Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/61344
CANCER TYPE Q & A QA & CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF NEUROLOGICAL CANCERS? There are a wide range of neurological cancers, which can affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. These cancers can be either primary (starting from brain or nerve tissue or from bone or tissue around the nervous system) or secondary (spreading to the nervous system from another area of the body). WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR NEUROLOGICAL CANCERS? Risk factors for secondary cancers include the same risk factors associated with the original cancer. For example, smoking is a risk for developing lung cancer, which may spread to the nervous system. In the case of primary brain or spinal cancer, previous radiation is a risk factor, particularly for meningioma. There are also some genetic conditions associated with the development of brain tumors. Cell phone use has not been linked to the development of brain cancer, though a recent European study does suggest a possible association. 16 cancer fighters thrive | summer 2012 NEUROLOGICAL CANCERS By Clinton J. Baird, MD Medical Director of Neurosurgery Services and Neurosurgeon Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Tulsa, Oklahoma ARE THERE COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SPECIFIC NEUROLOGICAL CANCERS? Common signs and symptoms associated with neurological cancers relate to neurological dysfunction and pain. A brain tumor patient may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, or double vision because of the pressure created by the mass of the tumor. Depending on the tumor location, a patient may experience weakness, numbness, vision problems, difficulty with or loss of language function, and difficulty with walking or balance. Seizures can develop with almost any brain tumor. The most common group of symptoms includes headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, behavior changes, and weakness. For cancers involving the spinal column, spinal cord, or nerves, signs and symptoms include pain in the spine, difficultly with standing related to pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of bowel and bladder control. ARE THERE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS THAT A PERSON NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH A NEUROLOGICAL CANCER SHOULD ASK HIS OR HER CARE TEAM? When faced with fighting any cancer, but particularly a neurological cancer, the experience of the members of the care team is very important. Experience is critical because though some of the care is standardized, most of the decisions involved in neuro- oncology are individualized and require specialized judgment. To best understand the treatment experience you can expect, you should ask very direct questions about the team's experience, including asking for an estimate of the percentage of patients treated who have the problem you have, and how many times patients with your condition have been treated. For new treatment plans, ask about alternatives and the anticipated benefits of the newer treatment plan. cfthrive.com