Brain cancer and the central nervous system – C70 – C72

Primary brain tumors (pituitary cancer, medulloblastomas, astrocytomas, meningiomas) not developed as metastasising tumors from other body parts represent about 2% of all malignant cancers. Brain cancer is primarily diagnosed in men, most often in children below 5 and adults above 60. Brain tumors are the second most common type of cancer in children; they are relatively rare in adults. The prognosis differs depending on tumor types.

About the disease

Due to its vital function the brain is protected by a bony cover – skull, and a so called blood-brain barrier formed by cells preventing penetration of adverse substances into the brain. Therefore, tumors of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are a special type, very different from other cancers. Similarly to other cancer types even brain tumors are benign or malignant, but both can inflict death as a result of compression to surrounding tissues and vital control centres. Over 50% are called gliomas – supporting nerve cell tumors.

Causes

The exact cause of the disease remains under investigations. The external environment may contribute to its development – radiation, chemical substances or viruses. About 5% of tumors occurring mainly in children are genetically-related.

Signs and symptoms

Due to the limited skull space, brain tumors compress healthy tissues causing a wide range of signs and symptoms depending on their location; they can even be life-threatening. Brain tumors may manifest as certain dysfunctions, commonly as epilepsy or intracranial hypertension (vomiting, severe headache, double-vision, drowsiness or even unconsciousness). Each person’s signs and symptoms are unique. The treatment is very complicated; a surgical intervention is only possible in some tumor sites and the use of chemotherapy is meaningless as the blood-brain barrier prevents penetration of cytostatic agents or other medications into the brain, so radiotherapy is often a choice of preference. Symptoms mentioned above should not be ignored or belittled.

Preventing brain cancer

Due to unknown causes it is impossible to establish appropriate preventative measures for brain cancer. It is recommended to follow principles of healthy lifestyle, to support the immune system and to avoid potential sources of negative impact – harmful effects of hormones, chemical substances and radiation.

Impact of the immune system on brain cancer

As the causes of brain cancer may be linked to lifestyle, healthy preventative precautions should be followed. Clearly, neglecting one thing in the body may negatively influence any organ including the brain. A well-functioning immune system protects the brain from distress, and this may include a lack of sleep or a great strain of the nervous system.