How a Cell Becomes a Cancer

Cells are the building blocks of all tissue and organs in the human body. Each cell contains genetic material (DNA) and other elements. DNA controls the growth rate of cells.

Normal cells grow and multiply at a specific rate. Cells that grow and multiply without stopping are called cancerous or malignant. Cancerous cells are not detectable when they first start growing. At a certain point, the cancerous cells continue to multiply and form a mass that can be detected. Abnormal cell growth could go on for years before it is large enough to be detected.

What is Brain Cancer?

The growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Estimated new cases and deaths from brain and other nervous system tumors in the United States in 2008:8:

• New cases: 21,810
  
• Deaths: 13,070

(source: National Cancer Institute, Accessed June 2008)

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of brain tumors depend on tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. They also may be caused when the brain swells or fluid builds up within the skull.

These are the most common symptoms of brain tumors:

• Headaches (usually worse in the morning)
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Changes in speech, vision, or hearing
  
• Problems balancing or walking
  
• Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate
  
• Problems with memory
  
• Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)
  
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

These symptoms are not sure signs of a brain tumor. Other conditions also could cause these problems. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

For resources about brain cancer, please visit our Healthwise Brain Cancer Overview page.

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