http://braintumorsite.com Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:55:19 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Accurate statistics for the frequency and outcome of brain tumors are not available. It is estimated that in the United States in 1990, there were 20,500 new cases of primary brain tumor . New cases of metastatic brain tumor diagnosed in 1990 were estimated to be at least 20,700. The combined ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/statistics/ Brain tumors can be benign or malignant:       Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells:        Usually, benign tumors can be removed, and they seldom grow back.        The border or edge of a benign brain tumor can be clearly seen. Cells from benign tumors do not invade tissues around them or ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/benign-and-malignant-brain-tumors/ Treatment of primary brain tumors and brain metastases consists of both symptomatic and palliative therapies. Symptomatic therapy Supportive treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the patient’s neurologic function. The primary supportive agents are anticonvulsants and corticosteroids. Anticonvulsants are administered to the ~25% of patients who have a seizure. Prospective studies have failed ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/treatment-for-glioblastoma/ Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), also known as grade 4 astrocytoma, is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 52% of all primary brain tumor cases and 20% of all intracranial tumors. Despite being the most prevalent form of primary brain tumor, GBM's occur at only 2-3 ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/glioblastoma-and-its-causes/ Gamma Knife Gamma Knife surgery represents one of the most advanced means available to manage brain tumors; arteriovenous malformations and pain or movement disorders. The procedure is unique because, with the Gamma Knife, no surgical incision is performed to expose the target. The Gamma Knife can destroy deep-seated blood vessel malformations in ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/surgical-instruments-for-brain-tumors/ Sometimes physicians describe their operations in terms that are very foreign to the patient. The following is a primer for patients and their families in neurosurgical procedures which will help them better understand the surgical options for brain tumors. Craniotomy This means to make a trap-door in their skull to expose its ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/stereotactic-surgical-procedures-for-brain-tumors/ For patients undergoing brain tumor surgery, it is important to perform certain medical tests beforehand to provide the safest possible surgery. All patients should be in generally stable medical condition.   Patients over the age of 40 should have an EKG and chest x-ray, as well as several other tests to ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/different-types-of-surgery-for-brain-tumors/ A diagnosis of a brain tumor is a big thing to deal with alone. Sometimes, talking to someone who has "been there" can help. These are suggestions from kids who have a brain tumor, and their brothers and sisters. They were sent to us by our friends at the Brain ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/coping-tips-for-brain-tumor-in-children/ Symptoms of brain and spinal cord tumors generally develop slowly and worsen over time unless they are treated. The tumor may be classified as benign or malignant and given a numbered score that reflects how malignant it is. This score can help doctors determine how to treat the tumor and ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/prognosis-and-research/ Technology is evolving and helping to make the treatment of brain tumors more precise. Stereotactic localization. This technique utilizes a MRI scan to map a tumor's exact location within the brain. Techniques using lasers and ultrasound also make removal of the tumor more precise, reducing the risk that cancer cells will ... http://braintumorsite.com/2007/07/20/rising-treatments-for-brain-tumors/