Brain tumour (Glioma of the Brain)

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What is Brain tumour?

Brain tumour may be of theGlioma type and usually arise from the glial cells which support the nerve cells.

The brain is the control centre for the body. It is comprised of millions of individual nerve cells which are all interconnected. It is located at the top of the spinal cord and is encased in hard bone. Individual nerves emerge from the brain to work the muscles and organs contained within the head. These are called cranial nerves.

The brain itself is divided into 2 sides and each side contains a number of lobes. The frontal lobes control some functions such as memory and learned behaviour, together with some speech functions.The parietal and temporal lobes contain the control centre for movement and sensation on the opposite side of the body. The occipital, located at the back interprets visual signals from the eyes and is therefore responsible for sight. Located underneath the occipital lobes is the cerebellum which controls balance and coordination on the same side of the body.

The brain stem is responsible for automatic functions such as breathing.

Who gets Brain tumour?

This type of brain tumour is a malignancy and occurs in childhood or late adulthood, with sex incidence being more common in males.

Geographically, the brain tumour is found worldwide.

Predisposing Factors

Exposure to radiation increases the risk of this brain tumour. There is no conclusive evidence that mobile phones increase the risk as yet. If a first degree relative has a brain cancer tumour the risk is increased.

Progression

This type of brain tumour spreads by direct local invasion of the surrounding brain tissue. Aggressive tumours may spread by small seedlings floating around the cerebro-spinal fluid and lodging in other parts of the brain.

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