Patient case study-secondary brain cancer

Abstract

Brain cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells form a mass of cancer tissue within the brain tissue. This mass that is formed interferes with basic bodily functions such as muscle movement and memory. Cancerous cells that originate in the brain are known as primary brain tumors. Brain cancer can occur due to hereditary genetic conditions or form as a secondary brain tumor where the cancer originated form a different part of the body and metastasized. Gliomas are the most common form of brain cancer; however, they have various subtypes including astrocytoma’s, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. Brain cancer has four different stages, progressing with increase of number. Stage one being a benign tumor, and stage four being malignant tumors that appear abnormal and grow at a quick rate. Brain cancer seldomly spreads to other organs and is staged based off the cell type and grade of the tumor.