Brain CancerAdult brain tumor is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells begin to grow in the tissues of the brain. Your brain controls memory and learning, senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch), and emotion. It also controls other parts of the body, including muscles, organs, and blood vessels. This PDQ statement covers tumors that start in the brain (primary brain tumors). Often cancer found in the brain has started somewhere else in the body and has spread (metastasized) to the brain. This is called brain metastasis (see the PDQ patient information statement on brain metastasis). Like most cancer, adult brain tumor is best treated when it is found (diagnosed) early. You should see your doctor if you have headaches often, vomiting, or difficulty walking or speaking. If you have symptoms, your doctor may order a computed tomographic scan, a special x-ray that uses a computer to make a picture of your brain. A magnetic resonance imaging scan, which uses magnetic waves to make a picture of your brain, may also be done. Often surgery is required to determine if you have a brain tumor and to see what type of tumor you have. Your chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on your general state of health and the type of brain tumor you have. Main Sturctures and Functions of the Brain The main parts of the brain are: - the cerebrum (the forebrain) made up of the right and left cerebral hemispheres
- the cerebellum (the hindbrain)
- the brain stem.
Cerebrum -- (the white area on the diagram). This is the largest area of the brain and is concerned with all higher mental functions, such as thinking and memory. It is made up of two halves or hemispheres. The right cerebral hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left cerebral hemisphere controls the right side of the body.
Each cerebral hemisphere is divided into four areas, known as lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. Each lobe controls a different range of activities (see the diagram). Cerebellum -- This is the back part of the brain and is concerned with balance and co-ordination. These activities are carried out automatically (subconsciously) by this area of the brain and are not under a person's control. Brain stem -- The brain stem controls the basic functions essential to maintaining life, including blood pressure, breathing, heart beat and also eye movements and swallowing. It is the bottom part of the brain and connects the cerebral hemispheres to the spinal cord. |
Lung Cancer