Brain Tumors: A Serious Health Threat in Children and Adults
Brain tumors are a significant health concern, affecting both children and adults. They can be cancerous or noncancerous, with various types and causes. Radiation exposure is a well-known risk factor, while genetic factors also play a role, although less clearly defined than in other cancers.
Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common cancer in children and the fourth most common in adults over 40. The most common type is meningioma, accounting for 34.9% of CNS tumors in the United States. However, the most common cancerous brain tumor is glioblastoma multiforme, making up 14.7%.
Primary CNS lymphoma, originating from the immune system, is less common but still significant, representing 1.9% of CNS tumors. Acoustic neuroma, the most common nerve sheath tumor, accounts for 8.2%.
Brain tumors arise from genetic changes inside cells, causing uncontrolled replication. Only about 5% of brain tumors occur in people with a family history, with genetic risk factors including mutations in high-risk genes and hereditary syndromes.
Brain tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous, pose a substantial health threat. Understanding their types, causes, and risk factors is crucial for early detection and treatment. Further research is needed to better understand and combat these conditions.
