3 Types Of Brain And Spine Tumors

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November 18, 2020
Blog
  • Author : Carolyn Mohsenzadeh

Brain and spine tumors—abnormal masses in which cells uncontrollably multiply—are either primary or metastatic. The former originate in that region while the latter spread to the central nervous system from other parts of the body.

The American Brain Tumor Association reports that over 700,000 Americans are living with brain tumors today.  Age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle play a role in determining whether you’re at risk for the condition.

The symptoms of the brain and spine tumor may differ depending on its type but some of the common ones are nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches.

Here are some of the common spine and brain tumors you should know about:

 

Meningioma

This primary tumor often begins in the spinal cord or brain and affects the central nervous system. With an average of 371 people diagnosed every year, this type of cancer forms on the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain.

People over the age of 65 and those in the African-American ethnic group are at the greatest risk of developing this tumor. The most common symptoms of meningioma are seizures, headaches, confusion, visual disruption, and drowsiness.

 

Spine Tumors

Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary tumors are a relatively less-common tumor, making up between 10 percent to 15 percent of brain tumors. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland that plays a vital role in the regulation and secretions of hormones in your body.

Many of the pituitary tumors are benign, grow at a slow pace, and don’t spread beyond the skull. However, large pituitary adenomas can damage parts of the brain by pressing on it and cause headaches and distortions in vision.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

One of the most aggressive and invasive types of brain and spinal tumors, the Glioblastoma Multiforme quickly spreads to nearby tissue. The National Cancer Institute reports that an estimated 22, 850 American adults were diagnosed with GBM in a given year.

GBM presents itself with a variety of symptoms; some of them include vomiting, speech impairment, blurred vision, headaches, and changes in personality. The complex character of this type of tumor makes it difficult to treat, requiring urgent and effective therapeutic interventions.

 

Visit One Of Houston’s Leading Neurosurgeons

Removing a tumor requires precision and experience. The neurosurgical experts at Houston Neurosurgery & Spine offer a range of treatment options for brain and spinal tumors. From high-tech craniotomy to intensive neuroendoscopy, they perform complex surgeries with the utmost i and minimal trauma.

Patients recognize world-renowned and skilled neurosurgeon Dr. West, for his extensive experience and precision. Visit our neurosurgical spine center Houston if you’re experiencing severe cervical or back pain and let us create a comprehensive treatment plan based upon a thorough diagnosis.

Contact us for information and to schedule your appointment. at our neck and back pain clinic Houston.