An Overview of Brain Tumours
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Primary brain tumours represent any tumour that starts in the brain.ÌýThe tumors are characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, usually in the brain itself, but may also be derived from lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, glands and brain envelopes (meninges). Within the brain itself, brain tumors areÌýderived from supportive glial cells within the brain (ependymal cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). They may also occur from cranial nerves. ÌýThey also frequentlyÌýoccur as a result of metastatic spread from cancers primarily located in other organs (metastatic tumours).
Any brain tumor is inherently serious and life-threatening because of its limited space withinÌýÌýthe skull. However, brain tumors are not invariably fatal. ÌýThe treatment strategies depend on aÌýcombination of factors based onÌýthe tumor type, its location, its size and its developmental state. Since the tumors areÌýwell protected within theÌýskull, early detection occurs only when diagnostic tools are directed at the intracranial cavity. In many casesÌýdetection occurs in advanced stages when the presence of the tumor has caused unexplained symptoms.
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