with your child's school. The role the teacher plays is very significant to your child's developmental adjustment and recovery. The teacher and/or school nurse must inform you of any communicable diseases, such as chickenpox, that any class member has contracted. If your child is still in treatment and has not had chickenpox, exposure to this virus can be dangerous, and you should contact your physician immediately. (Chickenpox is worrisome primarily after chemotherapy; doctors rarely worry after radiation therapy.) If informed, teachers can deal successfully with problems concerning your child's self-image and relationships with peers as they arise.

Holding a meeting prior to your child's return to school can be helpful in determining any accommodations that may be needed to meet your child's special needs. Check to see if your school has wheelchair accessibility for both the classrooms and toilet facilities, as special bathroom privileges may be needed. Your child may need playground or gym exemptions, if he or she is easily fatigued or has coordination problems. Seating arrangements in the classroom may need to be adapted if your child has suffered permanent or temporary hearing or visual impairment. You may want to discuss modifying homework assignments with the classroom teacher. If your child needs to take medications during the day, it is very important that you inform the teacher and the school's principal and nurse what the medications are for and what their side effects may be. All of these procedures, if reviewed beforehand, will make a child's return to school much smoother.

The level of parental involvement wanted by a child varies by age, gender, and individual personality. It is important to discuss returning to school with children no matter what age to be sure everyone is on the same page and children are allowed to have a voice in the involvement of their parents in their school. For older children, such as those entering high school, autonomy and a sense of independence is viewed as a necessity for many and for this reason the teacher-parent relationship is very important, because although parents may not be wanted by children in their scholastic environment, teachers have a unique view and can not only watch out for a child but do so in a way that is not considered intrusive. In this way, parents can stayed updated on their child's progress without infringing on their child's world that they are more assuredly desperate to reenter.

Joseph Fay, Executive Director of Children's Brain Tumor Foundation

Joseph Fay, Executive Director of Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, http://www.cbtf.org/


View the original article here

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Cell Phones and Brain Cancer: Is There a Link?

With the recent announcement by WHO (world health organisation) about the potential dangers of cell phone radiation, we are all naturally concerned, especially those of us who use cell phones regularly and/or who have kids with cell phones. What is safe, we wonder, in terms of use, cell phone type and exposure? Are some cell phones safer than others, and are there ways in which we can limit the dangers by changing our usage patterns?

While the answers are still coming in, there are things we can do to help protect ourselves. These tips come from a variety of sources, including a brain scientist who has recovered from brain cancer (Dr. David Servan-Schreiber - if you have not yet read his book, Anticancer, A New Way of Life go get it! It's an excellent read for anyone wishing to prevent cancer, or already dealing with the health challenges cancer presents). Simultaneously, we are all terrified of cancer but somehow in denial that it will ever touch us personally. It's time we look clearly at the rampart cancer rates of the last decade and take as many steps as we can personally to protect our health.

When it comes to this health issue, we are all exposed to radiation in varying degrees, even those of us who do not have a cell phone. In North America, unless you live in the remote wilds and are completely off the grid, you're likely affected, even if from cell towers and criss-crossing signals in the air. Experts are telling us that cordless phones pose similar risks, and it s only as more studies come to completion that the alarming statistics are becoming available. Nonetheless, mobile phones and smart phones are here to stay, so let's do what we can given that reality.

For one thing, most mobile phone manufacturers now offer a protection rating on their phones, as consumers become increasingly aware and concerned. Ask your provider about your specific phone and be sure to check the rating of any phone you buy. Other tips include using a headset rather than putting the phone directly to your ear when talking, and leaving the phone away from your wear until someone answers; according to experts the signal is stronger when the phone is ringing, before it connects. The signal is also stronger when you are between cell towers, so if the connection is bad hang up and try later when it's safer. For children and teens with developing brains, limit cell phone use and if anything, encourage texting over speaking (who ever thought anyone would say that?).

Shauna writes about cell phone safety at her cell phones students website. You can also find out more about brain health at her health and vitamin site. Take your own health seriously and be your own health advocate, so you can live the best life possible and have the vitality to achieve your dreams!


View the original article here

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Loss and Bereavement: The Support Services for Families With Children With Brain Tumors

There are many thoughts that run through a person's mind when they learn that their child or sibling has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. What will my child's life and my life be like now? How will this affect me? How will our family survive such a trauma? These and a million other questions come to mind when your child is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Many parents and children feel grief towards a life that was lost and these feelings can occur whether or not there was a death. The life you were planning for yourself or your child may no longer be possible and you have to cope with all of these new feelings while still managing day to day life, a daunting task.

Perhaps more devastating is the actual loss of a child. This experience is heart breaking and life altering for parents, siblings, other family members and friends, as it does not follow the proper course of life. The process of grief differs from person to person. Grief is a very subjective emotion and depending on the age and the relationship a person had with the child, their reaction to the loss will take on a variety of forms. For many, however, it is a long and painful journey, and it causes some to feel alone and forgotten by others who go on with their lives.

There are many new emotions and unexpected feelings that accompany the loss of a child such as, anger, guilt, abandonment, depression, etc. Though there is no way to completely quell all the feelings that occur with losing a child, there are support services and networks of other parents to help you cope with such a tragic loss. The support you can receive from others also dealing with a loss helps you understand that you are not alone and many, if not all, of the feelings you may be having are normal, in a way and this type of support is immeasurable.

Many are not aware of the different avenues you can take when seeking support. The social workers at many organizations are available to help you determine what services will be the most appropriate in helping you and your family manage all of the psychological and emotional difficulties that are associated with losing a child.

"The feeling of connecting to other parents is that sense of knowing that you are not alone." -quote from a bereaved parent

These organizations typically offer many programs including a Loss, Grief and Bereavement Program for families who have lost a child. Their goal is to support families through this difficult experience by connecting them to other bereaved families, providing supportive services, and offering therapeutic and educational information. We know everyone has his or her own unique way of grieving. It is for this reason that we offer different forms of support to address varying needs and ages.

Through interaction with bereaved parents, as well as siblings, we have developed a variety of services within our Loss, Grief, and Bereavement program that will attend to a wide range of families all coping in their own way.

Services include a parent mentor program, online support groups and discussions for parents and caregivers, bereaved sibling support, counseling, and referrals to a variety of grief and bereavement resources. The families who participate in our programs provide us with vital information so we can better assist future families. It is a horrible thing to lose a child and there is no way to ever heal such a wound but the goal of many organizations is to provide the best support possible for families.

Joseph Fay, Executive Director, Children's Brain Tumor Foundation


View the original article here

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Glioblastoma Multiforme - No Longer an Instant Death Sentence - A Personal Journey

Unless your life has been touched by it, you most likely do not know what it is. One of the most deadly forms of cancer, is Brain Cancer, and of those, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) has been known as The Terminator. With an average historical survival rate of roughly a year, with the 3 year survival rate at roughly 7%, it is no small wonder it was tagged with that nickname. Recent medical breakthroughs are beginning to catch up with many more "common" strains of Cancer. Caught early enough, once feared cancers are responding to treatment, and with the combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, people have had reasons to be optimistic, that they can actually look forward to a cure. Better diagnostic methods, treatment, and understanding the value of nutrition to boost the body's immune system to not only prevent, but help fight the disease. These promising advances, along with celebrities who come forward with their experiences of survival, and have gone on with their lives, gives people the hope and courage to face the issues involved with treatment and recovery.

With virtually no advances for 30 or so years, Brain Cancer treatment, including GBM, which been treated as a chronic illness, has seen some remarkable progress recently. The use of surgery, where possible, certain chemotherapeutic drugs, along with radiostatic treatments, has resulted in a steady increase in the median survival rate, and better quality of life during treatment.

I was diagnosed with GBM in June of 2007. It was surgically resected (removed) almost immediately. After a wait of about 6 weeks (during which time I was encouraged by my Neurosurgeon to take a previously scheduled vacation with my wife), I began a series of focused Radiostatic treatments 5 days a week, for 42 treatments. This focused treatment was preceeded by a computer mapping and simulation program. Concurrent with the treatments I was prescribed Temodar, an oral chemotherapeutic. Once that treatment was over, I continued on Temodar 5 days a month for a year. Two and a half years later, there are no signs of the tumor. Attitude, my faith in God, the Good fortune of being blessed with a capable medical team, and a support system of friends and family, are all part of the reason I am able to update this article today.

The latest advances have been in the area of a specific treatment based on the chemical and material make-up of each individual tumor. The good news is that progress is indeed being made, and it appears we may be able to find a cure for this horrible disease in our lifetimes.

By Tony Kudalis
Jack of Many Trades, Master of Quite a Few, including:
Business Analyst and consultant for Information, Marketing, Systems, Databases, Custom Solutions Innovative and inventive solutions to critical Business situations and problems to k3ynot@gmail.com


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Saturday, July 9, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer, What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?


When trying to find out how to know if you have brain cancer, you should keep in mind that the doctor(s) you work with may be highly trained professional with years of experience but their opinions on your condition are just that... opinions. Two different doctors often have two different opinions when evaluating your symptoms and your test results. They also might have very different suggestions on treatment choices that would best suit you.
The following are questions you should be sure and ask of your doctor:
What symptoms data makes you think I need testing for brain cancer?What else could be the cause of these symptoms?What tests are you recommending?Describe each of the recommended procedures.What do I need to do to prepare for each test procedure?What is the name of the person performing the test?What is the recovery time after each test procedure?When will test results be available?Who will explain the results of my tests to me?What other testing options are available?When the results are available, would it lead to additional testing?If so, what does that consist of?Who are the members of the medical team that will be involved with my case?How do I contact them (phone numbers)?
Two different doctors will give two different sets of answers to the above questions. It is important to have a doctor that you trust and that you are comfortable with. If you don't feel you can be completely open and honest with your doctor, then find another doctor. Remember, you are putting your life in this doctor's hands.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

The following is a MUST SEE link for anyone interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


View the original article here

Brain Cancer Symptoms - Discover the Signs That Could Save Your Life!

Brain cancer symptoms don't usually start out as something easily noticed. In fact most people don't get diagnosed because they relate these to stress and poor eating habits. However, headaches, dilated pupils and vomiting are some of the earliest signs that will show up. In young children, a brain tumor can cause the skull to grow in diameter, and make the fontanelles bulge. Increased intercrainal pressure is the biggest thing to watch out for because it can cause displacement amongst certain parts of the brain and very lethal brain stem compression.

If there's one thing really frightening about this disease is the fact that it targets the young. In the US alone, around 2000 children and adolescents falling below the age of 20 are diagnosed with malignant tumors each year. Brain cancer is an abnormal growth that is caused by uncontrollable, abnormal cell division that can stem from either the brain, the cranial nerves or the brain envelopes. Of course, the cancer can also be caused by a tumor that has metastasized from another part of the body, so a full routine check-up is required when symptoms start developing.

The effects of these symptoms are based on two factors, first is the size of the tumor, then how large it can get. The time it takes for symptoms to show also depends on the type of tumor that you're dealing with. Benign tumors are slow growing, meaning that the symptoms aren't severe until it reaches the advanced stages. Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, spread rapidly, showing an early onset of symptoms.

Some signs, however, can be quite severe in comparison. An altered state of consciousness, for example, like somnolence or a coma can happen. If the tumor has done enough damaged, cognitive and behavioral changes can show, as well as eye site problems and facial paralysis.

Of course, some of these brain cancer symptoms can be nonspecific, and can also be caused by other conditions like a stroke or traumatic brain injuries. Whatever the case it is always good to have things checked out by your doctor as soon as possible - it could save your life!

Melissa McKyler is a firm believer in natural cancer treatments. Her website focuses on all different types of cancer symptoms and alternative natural cancer treatments. For more information about brain cancer symptoms be sure to visit http://www.naturalcancertreatmentsecrets.com/


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Friday, July 8, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - Is it Possible to Resume a Meaningful Life After Treatment?

In researching about how to know if you have brain cancer, certain current event information comes up that is worth reporting on. President Obama is encouraging Congress to craft a bill that would spell out how the federal government could increase the role it plays in making health insurance and insurance benefits available to more Americans. Two Democratic Senators are spearheading efforts to remake the nation's health care system with sweeping health care legislation.  

Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat and chairman of the Finance Committee, is crafting a bill that is aimed at health care reform of private providers to create meaningful, affordable coverage for all Americans. That is in contrast to fellow Democratic Senator Edward M Kennedy of Massachusetts, chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, who favors a comprehensive public health care plan by creating a government sponsored entity that would compete with private insurers. Senator Kennedy is recovering after months of treatment for brain cancer. President Obama favors a public plan choice for the American people in order to "keep the private insurance companies honest."  

Democratic Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York has stated it is unlikely either Senator would support the other's bill but feels they might both support the compromise plan he is developing whereby any public plan would have to comply with the same rules, regulations and standards that apply to private insurance companies. Such a public plan would also have to be self-sustaining without access to federal funds to sustain it.  

The fact that Mr. Kennedy is back in the pressure cooker of holding the job of a Senator with its debates and disagreements as a way of life is an inspiration to other victims of brain cancer. He has resumed a very public life, engaging other high powered individuals on a daily basis, resuming what for him is a "normal life" with those around him fully aware of his brain cancer condition and his struggles with undergoing treatment.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends. I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones. I am sharing my discoveries. A must see link for those interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


View the original article here

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer, What is the Brain?

When trying to find out how to know if you have brain cancer, it helps to have a basic understanding of what the brain is and what role it plays in the body. The brain is described in many different ways, defined as having 5 sections by some resources and having 21 sections in other resources. The depth of the description need not be very complex for a general understanding.
The brain is considered the senior organ in the body and the central computer for all body functions in animals. It is composed of soft tissue, is more than 60% fat, and is located just underneath the skull. It is attached above the spinal cord and is the control point for the central nervous system in the body.
The brain is linked to all parts of the body by a network of nerves carrying messages back and forth whereby the brain can monitor and control all body activity. Much study of the brain has been conducted by scientists to conclude the brain controls the things we choose to have the body do (like walking and talking) as well as the things the body does automatically that we don't have to think about doing (like breathing.) The brain is also in charge of the senses of the body which are sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The brain is usually considered to play an important role in a person's memory, emotions and personality.
The brain is known to have billions of connections between it and the various parts of the body. These are the connections which pass information and instructions back and forth. The brain is the most complex part of the body. So while much is known about its function and relationship with the rest of the body, much still remains a mystery.
It is easy to see, therefore,  that when trying to find out if you have brain cancer how an abnormality in the brain can show up as any one of many different symptoms elsewhere in the body, depending on what part of the brain has the imperfection.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends. I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecommunication industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones. I am sharing my discoveries.

A must see link for those interested in treatment choices and cures for brain cancer is:[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Thursday, July 7, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - After Diagnosis Who Can I Talk To?

When looking into how to know if you have brain cancer, if one receives the bad news that cancer exists, that person's life has instantly and severely changed for the worse. The questions flow in a non-stop stream; what now, who should I tell, how will I survive, can I beat this, what will happen to those who depend on me, can I continue to work, and many more.
The first thing to establish is what are the choices for communication about the issue. Where can one find answers to the incessant questions? The medical practitioner who gave the diagnosis is the first point of contact for answers. The doctor will have the most business-like and analytical point of view. He/she is formally educated in the area and no doubt has heard all of the most common questions and concerns from many different patients. The doctor will have considerable experience with the patient's emotions about the news and should be able to provide much information and hopefully a much needed compassion to the effects caused by the diagnosis.
It is repeatedly reported that apprising family of the situation has much more benefit than not. There can be a thought to not want to burden others. If the person with the diagnosis doesn't want cancer to be constantly a topic of conversation and doesn't want constant sympathy, it is still better to discussed the situation with loved ones than to leave them uninformed. You would want to know if the roles were reversed.
The individuals emotions seem to run the gamut from anger, to resentment, to disbelief, to grief, to denial, to apathy. These are ways different people react to the news but can also be a series of emotions all within the same person.
The attitude of the individual with the diagnosis seems to an overriding factor in one's chances for recovery and one's quality and length of life. Some people are helped profoundly by talking to others who have cancer. The American Cancer Society keeps lists of such groups for every local area.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

An important link for those interested in treatment choices and cures is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Brain Tumor - There is A Cure

To a layman, brain tumor is basically cancer of the brain. Medulloblastoma, ependymoma, glioma, teratoma, atypical teratoid rhadoid tumor, etc, are names associated with different types of brain tumor.

In simple terms, brain tumor is no more than uncontrolled growth of cells forming a lump in the brain. Just like any other form of cancers, brain tumor can spread and proliferate to any other parts of the body. Even before the brain tumor proliferates, or metastasize as a medical doctor or an oncologist would say it, the tumor could wreak havoc in the brain. Our brain, as we know it, controls the rest of the body. Any disturbance up there will affect our normal functioning of the various faculties. Therefore, symptoms of brain tumor really depends on where and how big the tumor is.

This article brings to light a relatively new form of treatment that could bring hope to those afflicted with brain tumor.

The ideal objective of any treatment for brain tumor is total removal of the tumor, without any recurrence and proliferation. The most common treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. Surgery posts the high risks of damaging even a tiny bit of the surrounding structure, tissues or nerves.  Apart from conventional surgery, the newer types of surgery include what is known as stereotactic radiosurgery and gamma knife radiosurgery.  These two forms of surgery are specific, but are still considered ionizing and invasive, respectively. This article shares with the reader a non-surgical, non-ionizing, and non-invasive form of treatment for cancer.

This technology is commercially known as CYTOTRON, or scientifically known as RFQMR or Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance. Cytotron came into the world in 2006 after more than a decade of research and fine-tuning. It is invented by Dr. Rajah Vijay Kumar from Bangalore, India. Dr Kumar is a tissue reengineering scientist. He works with medical doctors and specialist in inventing the Cytotron. This technology was first successfully applied to the treatment of osteoarthritis. For details on this aspect, please refer to my upcoming article 'Osteoarthritis - There Is cure!'.

The layman explanation of Cytotron in cancer treatment is simplified here. The Cytotron uses radio and near radio frequency to beam specifically on the tumor or cancerous area. What Cytotron tries to accomplish is to induce the self-death of the cancer cells. This is known as apoptosis in medical term. In cancer cells, the process of natural death is missing due to some missing process in the cell cycle. With Cytotron, that process of natural death is restored without affecting the neighboring normal cells. With the many cases that had been treated, the MRI results showed objective evidence of the arrest of cancer growth and also the disappearance of the cancer cells.

One of the most amazing successful cases of Cytotron treatment on cancer was a 7 year-old girl from Ipoh of Perak state, Malaysia. This girl, Ying, was detected with brain tumor when her parents noticed she was not able to behave normally and knocked into things around the house. Her brain tumor led to her loss of vision and, if untreated, she was on the brink of death. About one year after the tumor was detected, it had grown from 3 to 4 centimeters, and then, increased by another centimeter in just another 4 months. Then, she was put on a 28 consecutive, 1 hour per day treatment with the Cytotron. During the Cytotron treatment, her condition had already begun to show improvement. 3 months after the treatment, her MRI clearly showed that the brain tumor growth had been successfully arrested. Half a year later, the tumor totally collapsed. Today, at the age of 9 years old, she has gone back to school like other kids.

To those who are living with the agony of cancer, CYTOTRON, or RFQMR, may bring new light to their lives.

If you find the above article helpful, please visit http://www.care-nexus.com/.

Jonas Lee


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Brain Cancer Prognosis - Treatment Review

Can your brain cancer prognosis be improved? Oncologists consider brain cancer to be one of the deadliest cancers, but Karon Beattie, a cancer survivor, has compiled a reference book containing in excess of 350 alternative cancer treatments that thousands of cancer patients have used to overcome their condition, including brain cancer.

Beattie gives accounts of people surviving brain cancer by natural treatments. She states that these treatments are not within the FDA's jurisdiction, resulting in low awareness among doctors.

In one example, Beattie reports that some physicians have used a nutritional supplement to achieve complete remission of aggressive, stage IV cancers that had metastasized.

Specifically in regard to brain cancer, her book, "Natural Cancer Treatments That Work", describes how a British doctor successfully treated a Grade 4 brain tumor with a herbal mixture. The patient is alive two years later, long after oncologists had predicted.

Beattie also details a patient whose brain tumor vanished completely after taking a combination of nutritional supplements known to stop the spread of cancer cells, preventing metastasis. This seems an astonishing outcome for a cancer given a poor prognosis by oncologists.

Further, Beattie gives 131 first-hand accounts of people who beat brain and spinal cord cancers using alternative and natural treatments. If stories like these are factual, why are the treatments not used more widely for brain and other cancers?

According to Beattie, even though the creators of the treatments listed in her book are respected health scientists, few of the treatments have been formally assessed in human clinical trials. Why? There is little financial incentive for drug companies in natural treatments that they cannot patent, yet thousands have successfully used the treatments. Beattie also suggests that many doctors may not know of these treatments because they are only familiar with treatments regulated by the FDA. Many of the alternative treatments she lists involve herbs and vitamins that are beyond the FDA's jurisdiction.

These intriguing accounts will be hard to ignore for cancer sufferers and their loved ones in their efforts to survive cancer and retake their lives.

Natural Cancer Treatments That Work is available from Alternative Medicine for Cancer Also available is a free guide on where to get treatment and support as well as free articles on cancer treatment options.

Brain Cancer Prognosis


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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

How to Prevent Brain Cancer - A Simple Guide That Will Change Your Way of Life For the Better

Cancer is a degenerative disease that figuratively speaking eats at your organs, being diagnosed with cancer can be the most devastating news you will ever hear; today were going to review over how to prevent brain cancer.

Just like a car's engine, our brains are the core of our existence. Without the usage of your brain, you would be a vegetable, having no movement, thoughts, or impulses. When a cancerous tumor is present in your brain it impairs many body functions controlled by electric impulses that are sent from the brain. Many people, lose their mobility, speech, and are subject to multiple uncontrollable body movements.

There are preventive measures that you can take to prevent this devastating disease from claiming residency in your brain.

Step 1- Explore your family history, find out what diseases run in your family. If cancer is prominent, be sure to let a doctor know about your cause for concern. Be sure to visit your doctor at least every 4-6 months for brain scans, if anyone in your family passed away over a problem in the brain.Step 2-Get healthy, healthier living promotes longer happier lives. Do not partake of any impurities such as smoking, or drinking alcohol. Exercise frequently and stay informed about any medical issues pertaining to brain cancer. Talk with a certified physician to obtain a full list on things you can do to prevent the cancerous tumors associated with brain cancer.Step 3- Use your cell phone with care. Studies have shown that people who regularly use their cell phones chances of getting a brain tumor, which can later on evolve into cancer is 240% higher then someone who stays off the phone. Cell phones give off radioactive waves which attack brain cells.Step 4-Educate yourself on brain cancer, know the causes and the symptoms, so if you feel that you may be suffering from a cancerous tumor you know the warning signs.

To get more help to prevent brain cancer just click here.


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Brain Cancer

We all know the function of brain. It is the main control center of our body that monitors/instructs everything thing in our body. Any disease that affects this central control system is really a big problem. And the worst thing to happen is brain cancer. Brain cancer is the development of brain tumors i.e. tumors in the brain. These could either be benign or malignant; the latter being the really harmful one.

Types of brain cancer

As most other types of cancer, brain cancer is also classified as primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer. Primary brain cancer is the one that originates from the brain itself i.e. that originates in the brain cells. Secondary brain cancers is the one that doesn't originate from the brain cells but is instead passed on from another organ/ part of the body

Causes of brain cancer

As is the case with many other types of cancer, the causes of brain cancer is a big topic for researchers. However, certain genetic conditions and exposure of head to radiation (as received during radiotherapy as part of treatment of other conditions) are known to be causes of cancer. There are a number of other theories that keep coming up time and again, each suggesting different possible causes of brain tumor (one famous one is about mobile phones causing brain cancer). However, there really isn't a very convincing theory about what causes brain cancer.

Symptoms of brain cancer

Some very common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches and nausea; but these can really be caused by something else. So, headache and nausea shouldn't really be taken as brain cancer. Some other symptoms of brain cancer are related to incorrect working of some of the basic senses (that are mainly governed by brain) e.g. speech, vision and smell etc. Again, there is no point in getting worried all by yourself; you should, in any case, consult a qualified doctor and let them know clearly about the various symptoms that you have observed. The doctor can then diagnose whether it is brain cancer. You might be referred to a neurologist for further examination (if brain cancer is suspected).

Diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer

The diagnosis of brain cancer will include tests that are based on the working of the nervous system. So, testing of basic human senses like vision, speech, hearing, mental capability, reflexes is taken up for diagnosis of brain cancer. The treatment of brain cancer is done through surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy (and the combination of these).

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Brain Cancer blog for more information.


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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Different Types of Primary Brain Tumors

When it comes to brain tumors, the medical profession does not have a standard system to describe the spread of cancer. Primary brain tumors are usually formed in the central nervous system and invariably they do not spread to other parts of the body. In order to treat these tumors, doctors classify they based on the type of cell in which the tumor began, the location of the tumor in the brain and what grade the tumor is.

Here is a list of some of the different types of primary brain tumors that occur in adults:

o Brain Stem Gliomas: This is a type of tumor that forms in the brain stem, which the part that connects the brain to the spinal cord. The tumor is usually high grade, meaning it spreads very quickly and is difficult to cure.
o Pineal Astrocytic Tumor: This type of tumor occurs in or near the pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin hormone which governs our sleeping and waking patterns. This tumor can be of any grade.
o Pilocytic Astrocytoma: This tumor is a grade I tumor and develops in brain cells called astrocytes. The tumor grows slowly and very rarely does it spread to neighboring tissues of the brain. The tumor can be cured and is seen more often in children and young adults.
o Diffuse Astrocytoma: This is another tumor that develops in astrocytes. It grows slowly and has the tendency to spread to the neighboring brain cells. This is a grade II tumor seen mostly in young adults.
o Anaplastic Astrocytoma: This tumor is also called malignant astrocytomas and grows very fast and spreads to the adjacent brain cells. The cancer cells look different from normal cells and is develops mostly by the time a person reaches 40 years of age. This is a grade III brain tumor.
o Glioblastoma: This is one of the most aggressive brain tumors and is categorized as grade IV brain tumor. It is more commonly referred to as glioblastoma multiforme and is usually fatal. It is very difficult to treat and occurs mostly in adults ranging from 45 years to 70 years.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in health care industry. She also offers top quality articles like:

Effects of Brain Cancer, Nadir and Chemotherapy


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Cell Phone Use Associated With Increased Risk of Brain Tumors

I haven't got a brilliant memory, but sometimes something somebody lets me know does somehow stick in my mind. One such memory I have concerns a patient I saw some years back. He had had a brain swelling (I forget what sort) removed, and had an interest in supporting his recovery and general health through nourishment. During our consultation he remarked he had a boy that also had had a brain tumor. I questioned if his doctors believed there was any genetic link.

He responded in the negative, and told me it was his opinion that mobile telephones were the cause. This person went on to tell me that both he and his child were early adopters of this technology, and by their own admission were heavy users too. He went on to inform me a tale about an experience he had after he had had his operation. He was sitting in a packed waiting room full of post-surgical patients. Nearly all of the patients in the room had had brain growths removed and the scarring to prove it.

A chat about mobile telephones started in the waiting room, so my patients made a decision to take a straw poll then and there. All of the patients who had had brain growths turned out to be mobile telephone users. Now, there's nothing especially telling here I suspect, because mobile telephone use is so common.

However, my patients went one better in his poll by then asking each individual which ear they habitually held their mobile telephone to. He reported to me the side they indicated matched the side of their growth in each case. This is all only anecdotal observation and all that, and does not prove a thing, but this memory came back to me this morning after reading about some research which was published lately at the Royal Society in a meeting held by the Radiation Research Trust.

The study was conducted by a team controlled by Professor Lennart Hardell of the University Hospice in Orebro in Sweden. It hasn't been officially broadcast yet, though from what I am able to make out, the data has come from a formerly released piece of analysis from Professor Hardell.

The analysis targeted on the likelihood of precise cancers in people who started to use mobile telephones before the age of twenty. Younger folks were the target for this research because they are said to be more subject to the electronic radiation that emanates from mobile telephones, mainly because their skulls are thinner and may permit the radiation to penetrate more deeply into the brain. The analysis discovered that people who started mobile telephone use before the age of 20 were at terribly noticeably increased (more than 5-fold) likelihood of brain growths known as 'gliomas' as well as benign (non-cancerous) swellings on the main nerve in charge of hearing known as 'acoustic neuromas'.

According to reports, use of cordless home telephones were at seriously raised likelihood of glioma too. People who started to use mobile handsets in their 20s were also at increased likelihood of glioma and acoustic neuroma, though the boosted risk was smaller than that seen in the earlier users: possibility of glioma and acoustic neuroma was up about fifty and a hundred p.c. respectively.

Professor Hardell is quoted as asserting: This is a caution sign. It is extremely troubling. We deserve to be taking precautions. It is maybe fascinating to notice Professor Hardell's previous work in this area, particularly a meta-analysis of studies taking a look at the link between mobile telephone use and brain swelling risk.

People using mobile telephones in the long run (ten or more years) were revealed to be at an increased chance of glioma and acoustic neuroma on the side of telephone use (risk was increased by two hundred and 240 per cent respectively. Mobile telephone use wasn't related to increased risk of these cancers on the other side of the head to the one that the telephone is habitually held. The proof as it hands supports the assumption long term mobile telephone use is indeed related to an increased risk of brain cancers, just like my patient thought it was years back.

Paul Fitzgerald, EMF expert, graduated from NJIT in Newark, NJ. He has been studying EMF's for over 15 years. He has done over 100 radio shows in 2006 and promotes promotes cell phone radiation reduction airtube headsets to the public for protection from cell phone radiation, go to Airtube Headsets To educate yourself go to http://www.emfnews.org/ Also, Qlink Pendants for Cell tower Protection and in home radiation protection


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Monday, July 4, 2011

Herbal Medicines for Brain Cancer

Description

Brain cancer is a tumor or tumors that form on the brain itself. Most brain tumors have spread to the brain from other affected parts of the body (such as the breast or the lung) via the blood-stream. Only a small percentage of brain cancer cases originate in the brain.

In its early stages, brain cancer often produces no symptoms, or it displays symptoms that are mistaken for everyday headaches. As a result, the condition is often quite advanced before it is detected. Brain cancer is a very serious condition that can cause extensive neurological damage or death.

The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown, but heredity is suspected to play a role in its development.

Signs and Symptoms

Brain cancer is usually asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a certain size. At that point, symptoms include:

Persistent headaches

Vomiting

General weakness, or localized weakness in the arms or legs

Loss of coordination

Dizziness

Change in personality

Loss of mental abilities, including memory

Double vision, or loss of vision

Seizures

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suspect you have a brain tumor, see a physician immediately. A CAT scan or MRI of the head can usually confirm the presence of a tumor and pinpoint its location. If a tumor is found, the physician may take a CAT scan of the chest and abdomen to make sure the cancer has not affected other areas of the body. If the tumor is localized and is situated in an area where removal is possible (on the outer surface of the brain, for example), surgery may be performed. However, some tumors-particularly those located deep within the brain tissue-cannot be operated on. In these cases, radiation and chemotherapy will be used to destroy cancerous cells. (See "Conventional Medical Treatment" in the "Bladder Cancer" entry for more information on radiation and chemotherapy.)

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupressure By pressing on certain acupressure points along the body's meridians, a practitioner may be able to reduce cancer-related pain and headaches.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Traditional Chinese Medicine considers any type of tumor formation the result of stagnant blood, so a practitioner may recommend formulas that energize blood flow and strengthen the immune system, such as Ginseng and Astragals Formula. In cases of brain cancer, an herbalist may prescribe the Chinese formula called Three Yellows.


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How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer - Statistics

When researching how to know if you have brain cancer, the question of likelihood gets asked. What are the odds? Just how common is it?
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 18,500 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year and the average age for being diagnosed is 55 years of age. The average age at death of the nearly 13,000 who will die from brain cancer is 64 years of age. That would indicate that an individual will typically live for 9 years once he/she becomes diagnosed and that it is of concern for those advanced in age.
However, the data for being diagnosed by age groups is as follows:
13.8 percent under age 2010.0 percent between 20 and 3411.7 percent between 35 and 4414.4 percent between 45 and 5415.4 percent between 55 and 6417.1 percent between 65 and 7414.2 percent between 75 and 843.6 percent 85+ years of age.

The statistics show that the odds are not all that different by age, meaning anyone from any age should pay attention to symptoms (see the first article in this series).
Statistics on the mortality rate of brain cancer are as follows:
0.3 percent deaths under age 204.2 percent between 20 and 348.3 percent between 35 and 4415.2 percent between 45 and 5419.2 percent between 55 and 6423.9 percent between 65 and 7419.5 percent between 75 and 845.5 percent 85+ years of age.

Those in the younger age groups will survive longer with the disease according to the statistics.
Death rates by race and sex are listed as follows:
All races                                   Men, 6.3 per 100,000              Women, 3.2 per 100,000Caucasian                                 Men, 5.6 per 100,000              Women, 2.8 per 100,000African American                      Men, 12.8 per 100,000            Women, 6.3 per 100,000Asian/Pac Islander                    Men, 11.2 per 100,000            Women, 6.8 per 100,000Amer Indian/Alaska Native       Men, 7.3 per 100,000              Women, 4.1 per 100,000Hispanic                                   Men, 9.5 per 100,000              Women, 5.3 per 100,000

For one seeking how to know if you have brain cancer the statistical information assists in the process. It all relates to the likelihood of having it. If cancer is diagnosed, the question then becomes how can you survive the diagnosis, what treatments are effective, how can you beat it.
We will examine the quality of life of those living with brain cancer in an upcoming report in this series.

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimers, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries. An important link for those interested in treatment choices and cures is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


View the original article here

Sunday, July 3, 2011

I've Got A What? - A Brain Tumor!

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor is a nightmare and it turns your world upside down.

I luckily had very little time between being diagnosed with my benign meningioma and it being surgically removed but the time I did have was spent frantically trawling the internet trying to find some answers to my questions of why, how and what do I do next. I managed to find medical papers on the subject but as I don't have a degree in medicine was at a loss to understand them. I found plenty of Brain Tumor Forums where I managed to scare myself stupid because I could not find any stories with a positive outcome to offer me some encouragement and believe me, I needed it. It would appear that the survivors out there must be so happy to be alive after their ordeals that they are too busy living life to put pen to paper and tell their stories.

My very happy world was hit by a thunderbolt on the 14th July when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had a brain tumor; I had it surgically removed on 19th July.

I was probably luckier than most with regard to the position of my meningioma tumor, I had a fabulous doctor with insight and I had a top rate neurosurgeon on my side. I also had the will and determination to overcome this hiccup in my life.

I have had very little sickness in my life and have never been in hospital for any reason. You have it right, I have my tonsils and my appendix and I have never broken a bone in my body or had a baby. Remarkable isn't it that I escape a hospital visit for 48 years? But, boy, when I do it, I do it big style!

After waking up one morning in Mid June, I stretched and my lower leg started to kick involuntarily at about one second intervals. Just to make sure you have the picture correct, I don't mean a kick that would score a winning goal, more of a gentle flick as if trying to get the sand out of your toes. I grabbed my leg, pulled it back to try and stop it, got up out of bed and stood on it but that didn't work either. It was a little scary - who likes to be out of control? Certainly not me!

I thought I may have trapped a nerve in my back. Why I thought that, I don't know. I have no medical training. It just seemed like a plausible explanation to me at the time. Because of this self diagnosis, I decided to put the incident on hold and see if it happened again. Well, guess what? It took a few weeks, but yes, it did happen again. Just as before and I am ashamed to say that I let it happen twice more before visiting the doctor.

The whole point of this tale is that brain tumor symptoms come in all guises depending on their position and what part of the brain they are affecting. My brain tumor was positioned on the top of my head on the right hand side and due to its growth was fighting for space and restricting the nerves on the left hand side of my body, namely my leg.

Listen to your own body because if something out of the ordinary is happening there is a reason.

I am happy to report that I came through this ordeal with flying colours feeling no pain whatsoever. I now have a very good tale to tell at parties, my scar is completely hidden and when people around me are whining about small details I can usually bring about a sense of proportion by asking them on a scale of 1-10 how it compares to brain surgery.
A meningioma is a tumor of the meninges, which are the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Malignant meningiomas are extremely rare. Most meningiomas are found to be benign, make up nearly 1 in 5 of all primary brain tumors and are more common in women than men. As with most brain tumors, the cause of a meningioma is unknown and research is being carried out into possible causes.

If you would like to read more about Lynda Carter's fascinating and uplifting story and discover how she coped with her brain tumor from diagnosis through to recuperation, you can obtain her E-book here: http://www.mybraintumour.com/


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What You Need to Know About Brain Cancer

Malignant brain tumors occur in about 4.5 people per 100,000 population, they may occur at any age but brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than age 35. In adults, incidence is generally highest between ages 40 to 60.

There are two main types of brain cancer. Primary cancers start in the brain. Metastatic cancers start somewhere else in the body and moves to the brain. The most common tumor types in adults are gliomas and meningiomas. In children, incidence is generally highest before age 1 and again between ages 2 and 12. The most common types of brain tumour in children are astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas and brain stem gliomas.

CAUSES
What causes brain carcinomas is not exactly known but there has recently been a great deal of speculation on the role of cell phone radiation in the development of cancer. In fact, while studies generally have shown no link between cell phones and brain cancer, there is some conflicting scientific evidence that may be worth additional study, according to the FDA.

More accepted risk factors include; exposure to vinyl chloride and individuals with risk factors such as having a job in an oil refinery, as a chemist, embalmer, or rubber industry worker show higher rates of brain cancer. Other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection (HIV) have been suggested but not proven to cause tumors. Patients with a history of melanoma, lung, breast, colon, or kidney cancer are at risk for secondary brain cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Onset of symptoms is usually insidious and brain tumors are often misdiagnosed. The Cancers cause central nervous system changes by invading and destroying tissues and by secondary effects such as pressure on the brain. Symptoms vary but in general, symptoms include: Abnormal pulse and breathing rates, deep, dull headaches that recur often and persist without relief for long periods of time, difficulty walking or speaking, dizziness, eyesight problems including double vision, seizures, vomiting and at the late stages of the disorder dramatic changes in blood pressure may occur. Although headaches are often a symptom, it is important to remember that most headaches are due to less serious conditions such as migraine or tension, not cancer.

DIAGNOSIS
In most cases a definitive diagnosis is made by a tissue biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include; patient history, a neurologic assessment, skull x-rays, a brain scan, CT scan, MRI, a lumbar puncture and cerebral angiography. Meningiomas, arising from the covering around the brain or spinal cord, account for about 20% of brain cancers and are generally more benign.

TREATMENT
How to treat brain tumors depends on the age of the patient, the stage of the disease, the type and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer is a primary tumor or metastases. Brain cancer are somewhat unique because of the blood brain barrier, which severely restricts the types of substances in the bloodstream that are allowed by the body into the brain and makes drug treatment extremely difficult. Because of this more and more research is being undertaken in delivering medication by means of nanoparticles, amongst the properties of nanoparticles that make them ideal candidates for recognizing and treating tumors, their ability to deliver a wide variety of payloads across the blood-brain barrier is perhaps the most important.

The cancer's location and ability to spread quickly makes treatment with surgery or radiation like fighting an enemy hiding out among minefields and caves, and explains why the term brain cancer is all too often associated with the word inoperable.

Brain cancer survival statistics for the deadliest of tumors such as gliomas have not improved significantly over the past two decades and the clinical armamentarium is, to a large extent, still dependent on surgery and radiation therapy, treatments known to leave survivors with devastating cognitive deficits. Gamma knife surgery is a radiosurgery technique used to treat people with brain cancer and other neurological disorders

The most deadly forms may be treatable with a vaccine that uses proteins. Unlike measles or mumps vaccines, which are meant to prevent disease, the vaccine turns on the patient's own immune system so it will help kill the tumor. When the vaccine is injected, it stimulates the immune system to kill off brain cancer cells and prevent the regrowth of tumors that have already been treated.

PROGNOSIS
The chances of surviving for a person with a brain tumor: Prognosis greatly depends on all of the following: type of tumor extent of the disease size and location of the tumor presence or absence of metastasis the tumor's response to therapy, age, overall health, and medical history, tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the most common form of primary brain cancer, glioblastoma, is also the most aggressive and lethal but teratomas and other germ cell tumors although they have the capacity to grow very large may have a more favorable prognosis.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He now runs health sites, including http://www.life-wave-patches.com/: http://www.healthinnovationsonline.com/


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Saturday, July 2, 2011

Brain Cancer Symptoms

Brain cancer accounts for about 1.4% of all cancer cases and about 2.4% of all cancer deaths. This may not seems like a lot but don't let the numbers fool you on the severity of brain cancer. Once the cancer turns malignant, the tumors grow aggressively and overpower the healthy cells taking up their space, blood and nutrients. This is an area of grave concern because the brain is the most important part of your body and controls everything. Whenever there is something wrong with your brain, it affects the entire body. Knowing what the brain cancer symptoms are and able to recognize these symptoms is incredibly important for our prognosis and survival from this deadly disease.

The biggest problem with brain cancer and brain tumors is that their symptoms are often nonspecific making it is very difficult to know if you have it or not, unless you are seriously looking for it. The most common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches, general weaknesses, difficulty in walking, clumsiness and seizures. Other more serious symptoms include difficulty with speech, abnormal vision, nausea, vomiting, quick emotional changes, and an altered mental state. An altered mental state can include changes in concentration, memory, intellectual capacity, attention and alertness.

Several different factors can cause these symptoms. Some of these symptoms are caused by the tumor pressing on different parts of the brain and impairing them from functioning properly. The symptoms can also be caused by the swelling of the brain, the tumor or the area around the tumor. Unfortunately, these brain cancer symptoms usually develop very slowly and gradually over time and this makes it really difficult for anyone to confirm the existence of this deadly disease. For instance, people often think that a headache is just a headache or that the dizziness felt is due to any other reasons except cancer. If these symptoms occur frequently and very rapidly, you should definitely visit your doctor to see what the problem is.

The doctors will often make you take a CT scan if they feel you have brain cancer. A CT scan is like an x-ray except in shows the brain in three-dimensions. A harmless dye is usually injected into your bloodstream to make abnormalities more visible in the CT scan. Other tests include blood tests, liver tests, urine tests and blood coagulation profiles. MRI scans are sometimes used instead of CT scans. The reason for this is because MRI has a better ability to assess the changes in a tumor.

Brain cancer is an incredibly serious form of cancer and it is important for us to know what these brain cancer symptoms are so that we can take necessary action to arrest the situation early. If you suspect you are suffering or are suffering from these symptoms, please consult your doctor early to ascertain your actual medical condition. If brain cancer is confirmed, discuss with your doctor for an appropriate course of treatment best suited for you. An early intervention increases your chances for an early recovery and a prolonged survival.

Lester Lee is the webmaster of http://www.cancer-tumor.info/, an informative website that provides the latest advice, info and updates on Brain Cancer Symptoms. Visit our site today for more helpful info on Brain Cancer Symptoms and other similar topics.


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Friday, July 1, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer

The most likely reason for asking about how to know if you have brain cancer is that the person or a loved one has experienced some symptoms that are suspected could (but hopefully not) be caused by brain cancer. There are many related questions that follow and this series is a result of research into the various aspects of the issue of brain cancer, including treatments and outcomes.

Research shows that there are areas of agreement as well as areas of disagreement amongst those that provide care and advice. Additionally, there are conflicting reports from brain cancer patients and family members of patients as to the value and effectiveness of both methods of diagnosis as well as treatment choices.

The most common symptoms are:

o headaches,
o weakness,
o nausea,
o clumsiness,
o difficulty walking,
o changes in speech,
o vision or hearing difficulties,
o twitching or seizures, and
o numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.

None of the symptoms are unique to brain cancer so they must be taken as indicators only. Also, symptom onset can be quite gradual and is often overlooked.

It is quite common for different medical organizations or practitioners to provide differing lists of the most common brain cancer symptoms. This appears, in part, to be due to the various parts of the brain that could be cancerous and thereby affecting the different parts of the body that are associated with the affected part of the brain.

The following are regarded as less common but possible symptoms:

o altered mental status,
o changes in concentration,
o impaired judgment, memory, attention, or alertness,
o gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity,
o impaired sense of smell,
o paralysis of one side of the face or body,
o drooping eyelid or crossed eyes,
o prolonged drowsiness,
o swelling,
o discontinuation of menstruation,
o excess secretion of milk in women, and
o impotence in men.

All research sources were quick to point out that symptoms are not a sure sign of cancer. When asking how to know if you have brain cancer it is important to know that other conditions could also cause these symptoms.

Addition articles in the series soon to be released include statistics, diagnostic choices, treatment choices, what questions should you ask your doctor, is it possible for a cancer patient to ever be cancer free, and patient testimonials (including miracle results).

I am a father of five and a grandfather of one. I am at an age where health issues have become relevant as cancer, Alzheimer, and a host of others have started affecting family and lifelong friends.

An important link for those interested in answers is:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]

I am educated in journalism and computers and I have extensive background as an executive in the computer and telecomm industries. I have spent a career researching and data gathering for business purposes. I now apply those same skills in a search for effective solutions to health issues affecting my loved ones.

I am sharing my discoveries.

For the most interesting information I have found about cures/treatment, go to the following:

[http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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What Causes Brain Cancer?

There is no known cause of brain cancer. Extensive research has been conducted to pinpoint a cause to help prevent the cancer from occurring. Although there has not been very much conclusive evidence leading to a cause of brain cancer, the one thing that doctors do know is that brain cancer is not contagious and it does not occur due to head injury. There are known instances where cancer has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.(Lung cancer,Breast cancer,Liver cancer and so on.)

Brain cancer can occur at any age. Studies have shown that two major age groups are affected. From ages 3 to 12 and 40 to 70 are the age groups when brain cancer is formed. Since researchers have been able to gather this data, it has led to the discovery of some risk factors. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk for brain cancer than workers in other industries. These include, rubber manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and oil refining. Since brain cancer often occurs with members of the same family, heredity is believed to be another cause of brain cancer.

There are many different kinds of cells in the brain, each with a different function. Sometimes the cells inside the brain begin to grow uncontrollably leading to a tumor. A tumor in the brain may or may not be malignant.If benign a tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and put pressure on crucial areas. In the case of a malignant brain tumor however this has the ability to spread and brain cancer occurs. Brain cancer is dangerous and life-threatening as the cancerous cells can interrupt vital brain functions. When brain cancer occurs, the cells continue to grow at a rapid pace. The cells and tissue around these cancerous cells become crowded out and invaded.

Symptoms of brain cancer include headaches that are worse in the morning, changes in personality, abnormal eye movements, and weakness in the arms and legs. Seizures, nausea, and drowsiness are other symptoms of brain cancer.

Surgery is the treatment of choice for primary brain tumors radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the treatments that are used when cancer has spread to the brain. The doctor will use one or a combination of these treatments depending on the needs of the patient.

Lloyd Perry is the founder of Infoservice.us An Online Health & Fitness Resource [http://infoservice.us]. Where you'll find all your Health Info and Resources all in One Place.


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A Detailed Overview of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer tumors may originate in the brain (primary site) or they may metastasize to the brain from another site. Prostate cancer, for example, may metastasize to the liver, the lung, the hip, and then to the brain. Metastasized brain tumors have a poor prognosis because of the already advanced state of the cancer.

The human brain anatomy is complex system responsible for many body functions. Injury that causes damage, traumatic experiences, or brain tumors can greatly alter one's life.

Cancerous tumors that form in the brain (primary) tend to stay within the brain and not branch out to other organs. Their growth can take up the space needed by the healthy brain and cause many conditions, including hearing loss and stroke. The ratio is about 50/50 regarding the occurrence of metastasized and primary brain tumors. The leading cause cancer related death in people in people younger than 35.

The most dangerous chemical in terms of causing this type of cancer is Vinyl Chloride. This is used 'all over' in plumbing, furniture, and house wares. This is presumed to be safe to use unless it is heated as in a microwave oven, which evaporates and drives the substance into the food being heated.

For this reason, always use glass or other microwave safe containers in the microwave oven. Don't burn plastic such as plastic wrapping and containers in a bon fire or fireplace. The smoke can be 'hazardous to your health'.

Typical Symptoms: Any impairment in hearing, sight, judgment, speech, cognitive skills such as reasoning or remembering, or stroke symptoms such as paralysis of one side of the body, inability to walk properly, can be symptomatic of a tumor in the brain.

The treatments are generally the same for other kinds of cancer and tumors. One innovative treatment is the use of the GLIADEL WAFER. These are packed into the space formerly occupied by the tumor and slowly release chemotherapy agents in order to destroy any cancer cells that may have not been removed. This has increased life expectancy for some kinds of brain tumors by fifty percent.

See how the antioxidants in acai berry can improve your health by drinking acai juice as a part of your diet.


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

How to Know If You Have Brain Cancer, is it Hereditary?

A number of researchers have looked at how to know if you have brain cancer as regards the factor of heredity. Is the likelihood of having or getting brain cancer higher if someone in your family has it?   One problem with trying to substantiate a genetic relationship with brain cancer is separating out the genetic connection from the fact that the persons are also in the same environment, especially if they are immediate family.  

Doctors have long agreed that the risk of getting breast, colon and prostate cancers did have a relationship to a person's family history of such cancers. A study last year by the University of Utah and Tel Aviv University looked at family histories that went back 3 to 10 generations. Researchers have concluded that there is a hereditary correlation with brain cancer and that persons with a family history of the cancer are at higher risk of getting the disease themselves. The records of 1500 people were used with information going back to the early 1800s. While there have been earlier studies that suggested there was a hereditary relationship, this study effectively eliminated the shared environment possibility as the cause. The study showed as much as a 4 times greater risk of contracting the disease if one has a family history of brain cancer.  

After considering the results of the study it makes it that much more important to tell your doctor if there is any known brain cancer in your relatives or anywhere in your family history. While a family history of cancer in no way means you have it or will get it, it can guide you and your doctor to take precautionary steps to prevent onset of the disease. As well it could result in early detection if you indeed do have it which medical experts agree is extremely valuable. Cancer treatment and cure has a much higher success rate in persons in which the cancer was detected early.

About The Author:

Daniel Lorch is engaged in research into cancer, alzheimers and other diseases with the ultimate goal of finding and disseminating the most effective treatments and cures, especially according to those who have been cured. Mr. Lorch invites you to see some amazing cure claims at [http://howtoknowifyouhavebraincancer.blogspot.com/]


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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Brain Cancer

We all know the function of brain. It is the main control center of our body that monitors/instructs everything thing in our body. Any disease that affects this central control system is really a big problem. And the worst thing to happen is brain cancer. Brain cancer is the development of brain tumors i.e. tumors in the brain. These could either be benign or malignant; the latter being the really harmful one.

Types of brain cancer

As most other types of cancer, brain cancer is also classified as primary brain cancer and secondary brain cancer. Primary brain cancer is the one that originates from the brain itself i.e. that originates in the brain cells. Secondary brain cancers is the one that doesn't originate from the brain cells but is instead passed on from another organ/ part of the body

Causes of brain cancer

As is the case with many other types of cancer, the causes of brain cancer is a big topic for researchers. However, certain genetic conditions and exposure of head to radiation (as received during radiotherapy as part of treatment of other conditions) are known to be causes of cancer. There are a number of other theories that keep coming up time and again, each suggesting different possible causes of brain tumor (one famous one is about mobile phones causing brain cancer). However, there really isn't a very convincing theory about what causes brain cancer.

Symptoms of brain cancer

Some very common symptoms of brain cancer are headaches and nausea; but these can really be caused by something else. So, headache and nausea shouldn't really be taken as brain cancer. Some other symptoms of brain cancer are related to incorrect working of some of the basic senses (that are mainly governed by brain) e.g. speech, vision and smell etc. Again, there is no point in getting worried all by yourself; you should, in any case, consult a qualified doctor and let them know clearly about the various symptoms that you have observed. The doctor can then diagnose whether it is brain cancer. You might be referred to a neurologist for further examination (if brain cancer is suspected).

Diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer

The diagnosis of brain cancer will include tests that are based on the working of the nervous system. So, testing of basic human senses like vision, speech, hearing, mental capability, reflexes is taken up for diagnosis of brain cancer. The treatment of brain cancer is done through surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy (and the combination of these).

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Brain Cancer blog for more information.


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Four Emerging Breakthroughs In Solving Brain Tumors

Despite significant advances in cancer research and treatment, one form of cancer - brain tumors - remain particularly feared, and for good reason. Because of their location, brain tumors can severely impact an individual's personality, memories and basic motor skills, robbing the patient of their very being. The impact on family and friends is felt greatly, as their loved one may be "lost" to them even earlier than feared. While there are more than 120 types of brain tumors, for the most common and serious adult tumors, Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the chances of living 5 years is less than 3%. Most patients will live no more than a year or two despite aggressive therapy.

However, few maladies manage to both simultaneously confound researchers in their mystery, yet hold such promise for the cure and management as prominently as brain tumors. There is strong belief that some significant breakthroughs in brain tumor treatment may only be 4-6 years away. Complementing traditional chemotherapeutic and surgical approaches, four emerging breakthroughs are discussed here which are rapidly transforming the treatment of brain tumors and related conditions.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy approaches involve the insertion of genes into growing brain tumors, rendering them more sensitive to some chemotherapeutic agents that are relatively non-toxic to the rest of the body. Some promising experiments have demonstrated that with insertion of genes into animal brain tumor cells and administration of chemotherapy, complete destruction of the tumor may be possible without spread of the tumor. Other approaches in gene therapy include substitution of abnormal genes for normal genes, the repair of abnormal genes via selective reverse mutation, and gene regulation (i.e., altering the instructions within a gene to "turn on or off").

Vaccines

One area showing substantial promise in brain tumor treatment is based on an immunotherapeutic approach; that is, using a patient's immune system as an instrument for cancer therapy. This approach is premised on a body's immune response toward cells bearing tumor markers or antigens. One major focus area has been "active immunotherapy", described as the administration of the tumor antigenic material to help "vaccinate" a patient against their own tumor. Other vaccine approaches, including Dendritic cell-based vaccines, Cytokine immunogene therapy, Bacterial and viral tumor vaccines, and GBM-specific molecular pathway vaccines are also being considered. The vaccine approach holds challenges that need to be evaluated against other treatment options that may require crucial patient choices, but they are continuing to emerge as an area of significant promise.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy

There is growing usage of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy among neurosurgeons. The tools, used for the non-invasive treatment of tumors and other brain, head, spine and neck conditions, use sophisticated mechanical systems and image-guided technology to treat tumors, using high, targeted doses of radiation (in a single session) to attack the tumor and minimizing contact with healthy tissue. The image guidance systems direct the radiation to the tumor; some systems shape the radiation beam to map to the exact shape of the tumor, and software can help direct the ideal access points to the tumor.

Dual Agent Drug Therapies

Some of the field's leading researchers have concluded that traditional treatment for many brain tumors has started with a faulty premise; namely, that interventions for brain tumors were simply a palliative effort designed to decrease patient discomfort and increase stabilization. The conclusion is that while these therapies have shown some success on their own, when multiple therapeutic agents are combined, (an approach more commonly used with cancers not as fatal) an increasing number of brain tumor patients are seeing increases in survival. Also, newer drugs are showing the ability to block the growth of tumors by attempting to interfere with their proteins that control tumor growth. And other, specialized treatment regimens are being formulated for patients whose tumors are shown to grow at an accelerated rate compared with typical tumors.

These are but four of the emerging approaches where we may continue to see major breakthroughs in treatment or management of brain tumors. The hope in all these courses is that ultimately, brain tumors may in some cases be curable or at least achieve status as a manageable disease, as with many other serious and chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Mike Tancredi provides services for http://www.unlockingbraintumors.org/ a non profit organization dedicated to raising and distributing funds for the continued research into brain tumors


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