More Research Needed on Brain Tumors

Brain tumors have made several appearances in the mainstream media recently: Senator Ted Kennedy and the higher than expected number of brain tumors in residents of Cameron, Missouri.

Brain tumors may be malignant (harmful) or benign, meaning not life-threatening. Cancerous tumors are always malignant. Brain cancer can be primary, which means starting in the brain, or secondary (metastatic), which means the cancer has spread to the brain from another site in the body. All metastatic tumors are malignant.

Primary brain cancer consists of nine classes of primary brain tumors, each with its own behavior and risk factors. For example, meningioma, which is the second or third most common type of brain tumor, is more common in females; while glimoa is seen more in white males. While the cause of primary brain cancer is unknown, there are some risks that have been linked to brain cancer: radiation, malfunctioning immune system, and family history of rare types of cancer.

“We truly don’t know for sure what causes brain tumors,” said Ania Pollack, MD, with University of Kansas Medical Center. “It may be a combination of environment and genetics.”

Dr. Pollack noted that many studies have been done to find links between brain cancer and possible causes — including hair dye and cell phone use — but to date, no study has provided an irrefutable cause. Several studies have found no link between cell phones and cancer, and the American Cancer Society and U.S. Food and Drug Administration say there is no evidence of risk. Yet the debate and the research continue.

While primary brain tumors can be as unique as an individual, the most common symptoms of a brain tumor are:

• Headaches (usually worse in the morning)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Changes in speech, vision, or hearing

• Problems balancing or walking

• Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate

• Problems with memory

• Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

However, these symptoms are not sure signs of a brain tumor. Other conditions also could cause these problems. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Once diagnosed, treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The doctor will work with the patient to determine the best treatment option.

More information is being discovered about primary brain tumors through research; however, compared to people who have other types of cancer, there is reluctance on the part of people with brain tumors to participate in clinical research. Dr. Pollack hopes that reluctance changes. “I encourage them [brain tumor patients] to participate in clinical trials; we learn so much from these.”

For more information on brain cancer, clinical trials and treatment options, you may contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or 913-432-3277 or online at www.cancer.org or the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or online at www. cancer.gov.

If you have any questions about your personal symptoms, contact your doctor, clinic or local health care provider.