Brain Cancer

Also known as Central Nervous System Cancer, can be grouped into two main types: benign tumors or malignant (cancerous) tumors. Tumors can be of primary type which start in brain tissue, or secondary meaning that they have spread from somewhere else in the body. Symptoms depend upon what part of the brain the tumor is in and may include headache, vision problems, seizures, nausea & vomiting, or mental status changes. Diagnosis is made using imaging with a CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), then often followed by a surgical biopsy.

There is no standard staging system for primary type brain tumors. Brain tumors are assigned a "Grade" based upon the way the cancer cells look under a microscope. Grades include: I, II, III, and IV. Brain cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of all these. Grading systems are used by doctors to determine which treatments to offer. The effectiveness of the treatment may depend upon the Grade at diagnosis.

NOTE: Treatment Options listed below are not all-inclusive. Other treatments may be available. ChemoExperts provides drug information and does not recommend any one treatment over another. Only your Doctor can choose which therapy is appropriate for you.