Neurological Cancer

What is neurological cancer?

The neurological oncology branch focuses on identifying and treating tumours that affect the brain and nervous system. This can include tumours that damage the nerves outside the central nervous system and those that impact the brain and spinal cord.

What causes neurological cancer?

In many cases, the exact cause of the cancer is unknown. However, some known risk factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing neurological cancer include the following:

  • List ImageAge As people age, their risk of acquiring brain tumours rises.
  • List ImageChemical exposure Brain tumour risk may be increased by prolonged exposure to several substances, such as pesticides and solvents.
  • List ImageRadiation exposure Brain tumour risk can be raised by prolonged exposure to high ionising radiation, such as that employed in radiation therapy or medical imaging procedures.
  • List ImageFamily history Some brain tumours have been connected to inherited genetic abnormalities.
  • List ImageInfections Human papillomavirus (HPV) and other viruses and bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of developing brain tumour

Types of neurological cancers

Different neurological cancers can be broadly categorised as brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve tumours. Some common types of neurological cancers include:

  • List ImageBrain tumours Gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumours, and acoustic neuromas are common brain tumour
  • List ImageCranial and spinal nerve tumours Neurofibromas and schwannomas can develop in the cranial and spinal nerves.
  • List ImagePaediatric brain tumours Some common paediatric brain tumours include medulloblastomas, pilocytic astrocytoma, and brainstem gliomas.
  • List ImagePeripheral nerve tumours Some peripheral nerve tumours include schwannomas and neurofibromas.
  • List ImageSpinal cord tumours Spinal cord tumours can include ependymomas and astrocytomas.

It is crucial to remember that not all tumours fall neatly into these categories; these are just a few brain cancers. This list is not all-inclusive because new subtypes of neurological tumours are continually being discovered and described.

Neurological cancer symptoms

Some common symptoms of neurological cancer may include the following:

  • Changes in mood or cognition Changes in cognition or mood may result from brain tumours, including memory, focus, or decision-making issues.
  • Changes in vision or hearing Changes in vision or hearing may result from brain tumours, particularly in the regions of the brain that regulate these senses.
  • Headaches A headache that does not go away, gets worse or is chronic may be a sign of brain cancer.
  • Nausea and vomiting Brain tumours may cause these symptoms, mainly if they are located close to the brain regions in charge of these tasks.
  • Seizures Seizures can be brought on by brain tumours, particularly in the regions of the brain that regulate movement and sensation.
  • Weakness or numbness in the limbs A malignancy in the spinal cord may cause limb paralysis or numbness, depending on where it is located.
These are just some of the numerous signs and symptoms that neurological cancer can have; the clear signs and symptoms will vary depending on the kind and location of the tumour. It is crucial to consult with Dr Motilall if you are worried about neurological cancer since she can provide you with a comprehensive list of signs and details on the particular type that may worry you.

Neurological cancer treatments

Some common treatments for neurological cancer include:
  • Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses medication to eradicate cancer This therapy may be administered alone or with other therapies like radiation or surgery.
  • Clinical trials Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate novel treatments or therapy fusions on human subjects. Being a part of a clinical trial can provide you access to innovative treatments that are not yet commonly used.
  • Radiation therapy Radiation therapy can reduce or remove the tumour and alleviate signs and symptoms, including pain or neurological impairments.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery In stereotactic radiosurgery, precision radiation beams are used to target the tumour.
  • Surgery Surgical removal of the tumour can be an option, depending on its location and size. Surgery may aid in symptom relief and stop the growth of the tumour.
  • Targeted therapy Drugs used in targeted therapy target genes or proteins found in certain brain tumour These medications can be taken independently or alongside other forms of therapy.