Brain Cancer (Neurological Cancers)

Brain cancer and brain tumor are used interchangeably, but not all brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Malignant brain tumors grow aggressively, overpowering healthy cells and destroying nearby brain tissues. Cancer that begins in the brain (primary brain cancer) is far less common than cancers that begin in other parts of the body. While cancer that starts in the lungs, breast, kidneys or other parts of the body may spread to the brain, primary brain cancer is less likely to spread outside the brain. Although the exact cause of this neurological disease is unknown, your risk increases if you smoke cigarettes, have been exposed to radiation to the head, or have been exposed to certain chemicals. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment for brain and other neurological cancers with expert advice from Sharecare.

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QHow is intensity module radiation therapy (IMRT) delivered in brain cancer?

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A Dr. Tania B. Kaprealian, MD , Radiation Oncology, answered on behalf of UCLA Health

Intensity module radiation therapy (IMRT) can be delivered multiple ways to treat a brain tumor. For example, 7-field IMRT has the beam come from seven different angles. Each beam can be weighted differently. There is also arc therapy, which uses partial or complete arcs to deliver the radiation to the tumor. Tomotherapy delivers the dose in 360 degrees around the target.

To pick the best plan, doctors observe how well the dose they want hugs the tumor, and how little of a scatter dose there is in areas outside the tumor.
QWhat are risk factors for brain cancer?

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A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
The following are some risk factors for brain cancer:

You're Over 50 Years Old: Brain cancer occurs most frequently between the ages of 55 and 65. If you fall within this age range, be aware if you experience symptoms tied to brain tumors.

Three or More Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) Scans to Head/Neck Area: In general, a CAT scan releases ionizing radiation, which can be damaging. What's more, data suggests that one-third of all CAT scans carried out in the United States are unnecessary. The research linking three or more CAT scans of the head or neck area to brain cancer was found in people who had a family history of this disease. Be a smart patient if you are in a situation where a CAT scan is recommended and discuss alternative tests, such as an MRI.

Heavy Cell-Phone Use: The link between heavy cell-phone use and brain cancer is a highly debated issue. However, bear in mind that cell-phone use is still in its early stages, and the data on its dangers is currently inconclusive. However, it's still wise to follow precautionary measures.

This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
QWhat is a meningioma?

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A Medical City Dallas answered

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the covering of the brain. Meningiomas can occur anywhere along the covering of the brain. The risk at which a meningioma places a patient is highly dependent on where it is located. Between 80 and 85 percent of meningiomas are benign. Approximately 10 percent of them are atypical, meaning they have a higher chance of recurring despite complete surgical resection. The remaining 5 percent of meningiomas are called malignant meningiomas and can be quite aggressive.

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