Brain Tumor Symptoms & Signs, Causes and Screening | AMO

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Brain cancer Information
Brain cancer Information

There are primary brain cancer and metastatic brain cancer. The former arises from abnormal growth of stellate cells in the brain and the latter is more common than the former. About half of metastatic brain cancers result from nasopharyngeal cancer. Tumors that grow too large may hinder the flow of brain fluid, thereby forming hydrocephalus.

Brain cancer
Brain cancer symptoms
Brain cancer

The symptoms of brain cancer vary depending on where the tumor grows. The main symptoms are as follows, and a patient may develop one or more of these symptoms:

  • Persistent headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sudden change in vision
  • Change in the state of consciousness, such as becoming somnolent, comatose, unresponsive and irritable
  • Loss of sense of balance
  • Urination or defecation disorders
Brain cancer risk factors
Brain cancer risk factors

Causes of most brain cancers are unknown, while genetic or environmental factors may play a role. However, persons engaged in certain jobs are more likely to develop cancer, such as gas station workers, employees of pharmaceutical factories and those who handle preservatives. As for whether long-term use of mobile phones would increase the risk of brain cancer, there is no clear evidence at present.

Brain cancer
Diagnosis
  • CT scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Positron emission tomography
Treatment

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Reference
  • World Cancer Report 2014.. World Health Organization. 2014: Chapter 5.16.
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  • 蘋果日報, 持續頭痛 或腦癌先兆, https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20120927/18026064, 2012年9月27日
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  • 香港防癌會, 腦腫瘤, https://www.hkacs.org.hk/ufiles/BrainTumor.pdf