Conditions & Services
Brain Tumors
Tumors that form in the brain can cause a wide variety of symptoms, making it potentially challenging to determine whether they may be the cause of certain medical problems. Symptoms caused by a brain tumor depend size, location, type, and growth rate of the tumor, but some of the most common ones include headaches, seizures, vision and motor problems, and personality changes.
What causes brain tumors?
While there is no clear cause for the development of brain tumors, certain factors could increase a person’s likelihood of getting them. Secondary brain tumors, which spread from cancer occurring in other parts of the body, are more common than primary tumors, which first develop in the brain. A few types of cancer that most commonly spread to the brain include breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma (skin cancer).
Gender, age, and family history can affect a person’s risk of developing brain tumors. Men are more likely than women to develop a brain tumor; additionally, brain tumors are most common among middle-aged and older adults. Among children, however, they are more likely to develop before the age of nine. Brain tumors can also develop in people who are repeatedly exposed to ionizing radiation, which can occur if you are already being treated for cancer.
Gender, age, and family history can affect a person’s risk of developing brain tumors. Men are more likely than women to develop a brain tumor; additionally, brain tumors are most common among middle-aged and older adults. Among children, however, they are more likely to develop before the age of nine. Brain tumors can also develop in people who are repeatedly exposed to ionizing radiation, which can occur if you are already being treated for cancer.
How are brain tumors treated?
A variety of diagnostic tests can be performed to determine whether a patient has a brain tumor. An initial neurological exam can be performed to assess motor, sensory, and cognitive skills, as well as reflexes and behavioral changes. From there, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Treatment for a tumor depends on its location, size, type, and growth rate, as well as a patient’s age and state of health. You may undergo surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Additionally, you may be given a variety of medications to provide relief throughout the treatment process, including pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants (to prevent seizures), or anti-nausea drugs.
Schedule an appointment with a Queens brain tumor specialist
The expert neurosurgeons at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Neurosurgery will provide you with the highest quality brain tumor treatment in Queens, NYC to help you achieve remission. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.