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A brain tumor primer
February 19, 1997
Web posted at: 10:00 p.m. EST(CNN) -- According to the American Medical Association's Encyclopedia of Medicine, a brain tumor is an abnormal growth in or on the brain.Even benign tumors are considered serious because of the pressure they can put on the brain and adjoining areas.
Incidence
About six new cases of primary brain tumor result in about four deaths per 100,000 population each year in the United States.
They occur most commonly around the age of 50, although there are some reported cases in children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a brain tumor are often the result of compression of brain tissue or nerve tracts near the tumor. They may cause muscle weakness, loss of vision, or other sensory disturbances. Symptoms can include speech difficulties, and in about 20 percent of the cases, epileptic seizures.
If a brain tumor is expanding, it can cause increased pressure within the skull, headache, vomiting, visual disturbances, and impaired mental functioning. In some cases, water on the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus, may occur.
Treatment
When possible, tumors are surgically removed after opening the skull.
Related story:
- Elizabeth Taylor enters hospital for brain surgery - February 18, 1997
Related sites:
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- Brain Tumor Center at Massachusetts General Hospital
- American Brain Tumor Association
- National Brain Tumor Foundation
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