Brain Health, Health Care

5 Common Causes Of Brain Tumors

Causes Of Brain Tumors Causes Of Brain Tumors

[toc]Brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the central spinal canal. When build-up of extra unneeded cells is grown inside the cranium or central spinal canal, then it is termed as brain tumor. There are mainly two types of tumors as benign which are non-cancerous or malignant which are cancerous and can spread into other body parts. A brain tumor not only changes the brain functions but also damages the brain tissues and other healthy nerves.

There are several causes which trigger this kind of abnormal or uncontrolled cell division. Although different types of brain tumors can have different causes, the following are some of the common reasons why a person may develop a brain tumor.


Causes Of Brain Tumors

Environmental Causes

Electromagnetic fields generated due to power lines and cell phones may increase brain tumor risk. It is also caused by getting exposed to certain chemicals called as ‘Carcinogens’, deficiency of certain nutrients, hormonal imbalance, physical activity level, lifestyle and addictions like tobacco and alcohol. Carcinogens are natural or synthetic agents which cause Brain tumor.

They have ability to damage DNA genome structure and interrupt into metabolic processes. There are thousands of Carcinogens present in environment; some of them are Gamma rays, Alpha particles, Asbestos, Dioxins, Tobacco smokes, solvents, pesticides, oil and Vinyl chloride.

Radiotherapy Treatment

Radiations from high dose X-ray machines and prolonged radiotherapy may be causes of Brain tumor. Patients who were taking radiotherapy, especially children below 12 years have more risk of developing brain cancer. People who expose to ionising radiation are at high risk of brain tumor.

Genetic Causes

Genetic Reasons Genetic Causes

About five to ten percent of all cancer is hereditary, although it is rare in the case of Brain tumor. It is seen that about 5 % of brain tumors are hereditary. A mutational change in DNA sequence- Chromosomes is passed from generation to generation. As we age, these abnormalities on chromosomal level start malfunctioning and that triggers brain tumors.  Also genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis are also responsible for brain tumors.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder, responsible for causing tumors in central nervous system (CNS) which includes brain and spinal cord. There are two types – Type1 neurofibromatosis is common and forms tumors outside CNS, and Type 2 Neurofibromatosis is responsible for tumors inside brain and spinal cord. Tuberous Sclerosis is a genetic disorder and causes tumors of brain, eyes and kidneys. Children below age of twenty are more prone to this disorder.

Cyst

Cyst is a primary sac formation. It is filled with fluid and shows initial symptoms of brain tumor like headache, seizures etc. If not treated well in time, this may cause Brain tumor.

Infections And Allergens

Brain tumor tissues are found with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Epstein – Barr virus (EBV) infection increases the causes of brain tumor. Allergens also increase the risk of brain tumor.

A brain tumor can be pretty dangerous if not detected on time. However, remember that there are non malignant brain tumors as well. Therefore if there are any symptoms present, you must get an MRI or PET scan done to rule out the possibility of a brain tumor. Timely treatment will help a great deal.

Photo Credit: http://www.chop.edu/healthinfo/brain-tumors.html

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