Hi,

After the devastating news of Senator Ted Kennedy’s brain tumor, we need to turn our attention to the reality that this could happen to any one of us at any given time. Are there precautions we can take? Let’s take a look at facts about malignant brain tumors, symptoms and courses of treatment that are available.

Prevention in regard to our safety and health is always our first priority. Although there is no known single cause of malignant brain tumors, there are recommended symptoms that if noted, can contribute to catching the cancer in its early stages; thus encouraging greater chance of survival and/or less permanent neurological damage. Let’s first look at some facts about brain tumors.

Brain tumors account for 1 percent of all cancers in the United States. This equates to approximately 13,000 cases per year, causing 2.5 percent of all cancer related deaths. Brain tumors themselves are cancers that arise in the brain rather than spreading to the brain from other parts of the body. Normally brain tumors are found in children. There has been a steady increase among individuals between the ages of 50 and 55, but the vast majority of brain tumors are again, most common in children. As you can see, brain tumors are not a high cancer risk. There incidence is low, but unfortunately, they are among the most difficult to treat with the greatest risk of highly damaging effects on the individual’s quality of life.

As already mentioned, there is no discernable cause for brain tumors; however there are symptoms of brain tumors. Let’s take a look at these symptoms.
• Headache - A persistent, worsening headache, particularly in the nighttime and morning hours
• Vomiting - This may or may not be associated with nausea
• Seizures - An adult who has no history of seizures and yet experiences one is at a high suggestion of a brain tumor. This was the case for Senator Kennedy.
• Change in mental ability or personality - The family or close friends usually notice this more than the individual
• Lethargy
• Body Effects -
1. Weakness of various parts of the body, especially an arm or a leg
2. Difficulties in coordination or balance
3. Impairment of memory
4. Various vision defects
5. Speech problems
6. Changes in sensations

Note: Each of these symptoms is indicative and helpful for doctors in regard to where the tumor maybe located in the brain.

What courses of treatment are available? First, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to see your doctor immediately. Catching cancer in its earliest stages possible provides the greatest opportunity of recovery at its highest possible point.

The courses of treatment for a brain tumor depend on the site and type of tumor as well as the condition of the patient. Surgery is the principal treatment for the most common brain tumors, particularly if caught early. Additionally, there are drugs available to decrease brain swelling which in turn will help in removing significant amounts of the tumor while being a relatively safe course of treatment.

If surgery is not an option due to the site and/or stage that the tumor is in, then radiation and chemotherapy, as in Senator Kennedy’s case, are the suggested courses of treatment. Further, if surgery is performed but the entire tumor is not able to be removed, then radiation and chemotherapy may be advised.

Clearly the diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor is a devastating finding. Make sure if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that you make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. As always, we are wishing and supporting your safety and health.

Safe living,
Yovette Mumford