There are many different types of brain cancers, and glioblastoma makes
up about 56% of these cases in adults. When malignant cells develop in
the brain and form a tumor, it is known as a primary brain tumor. However,
other cancers, such as breast, lung, and colon cancer, can spread (metastasis)
to the brain, forming a metastatic brain tumor. Regardless of the type
of brain cancer, our multidisciplinary cancer team is highly equipped
and trained to provide quality cancer treatment. At Calaway·Young
Cancer Center in Glenwood Springs, CO, we believe you are more than a
cancer patient and work fervently to do all we can to help you beat cancer.
Types of Brain Cancer
There are many different types of brain cancer, and each is classified
based on the type of cells where the tumor begins. Primary brain tumors
originate in the brain, while metastatic brain tumors develop when cancer
spreads to the brain from another part of the body. Glioblastoma is the
most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults, but other types of
brain tumors include:
Astrocytomas
Oligodendrogliomas
Ependymomas
Because each type of brain cancer behaves differently, your treatment plan
will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, the location of the tumor,
and your overall health.
What Causes Brain Cancer?
Primary brain tumors develop in the brain while metastatic brain tumors
develop elsewhere in the body. In most cases of primary brain tumors,
the cause of the tumor is unclear. We know it begins from a mass of mutated
cells that divide and grow in the brain. With metastatic brain tumors,
the process is the same, but the original site of the cancer is located
in another area of the body, like the breasts or lungs. Common factors
that may increase an individual’s risk of brain cancer include exposure
to radiation and having a family history of brain cancer. Most brain cancer
cases occur in men and women over the age of 60, but this type of cancer
occurs in younger patients as well.
Symptoms of Brain Cancer
Signs and symptoms will vary greatly based on the size, location, and growth
rate of the brain tumor. Common symptoms include:
Chronic or severe headaches
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Vision problem
Seizures
Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Difficulty with talking, hearing, or balance
Personality or behavioral changes
Brain Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment options will be based on the size, type, stage, and location
of the brain tumor. At Calaway•Young Cancer Center, we offer radiation
(Optune® cap), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and scalp cooling. In
some cases, surgical removal of a brain tumor may be an option. Our cancer
team utilizes a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment building
of each patient and will take our time to educate you on all of your options.
Compassionate Patient Care
You are more than your disease and at Calaway•Young Cancer Center,
we help moms, dads, wives, husbands, brothers, and sisters to overcome
their fight with brain cancer. If you have been referred to our practice
or are searching for a seasoned oncologist, call our office today. At
Calaway•Young Cancer Center, our goal is to provide the utmost patient
care within a compassionate and caring environment.
Call us today at
(970) 384-7570 to learn more about our brain cancer treatment options
