Brain tumor: symptoms at an early stage. The first signs of a brain tumor

What are the symptoms of the onset of oncological disease? Much has been said about this. But, unfortunately, the percentage of people living with this terrible disease is high. And often people do not live long. After all, in most cases, cancer is diagnosed in the last stages.

Despite the fact that of all cases of oncology the brain tumor is quite rare, the symptoms at an early stage described in the article may force someone to seriously think about and visit a doctor ...

Just remember that all the signs that will be discussed can characterize a completely different ailment. Therefore, do not take out the verdict yourself! In fact even doctors on the basis of only one symptomatology never diagnose.

Types of tumors

These phenomena are quite rare. Among all types of tumors, they are only 1.5%. But, unfortunately, they carry a great danger in themselves, because they are hard enough to treat. The brain tumor is quite unattractive. However, it is worth remembering that not every one of them carries a mortal threat.

All tumors are divided into the following types:

• Benign. In such tumors, there are no malignant cells. They are easily removed surgically. As a rule, such a tumor can not arise. Its boundaries are strictly marked. In neighboring tissues, tumor cells do not penetrate. However, even a benign tumor can cause a number of negative consequences. Depending on the location of the localization, it affects one or another sensitive region of the brain. As a result, there is an increase in intracranial pressure.
• Malignant. Such tumors are very dangerous for life. They tend to rapidly proliferate and penetrate into neighboring tissues. Consider the photo below. The tumor of the brain affects all tissues on its way. Sometimes the malignant cells are separated. They can move to any other tissues - unaffected areas of the brain, with both the head and spinal cord. In some cases, an encapsulated tumor is observed. Metastases of the above-mentioned species do not affect healthy tissues. The tumor is strictly limited to either the skull bones or other structures.

Causes of the problem

Oncological pathology of the brain is the result of abnormal cell division. Why do they, once completely healthy, begin to behave in this way? This question is asked not only by the sick, but also by doctors, and scientists are trying to find the answer. However, until today, the causes of brain tumors have been little studied. This issue raises a lot of disputes among specialists.

Only a few factors that can cause a brain tumor are clearly indicated. The reasons are as follows:

• Genetic heredity. People who have close relatives of cancer of the brain, are at risk for this disease. However, scientists have no direct proof of this. Therefore, the issue of the transfer of oncology "inherited" remains open. However, quite often there are cases when neoplasms arise precisely in those patients who have already had this ailment in family history.
• Radioactive irradiation. Workers whose work is connected with the nuclear industry, harmful production, are exposed to great danger. Employees of scientific laboratories in which work with radioactive substances, patients who underwent radiation therapy, complement the risk group.
• Chemical industry. Exposure to mercury, lead, vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile on the body can have quite severe consequences. With these components work, as a rule, in the manufacture of synthetics, textiles, plastics.
• Injuries. Sometimes the causes of a brain tumor result from any intracranial lesions, bruises, even those obtained in early childhood.
• Bad habits. Alcohol abuse, excessive smoking can lead to cell mutations. Often this results in their degeneration into malignant ones.
• Pathologies in the body. Immunodeficiency virus, chemotherapy, organ transplant sometimes provoke the formation of tumors. The long-term use of antibiotics is unsafe.

Does the mobile phone affect the brain tumor? The reasons may also lie in the use of this means of communication. The above factor has not been fully studied by specialists.

The stages of the disease

There are 4 degrees that characterize the course of a disease, such as a brain tumor. Stages can change very quickly. There are cases when even identifying them was not possible.

Let us consider in more detail the severity of the disease:

- 1 stage . The initial stage is characterized by a slow development of the neoplasm. Cells affected by the disease, a small amount. At this stage, the tumor is subject to surgery. The outcome of the operation is usually favorable.

However, the signs of a brain tumor at this stage are very weakly expressed. Patients may experience weakness, dizziness, and pain. It is unlikely that someone connects these symptoms, characteristic of many diseases, with oncology. Therefore, most of the people do not undergo a complete diagnosis of the organism. But only she is able to determine the development of the disease.

- Stage 2. The tumor begins to slowly cover the adjacent tissue. Despite this, surgical intervention is still allowed. The patient who goes to surgery has a great chance to be cured.

If you consider signs of a brain tumor, then the above adds nausea, it is possible vomiting. These phenomena are completely unrelated to the process of eating. The gag reflex is caused by a change in intracranial pressure. The patient may experience epileptic seizures, convulsions.

It is worth emphasizing once again: if there is a brain tumor, the stages described above (1 and 2) are operable. With them, the chance to get rid of the disease is simply enormous.

- Stage 3 . The disease is progressing. The illness is a threat to the life of the patient. Malignant cells are rapidly introduced into tissues. Often this stage is classified by doctors as an inoperable brain tumor. Treatment is symptomatically different medicines.

- Stage 4 . The most dangerous degree of oncology. The outlook is unfavorable. A rapidly expanding tumor affects almost the entire brain. The patient "melts" right before our eyes.

However, there are cases of successful surgical intervention. For example, if the neoplasm is located in the temporal region. Further radiation and chemotherapy can stop the process of dividing malignant cells. But often this degree is characterized by an irreversible process. Any treatment can only slow the course of the disease.

Symptoms of early stage

According to the accepted medical classification, brain cancer is divided into two types:

• Primary. It is formed directly in the brain tissues.
• Secondary. Occurs as a result of metastatic lesion.

Regardless of the location and type, the first signs of a brain tumor appear quite identically. Of course, it can not be ruled out that all the symptoms described below refer to a completely different ailment. But you can be sure of this only by visiting a doctor. Develop all your doubts, exclude a terrible diagnosis - "brain tumor".

Symptoms at an early stage:

- Headache. It is this feature that comes to light at an early stage almost always. The intensity and variety of this symptom depends on the location of the tumor.

However, we can determine some regularities:

• Pulsating pain in the head.
• Severe discomfort after sleep. Headache passes after several hours. Sometimes unpleasant feelings can accompany vomiting and confusion.
• Headache, which connects double vision in the eyes. Muscular weakness is noted, sometimes a tactile sensitivity failure.
• A painful sensation, greatly enhanced by the change in body posture, physical exertion and even coughing.

Do not rush to make a verdict. Although headaches are classified as early symptoms of a brain tumor, statistics state that only 1% of patients with such signs showed intracranial neoplasm. Only a competent doctor on the basis of diagnosis can make the correct diagnosis.

In the case of pain as a result of a tumor in the brain, their constancy is noted. As a rule, drugs in the fight against such a problem are powerless. Most of the discomfort can be observed in the morning.

- Dizziness . Quite a typical symptom. It does not depend on the body posture. Dizziness occurs as a result of increased intracranial pressure. If the tumor is in the region of the cerebellum, then it can exert pressure on the center of the vestibular apparatus. This is another reason for dizziness.

- Rapid weight loss. The human body is designed in such a way that a slight weight loss is quite possible. Especially often this is observed in a hot period. However, a sharp weight loss should alert you. This phenomenon can talk about the development of oncology. Tumor, synthesizing biological substances, seriously violates metabolic processes. As a result, the patient quickly loses weight.

It is important to understand that this is not just a brain tumor. Symptoms at an early stage of malignant formation in any organ include rapid weight loss.

- Increase in temperature. One of the most common symptoms of ailment. Rising to extremely high marks, it can last a long period without falling. This sign characterizes the functioning of the immune system. Oppressed by cancer cells, she tries to resist the formidable enemy with her last strength.

- Weakness. The patient begins to get tired quickly enough. He is haunted by a sense of weakness. This sign indicates the allocation of blood products of the life of the tumor. The body experiences intoxication. Often this symptom is accompanied by vomiting. The patient has anemia due to tumor tumor of blood vessels. This also leads to a decline in strength.

- Vomiting. The tumor of the brain can be manifested by nausea. As a rule, in the early stages it occurs in the morning, before eating. Vomiting can occur quite unexpectedly, even with a change in the position of the head.

Later, with the progression of the disease, there are other, more characteristic signs of the brain tumor in adults. This is a deterioration of sight, smell, hearing. Even mental disorders are possible.

Tumors in children

Virtually 16% of all malignant tumors detected in toddlers fall on brain cancer. Most often in children there are medulloblastomas. They rarely give metastases. Their symptoms are mainly due to the pressure of the neoplasm.

Tumors of the brain in young children are manifested by an increase in the circumference of the head, tension and swelling of the fontanel. Distinctions of cranial sutures are noticeable. On the surface of the head of the newborn can appear a venous net. Older children sometimes do not show increased intracranial pressure as a result of divergent seams of the skull.

The symptomatology of a brain tumor in children is almost the same as in adults. However, the kid is not able to complain of a headache, if it is a child. As a rule, the problem is determined by the child's behavior. The kid periodically becomes restless, screams shrilly. As a rule, children rub their face or head, constantly pulling their hands to it.

Characteristic may be and morning vomiting. At the initial stage, this phenomenon is repeated at least 1-2 times throughout the week.

A common symptom is a change in the fundus. Visually, one can observe small swelling or hemorrhage in the retina. This is fraught with impaired vision, can often lead to blindness.

Cramps are rare. Their presence suggests a tumor of large size. Other signs are associated with the localization of the disease.

All of the above symptoms make it possible to suspect a brain tumor. And, despite the fact that the diagnosis of this problem is quite complicated, revealing a malaise at an early stage will give the baby a chance for a full recovery.

Detection of the disease

Even the most distant and weakly expressed signs, somewhat reminiscent of those described above, should be the most serious reason to consult a doctor immediately for a detailed examination. Modern methods of diagnosis include many activities.

The most effective ways to identify ailment are:

• MRI - magnetic resonance imaging;
• MEG - magnetoencephalography;
• CT - computed tomography;
• angiography;
• OFERT - single photon emission computed tomography;
• Lumbar (spinal) puncture;
• PET, or positron emission tomography;
• biopsy.

After the diagnosis, the patient's further fate is decided. We are talking about a possible hospitalization for further examination of the disease. As a rule, this happens already in the oncology center. The main goal of further examination is to choose the right methods of treatment.

Methods of fighting the disease

Elimination of any malignant education includes three main areas: chemotherapy, radiation and surgical intervention. The fight against this disease has its own peculiarities. Chemotherapy is ineffective if there is a diagnosis such as a brain tumor. The treatment is mainly based on the surgical removal of the neoplasm.

However, not all tumors can be completely removed. Much depends on their location. Sometimes the neoplasm can be placed in vital structures. Complete disposal of these tumors will damage the brain. In this case, only the permissible part is removed, and the remainder is destroyed by irradiation or chemotherapy.

An alternative to surgical intervention are new technologies - cyberknife, gamma knife. Such methods allow a high dose of radiation to overcome a brain tumor. Treatment is so effective that it is often used in the early stages as the main method of struggle.

Today's medicine develops and implements new methods of surgical intervention. This is ultrasonic and laser technology. The main goal of the development is to minimize injuries.

Radiation therapy is prescribed one week after surgery. The course is completely dependent on the size of the malignant formation. It varies from seven days to twenty-one.

There is another way to combat the disease. This is cryosurgery. This method makes it possible to freeze the brain tumor. Treatment is considered to be quite effective. To freeze cancer cells, liquid nitrogen is used at low temperatures.

Forecast and consequences

Timely adequate diagnosis is a chance to successfully cure brain cancer. Treatment carried out in the above three directions guarantees an excellent prognosis. The statistics are as follows: the five-year survival rate of patients diagnosed with cancer in the initial stages is 60 to 80%.

A sad picture is if the brain tumor is diagnosed late. The consequences can be irreversible. The impossibility of surgical treatment leads to disappointing statistics. The survival rate of such patients over a five-year period is only 30-40%. Of course, in the first place, this depends on the size of the neoplasm.

What should I do to sleep peacefully?

If you notice at least one of the anxiety symptoms, be sure to go to the doctor. Initially, visit the therapist. Carefully collected tests will make it possible to diagnose or congratulate you with good health.

If it is impossible to start the survey, start small - give blood biochemistry. Indirect signs of a possible danger will be seen by an oculist, examining the fundus.

If necessary, you will be advised to undergo more thorough diagnosis. However, it is possible that all your fears are in vain.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, quite often the tumor of the brain is found at the last stages. Symptoms at an early stage - headache and fatigue - are not accepted by people for serious signs of an insidious illness. In most cases, unfortunately, it does. However, it is always important to listen to the signals given by your body. Sometimes the headache is the first bell, warning of the development of malignant formation, localized in the brain.