What is brain tumor?

It is when there is a development of abnormal cells in the brain tissue that form a lump or growth, whether benign or malignant.

When it originates in the brain, we speak of a primary tumor, while if its origin is metastatic, that is, it began in other areas of the body and spread to the brain, it is a secondary tumor.

In the case of cancerous tumors, the growth rate is accelerated, while those of a benign nature usually develop slowly, although the degree of neurological involvement depends on the type of tumor, its volume, and its location.

Contrary to what happens with infants, in adults, primary tumors are less common than secondary ones.

According to the type of cells where they originate, primary brain tumors are classified mainly into:

• Schwannomas: they are benign and affect the nerves responsible for hearing and balance abilities.
• Adenomas: located in the pituitary gland, causing hormonal effects.
• Gliomas: originate in brain tissue or spinal cord.
• Meningiomas: they are benign and appear in the meninges.
• Medulloblastomas: are cancerous and spread through the cerebrospinal fluid.

Secondary brain tumors can appear due to any type of cancer originating in any area of the body, but the oncological conditions that most frequently generate them are those that affect:

• Kidneys.
• Lungs.
• Skin.
• Breasts.
• Colon.

Although each tumor is different and its symptoms are variable, the most frequent symptoms are:

• Headaches that become more intense and frequent.
• Mental confusion.
• Indecision.
• Changes in personality and behavior.
• Seizures.
• Decreased hearing ability.
• Nausea.
• Balance problems.
• Vomit.
• Unfocused, double vision, or limited visual field.
• Movement problems and numbness in the upper or lower extremities.
• Poor articulation of spoken language.
• Exhaustion.

Once your symptoms and clinical history are analyzed, the neurologist will perform a physical examination and will request blood and urine tests, MRI, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and biopsy, and will perform a neurological examination to identify your degree of brain involvement.

The treatment plan will be established based on the type, location, and size of the tumor, with the most frequent therapies being chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery and radiosurgery, as well as targeted drugs.

At the Neurological Center, a select group of highly trained and certified doctors in the various neurological specialties are ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Spine surgery
• Pediatric neurosurgery
• Neurophysiology
• Neuro-rehabilitation
• Neuro-pathology
• Interventional neuro-radiology
• Neuropsychology
• Neuro-oncology
• Neuro-otology
• Epilepsy
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Neuroimaging

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory