Brain Cancer

Approximately 17,000 new cases of brain cancer occur every year in the United States. They are relatively rare in childhood and adolescence, and then become increasingly more common as people age. Brain cancer accounts for about 2% of cancer deaths.

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Brain Tumor, CNS

This shows a bird's eye view of a tumor right behind the eye. The radiation dose decreases rapidly. The blue area is the area which receives the highest dose of radiation. Note how the eyes and brain are spared as they are outside the colored area.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer

Primary brain tumors usually invade the surrounding tissues without forming a capsule. As the tumor expands and creates swelling around it, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting,and unsteadiness on the feet often develop. These symptoms may be associated with a loss of coordination of the extremities and with changes in a person’s ability to think clearly. Brain tumors are unique because they do not spread through the lymphatic system, like other tumors do. They can spread through the cerebrospinal fluid, though, and arise in other parts of the central nervous system. It is rare for a brain tumor to spread to other parts of the body.

For more information see:
CyberKnife Centers of San Diego- Intracranial Lesions