How to differentiate between headaches with cancer of the brain from other cephalalgias?

Headaches in cancer of the brain are intense and frequent. They make us think about the existence of malignant neoplasms. Such pain can occur in other neurologic diseases. An accurate diagnosis can be made only after full examination and all required tests.

The causes of brain cancer has not been elucidated until now. Scientifically confirmed only that a cancerous brain tumor may be caused by radioactive irradiation. The presumable causes of malignant neoplasms are the ingestion of toxic substances and genetic predisposition. The risk of developing brain cancer increases with frequent use of cell phones and work near high-voltage power lines. Brain cancer in adults occurs infrequently, it is only 2% of all malignancies. However, this disease often affects children.

The disease is most common in men. The susceptible pre-school children and people over 65 years. A risk factor is considered and disruption of the immune system. A Malignant tumor characterized by rapid growth, which contributes to the compression of surrounding tissue or necrosis. A Benign tumor grows more slowly, but also damages brain tissue, increases intracranial pressure.

the Main signs of brain cancer

The man Head is a closed cavity. If it starts to grow inside the tumor have an increase in intracranial pressure, compression of the meninges and the brain tissue displacement. This leads to severe headaches. The tumor in the brain may be primary or may develop due to metastases in cancer of another organ. Metastases usually appear in breast cancer, lung, kidney or prostate. The only symptom of primary malignant tumors are headaches. To diagnose it can be difficult. A secondary tumor is easier to detect, while it is almost impossible to cure.

At the first appearance of headaches they can be easily removed with the help of analgesic. However, once the tumor begins to grow in the brain tissue, these drugs become ineffective. It is important to define exactly how a headache. The nature of pain can determine whether brain cancer. Headaches in this case usually occur in the morning and have a pulsating character. They become more intense after exercise.

In Addition to headaches, patients may experience blurred vision, General weakness, loss of sensation of the limbs, dizziness, fainting. Pain often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Pain in cancer may disappear after administration of corticosteroids and diuretics. They help to relieve edema and lower intracranial pressure. Swelling leads to disruption of cerebral blood flow and development of ischemia. With the defeat of the regions responsible for the operation of an organ, there may be impaired speech, seizures, gait changes.

Malignant tumours are often characterized by mental disorders. The patient loses interest in life, he develops depression, may appear hallucinations. See changes in the intellectual field: a person loses memory, disturbed thought processes. Pain in cancer are persistent and intense. If you notice such symptom should consult the doctor.

What are the methods of diagnosis and treatment exist?

When the suspicion of a malignant tumor of a patient referred to a neurologist who examined the vessels of the fundus, reflexes examines and evaluates the mental state. If these investigations confirm the suspicions, the patient is sent for MRI or CT. These methods allow to identify cancers with a high degree of accuracy. Upon detection of neoplasms in the brain of the patient is directed in oncologic dispensary, where he will undergo additional examination and further treatment.

At the present time for the treatment of such tumors used radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. During the operation the surgeon will try to completely remove the tumor and eliminate compression of the tissue. The operation is performed when a small size of the tumor, if it is known the place of its localization. If surgery is impossible, radiation therapy is used. Depending on the patient's condition, apply gamma - or proton radiation. This treatment has many side effects: nausea, vomiting, radiation burns of the skin, strengthen headaches.

Chemotherapy in a human body injected with drugs that destroy malignant cells. Drugscan be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, may be introduced into the medullary fluid and tissue bordering the tumor. The method depends on the selected drug and the health status of the patient. When administered intravenously, the tool affects the whole body, which is very important when secondary tumors. Interstitial administration of the drug is used in severe condition of the patient, it provides targeted action with minimal side effects.

In Addition to therapies aimed at the destruction of tumors, treatment includes administration of drugs supporting and strengthening the body.

Headaches are usually cropped with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in severe cases, prescribe narcotic pain medicine. The compulsory acceptance of anti-edema drugs that reduce intracranial pressure.