According to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, more than 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor this year.

There are two types of brain tumors. A primary tumor starts in the brain. A metastatic tumor is caused by cancer elsewhere in the body that spreads to the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are also called secondary brain tumors, since they come from cancer cells in another part of the body.

Primary tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Metastatic brain tumors are always cancerous.

A benign tumor can be removed or destroyed if located in an accessible area. They are slow-growing tumors. Benign tumors can recur and grow back after treatment of the initial tumor.

Malignant tumors (brain cancer) grow rapidly and invade, infiltrate and destroy normal brain tissue. Malignant tumors can recur and grow back after treatment of the initial tumor.

Yes. A tumor can grow back after being removed or stabilized. The tumor commonly returns in the same area, but may develop in another part of the brain or spinal cord. Since it is not possible to predict whether or not a tumor will recur after receiving therapy, the patient will need to have follow-up appointments indefinitely, even if the tumor was benign.

According to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, 170,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor that has spread from another part of the body.

Typical symptom of brain tumors include: headaches, seizures, nausea/vomiting, lack of coordination, difficulty swallowing, facial weakness, double vision, difficulty with speech, memory loss, weakness or numbness of the arms and/or leg or one side of the body, changes in vision, balance, hearing or sensation, changes in mood or personality.

If you suffer from any of the initial signs of a brain tumor, your doctor will likely conduct some tests. Your doctor will give you a physical exam to determine your overall health and a neurological exam to evaluate brain and spinal cord function. Imaging studies might be ordered, such as CT, MRI or PET scans to look for signs of a brain tumor. If studies or scans indicate you might have a brain tumor, a biopsy may be taken from the tumor to make an exact diagnosis. A spinal tap may also be performed to look for tumor cells.

Clinical trails are studies designed to scientifically determine the effectiveness of various new treatment regimens

Clinical trials are conducted by various groups and institutions. Clinical trials are closely scrutinized by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Each trail follows a treatment plan or protocol defined by the researchers initiating the trial.Clinical trials are conducted by various groups and institutions. Clinical trials are closely scrutinized by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Each trail follows a treatment plan or protocol defined by the researchers initiating the trial.

Which trial is best for you will depend on several factors. Factors like what type of tumor you have, when were you diagnosed, what treatments have you received and how well you are functioning will determine which trials you will qualify to be a part of. Investigate the study and determine if the treatment is right for you. It is impossible to tell you which treatment is best, but learning as much as you can before starting a treatment will help you to be prepared for what occurs during the trial process.

Radiation impacts cells by damaging DNA within the cell. The damaged DNA keeps the cells from being able to divide or reproduce. Over a period of time, cells within the tumor that received radiation will die when trying to divide.

The most common side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, hair loss and short-term memory loss. These side effects are short-term and usually subside within two months after treatment is completed.

Yes. Some insurance companies require that a patient get a second opinion before undergoing major therapy. A second opinion should be obtained as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment. A second opinion will confirm the initial diagnosis and help to valifdate the suggested courses of treatment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prevents job discrimination for disabled individuals. If you can perform the essential duties of a job, by law the employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for your disability. Federal and state disability programs offer temporary and permanent benefit programs of financial assistance to those who cannot return to work. A social worker at the hospital or local social service agency can provide more detailed information on these programs and possibly assist you in applying for financial assistance.

The Social Security Administration offers two programs for people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as “a medically determinable impairment which results in marked and severe functional limitations and which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

For more information about SSDI, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov