Aivosyöpä

Aivosyöpä refers to cancerous tumors that originate within the brain or spread to the brain from another part of the body. Primary brain tumors develop directly in the brain tissue, while secondary brain tumors, also known as metastatic brain tumors, are more common and arise from cancers elsewhere. There are many types of primary brain tumors, categorized by the type of cell from which they originate and their grade, which indicates how aggressive they are. Gliomas, which develop from glial cells that support and protect neurons, are a common type. Meningiomas, originating from the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord, are another frequent type, often benign but can be malignant.

Symptoms of brain tumors vary widely depending on the tumor's size, location, and rate of growth. They can include persistent headaches, unexplained nausea or vomiting, vision problems, seizures, and changes in personality or cognitive function. Diagnosis typically involves neurological examinations, imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans, and often a biopsy to determine the exact type and grade of the tumor.

Treatment for brain tumors depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy to slow or stop tumor growth. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also increasingly used for certain types of brain tumors. The prognosis for brain cancer varies significantly based on these factors, with some types being highly treatable and others presenting significant challenges. Ongoing research aims to improve diagnostic methods and develop more effective treatments.