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Leading scientists believe that the majority of brain tumors may be linked to interactions between susceptibility genes and environmental toxins.

The deCODEme Genetic Scan identifies known susceptibility genes and calculate your personal genetic risk for developing glioma.

Early diagnosis is a key preventive strategy for brain cancer – This means knowing the symptoms and your personal risk and seeing your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms

In most cases, the exact cause of glioma is unknown

Despite extensive past and current research, the cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Since little is known about the causes of primary brain tumors, there are few specific strategies for prevention

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of glioma

Based on knowledge about cancer development in general, lifestyle factors, and the results of genetic research, leading scientists believe that the majority of brain tumors may be linked to interactions between susceptibility genes and environmental toxins. Accordingly, some additional preventive strategies that may be considered, include avoidance of chemical exposure, especially to pesticides, polyvinyl chloride used in plastics manufacturing, and petroleum products.

Early diagnosis is a key preventive strategy for all brain cancers

Early diagnosis is a key preventive strategy for brain cancer. This means seeing your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms that do not go away and could possibly be warning signs of increased pressure to areas of the brain, such as:

• New or uncontrollable headaches, especially morning headaches
• Loss of vision
• Seizures
• Problems with speech
• Increased sleep
• Unsteadiness or gradual loss of movement or sensation in an arm or a leg

Remember that none of the symptoms listed above is specific for brain tumors. They may all have other causes. Nonetheless, if you have symptoms that concern you, consult a doctor so that they can be evaluated and the problem treated, if necessary.

Diagnosing brain cancer starts with evaluating symptoms and taking a medical history

Brain cancer is usually first suspected when symptoms arise suggesting increased pressure within the brain (most commonly seizures or unusual headaches). The first steps in diagnosing brain cancer include a complete medical history to rule out other health problems that could be causing these symptoms and a neurological exam to evaluate brain function. If there is an indication of a brain tumor, the next diagnostic step will likely include one or more imaging tests. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)or Computed Tomography (CT) scans are often used to identify and locate tumors within the brain.

Treatment options depend on the type and grade of the brain tumor

The final diagnosis of brain cancer can only be achieved through a biopsy, that is the direct sampling and analysis of tissue from the tumor. Biopsies are usually performed during the actual therapeutic surgery performed to remove the brain tumor. This type of surgery is called a craniotomy or debulking when the focus is to remove most of the tumor. In cases where the risks of surgery are deemed too great, but where a tissue sample is still needed to make a diagnosis, a so-called stereotactic (needle)biopsy is performed.

Once a biopsy is available, or the brain tumor tissue is removed, the type and grade of brain tumor can be determined. This information is very important in determining the chances of survival and the best course of treatment.

Treatment options for brain cancer depend mainly on the following:

• Type and grade of the brain tumor
• Tumor location in the brain
• Tumor size
• Age and general health of the patient

Surgery is usually followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes also used if the tumor is inoperable. Although beneficial, these methods of cancer therapy often damage healthy brain cells as well as cancerous cells, commonly causing side effects.

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.

The conditions we cover: ABO Blood Types, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Alcohol Flush Reaction, Alzheimer’s Disease, Asthma, Atrial Fibrillation, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Bitter Taste Perception, Bladder Cancer, Brain Aneurysm, Brain Cancer-Glioma, Breast Cancer, Celiac Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Colorectal Cancer, Crohn’s Disease, Essential Tremor, Exfoliation Glaucoma, Eye Color, Gallstones, Gout, Heart Attack, Hemochromatosis, Hypertension, Kidney Stones, Lactose Intolerance, Lung Cancer, Male Pattern Baldness, Multiple Sclerosis, Nicotine Dependence, Obesity, Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Prostate Cancer, Psoriasis, Restless Legs Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Statin Induced Myopathy, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Testicular Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, Venous Thromboembolism, Warfarin Metabolism.