Brain Tumors in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Brain tumors affect tens of thousands of adults each year, and being diagnosed with a brain tumor is always life-altering. Patients in need of compassionate care can find it at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO). With convenient locations near you in New Jersey, CNSO offers state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical treatment for all types of brain tumors in adults.

Quick Facts About Brain Tumors in Adults

• Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells that develop within brain tissue or in the surrounding structures. There are many types of brain tumors, categorized by the type of tissue they form from.
• Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their size and location. Patients often experience headaches, dizziness, or the feeling of being off balance, but may also develop a variety of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, loss of or blurred vision, memory loss, or difficulty making new memories.
• Treatment options for brain tumors in adults include removing the tumor through surgery, or treatment of the mass with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The exact approach or treatment plan depends on the tumor’s size and type.
• Rehabilitation and support systems exist to help patients adapt to life with a brain tumor.

Understanding Brain Tumors in Adults

Brain tumors occur when cells inside the brain or surrounding structures begin to grow abnormally and form a mass. Though the rate of growth of a brain tumor depends on its type, they almost always enlarge and ultimately exert pressure against or begin to invade nearby brain structures. Many types of brain tumors that occur in adults are malignant or cancerous, meaning they grow rapidly and can invade other tissues. However, even benign, non-cancerous tumors can create serious complications, as the pressure they exert on the brain can result in neurological injury.

Types of Brain Tumors in Adults

Brain tumors are categorized based on the type of tissue from which they develop. Different types are most common at different ages. Brain tumors that frequently occur in adults include:

• Astrocytoma: Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that support neurons in the brain and spinal cord. If astrocytes begin to grow excessively, they can form into a tumor called an astrocytoma. An astrocytoma is the most common brain tumor that originates in the brain.
• Glioblastoma: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most invasive type of brain cancer, arising from glial cells such as astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. It occurs most frequently in adults 55 and older.
• Oligodendroglioma: This tumor arises from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. The oligodendrocytes produce myelin, which is a protein that protects and aids axons in their transmission of neuronal impulses throughout the brain.
• Hemangioblastoma: This is a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor within the cerebellum (back part of the brain) or in the spinal cord. These rare tumors arise in the blood vessel lining and affect the brain or spinal cord function as they grow. 
• Lymphoma of the brain: Primary CNS Lymphoma is a kind of cancer that originates in white blood cells called lymphocytes and typically is only located within the brain. Lymphomas that affect other parts of the body rarely metastasize to the brain. 
• Meningioma: These types of tumors arise from the meninges, which are the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The vast majority of brain meningiomas are benign and may not cause any symptoms until they are large enough to affect the surrounding structures.
• Pituitary adenoma: These are commonly occurring benign tumors of the pituitary gland. While pituitary adenomas are not cancerous, they may inhibit normal hormonal functions and cause many side effects. When pituitary tumors enlarge, they can cause decreased vision and double vision.
• Vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma): Vestibular schwannomas originate from the Schwann cells (a type of glia or support cell) that protect the vestibular nerve.) The vestibular nerve arises from the brainstem and courses into the internal auditory canal with the cochlear (hearing) and facial nerve (facial movement). When a tumor arises from the vestibular nerve, it affects the function of the surrounding nerves or structures and typically interferes with the ability to hear, balance, and control facial muscles. If it’s allowed to grow, it can press on the brain stem and become life-threatening. 
• Dermoids/epidermoids: These are inclusion cysts that can develop in the brain and skull base. They are benign, slow-growing masses that form from an epidermal (skin) cell that gets trapped and is unable to migrate to the skin surface. Dermoids contain mature skin cells that can form skin, sweat glands, fat, and even hair within the mass. Epidermoids only produce epithelial cells. These masses are slow-growing and only produce symptoms through mass effect or pressure on the brain. Rarely, they can rupture and produce inflammation that causes severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and neck stiffness.

CNSO also treats metastatic brain tumors. Unlike the types above, these tumors do not originate in the brain. Cancer cells form elsewhere in the body, most often the lung, colon, breast, kidneys, or skin, before spreading to the brain and starting a tumor there.

Causes and Risk Factors for Adult Brain Tumors

Tumors develop when a DNA change causes cells to reproduce uncontrollably. Instead of growing in an orderly fashion, the altered cells divide rapidly and without logic or direction. Physicians are not always certain what causes this DNA alteration. In some cases, it may be genetic. In others, exposure to harmful environmental factors such as chemicals or radiation may play a role.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Adults

Brain tumor symptoms depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Small tumors may not cause any symptoms at all. Larger ones develop symptoms gradually as the growing tumor presses against adjacent brain structures, impeding their function. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches with increasing severity
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Blurred vision to complete vision loss
• Partial or complete hearing loss
• Clumsiness or loss of balance
• Mobility impairments
• Pins-and-needles sensations
• Facial weakness or numbness
• Seizures
• Irritability or personality changes
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Cognitive impairments

While the above symptoms may be caused by a brain tumor, there are other possible causes. Patients who are experiencing neurological symptoms should always seek medical care.

Diagnosis and Testing Methods

To plan an appropriate treatment, brain tumor specialists must first learn the tumor’s type, size, location, and rate of growth. This requires a detailed analysis. Physicians use a variety of diagnostic tests to identify and evaluate brain tumors, including:

• Medical history: The physician takes a detailed medical history to determine what the patient’s symptoms are, how long they have been present, and any aggravating factors.
• Neurological exam: The patient is asked to perform simple tasks to evaluate their senses, motor ability, reflexes, coordination, mental status, and other neurological functions.
• Medical imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred method for brain scans, as it provides the greatest detail for precise tumor identification.
• Biopsy: If a tumor is in a location that makes it dangerous to remove, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and direct future treatment. The surgeon uses image-guided navigation to remove a small sample of tumor tissue. The sample is tested in a laboratory to determine the tumor’s type and grade.

Treatment Options for Adults with Brain Tumors

Once brain tumor specialists have formed a complete understanding of the patient’s condition, they can recommend a treatment plan. CNSO physicians make sure that patients understand their options and what to expect on their journey toward recovery. Some options for treating brain tumors include:

Surgery

Brain tumor surgery is the preferred approach for most brain tumors. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, relieving pressure on brain tissue while preventing continued growth. CNSO neurosurgeons are proficient in both traditional or “open” brain surgery, as well as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, including endoscopic brain surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a less invasive alternative to surgery. The tumor is targeted with a concentrated beam of radiation that kills tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. CNSO partners with radiation oncologists who offer conventional radiation therapy, in addition to cutting-edge stereotactic radiosurgery, including gamma knife therapy. This type is more precise and effective when treating smaller tumors.

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies

Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to shrink and kill tumors. Chemotherapy is used in conjunction with surgical resection to provide the best overall outcome for patients with malignant primary brain tumors. Some patients may be candidates for targeted therapy, which uses molecular medicine to latch onto proteins unique to tumor cells. Targeted therapy causes fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Living with a Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are life-altering events. Living with one, both during and after treatment, means adjusting to and managing a variety of lifestyle changes. This may also have a significant emotional impact. It is normal to feel upset, anxious, or depressed after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Rehabilitation and Support

Medical resources are available to help patients navigate life with a brain tumor. Rehabilitation includes services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management to address the direct consequences of a brain tumor. Community resources also exist to provide mental, emotional, and spiritual support. Patients should not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why Choose CNSO?

Patients can find brain tumor care in New Jersey at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO). CNSO’s award-winning medical team provides comprehensive, personalized care, including diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and rehabilitation. A wide range of specialists apply a coordinated approach to ensure all the patient’s needs are met, prioritizing conservative methods whenever they provide positive outcomes for the patient.

Find Expert Brain Tumor Care Near You in New Jersey

A brain tumor diagnosis is frightening, but quality care exists at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. CNSO offers diagnosis and treatment at convenient locations near you across New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties. To learn more about types of brain tumors in adults, or to schedule an appointment, contact CNSO today.

FAQ About Brain Tumors

How can a brain tumor affect my lifestyle?

Brain tumors can permanently impact a person’s lifestyle, especially if they cause serious neurological deficits. Rehabilitation and support services are available to help patients adapt to life after treatment.

What are the survival rates for adult brain tumors?

Survival rates for brain tumors depend on the tumor type, location, and rate of growth. Patients should speak with their neurosurgeon about what to expect.

What follow-up care is needed after brain tumor treatment?

Patients often need regular follow-up scans to check for signs of the tumor returning. They may also receive rehabilitative care or physical therapy.

Are brain tumors in adults hereditary?

Some types of brain tumors in adults are possibly hereditary, meaning passed down from their parents’ genes.