To start my page on Brain Tumor we must start with what we know of the healthy brain, then define the type of tumors that effect the brain. 
From there we can go on to discuss the types of treatments available.

Because of the Internet there is a wide spread of information. One of the best sites to start with is the National Cancer Booklet found at http://www.cancer101.net/brain/wynk/   
They publish a primer that covers the basics. 

The line between benign and malignant tumor seems to be over lapping. Malignant tumors as a rule contain Cancer cells. Sometime what would be considered benign will sometimes become so invasive  that they too are considered malignant. 

Tumor are graded but only after a biopsy. About the only thing known about cause of brain tumor is that you don’t catch them. Some time certain occupation experience higher incidences of brain tumors. There is two types of tumor ones that occur in the brain its self ,  others that migrate to the brain from other parts of the body. So if lung cancer moves to the brain the cells will still be lung cancer cells. 

Symptoms sometime come on slowly. Morning headaches  that clear up later,  seizures, weakness in limbs, changes in vision, memory problems or personality changes,  difficulty in speech are some of the early warning symptoms.

 It will take some tests and a visit to your doctor to find out the problem. Usually you will need a Cat Scan or MRI to get a detail picture of what is going on in brain. The doctor may also Order a skull x-ray, a brain scan, an Angiogram,  Myleogram or other tests. 

There are only a few treatments available for brain tumors today. There is the surgical approach, ( Craniotomy ) that  is the most invasive. Then there are several radiation process which include  FSR  (Fractured Stereotacic Radio surgery )and Gamma Knife. There has been a few field trials of hormonal therapy and  some chemotherapy is used in cases of brain cancer.
Joan Estelle High