A brain tumor is a mass of tissue formed by cells that multiply
without restraint and don’t follow the control mechanisms
of normal cells. The reference to the tumors as “benign”
refers to their appearance under a microscope. But in effect,
even tumors thought to be benign may cause neurological injury
or death because of their expansion and the resulting compression
of the brain inside the skull.
Specific types of benign tumors include:
Symptoms of benign brain tumors vary, depending upon type of tumor,
its location, and how it grows. Although not exclusive, the following
are some symptoms caused by benign brain tumors:
- Headache
- Loss of vision
- Double vision
- Facial numbness
- Loss of hearing
- Balance problems
- Seizures and convulsions
- Abnormal sense of smell
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Lapses in attention
Many of the symptoms of benign brain tumors
are also signs of other diseases.
The usual methods of treating benign brain tumors include traditional
invasive open brain surgery (craniotomy) and traditional radiation
therapy, or the new forms of non-invasive treatment such as stereotactic
radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, linear accelerator, or proton bean
generator). Chemotherapy is generally not employed in treating
benign brain tumors. However, in certain instances of unusually
rapid growth or malignant meningiomas, some forms of drug treatment
may be helpful.
In some cases, either radiosurgery or traditional radiation therapy
may follow an operation that is not able to completely remove
a benign tumor. Steroids, used in conjunction with other treatments,
may be helpful to patients who develop swelling of the brain following
open surgery, radiosurgery, radiotherapy, or from the tumor itself.
Decisions about treatment are based on the patient’s age,
the location and size of the tumor, and the patient’s general
overall medical condition. Your physician will discuss the appropriate
treatments and possible side effects with you.
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