Cancer - Brain and Spinal Cord

The brain controls our thoughts, intelligence, memory and emotions. It coordinates body functions (like movement, blood circulation and production of hormones) and interprets information from our senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste). The average brain weighs about one and a half kilograms and is surrounded and protected by the skull. The spinal cord is encased in the spinal column (backbone): it consists of nerve cells and bundles of nerves that connect the brain with all parts of the body. The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain to the base of the spinal column. The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system. The parts of the central nervous system are made largely of nerve cells called neurons. Neurons transmit messages around the body, which enable us to act when we wish (for example, to stand up and walk). They also enable body functions we are barely aware of: for example, controlling digestion of food and causing the heart to beat rapidly when we exercise. Brain tumours Some types of brain tumour are benign and some are malignant. A benign tumour is made of slow growing cells and is unlikely to spread. Some benign brain tumours can cause problems by pressing on and damaging the surrounding brain tissue; however, they can often be successfully removed. Common types of benign brain tumours are meningiomas, neuromas, pituitary tumours cranio-pharyngiomas and juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas. Malignant tumours vary widely in how they grow and respond to treatment. In some malignant tumours the cancer cells are confined to a specific area. In other malignant tumours cancer cells are also found in tissue around the tumour. Brain tumours are usually known for the cell type from which they arise. Types of malignant brain tumours include: gliomas (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas and mixed cell type gliomas medulloblastomas, chordomas and central nervous system lymphomas. Hydrocephalus The brain contains four cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which flows through narrow passages between the cavities and the surface of the brain. Occasionally, a brain tumour can block this flow. When this happens, the fluid can collect and build up, creating pressure on the brain. This is called hydrocephalus and it is common in children with brain tumours. Spinal cord tumours The spinal cord connects nerves from all parts of the body with the brain. It extends from the base of the brain to just below the waist. It is about as thick as a little finger and is protected by the spinal column. Tumours are less common in the spinal cord than in the brain. A tumour on the spinal cord may stop the flow of messages along the nerves between the brain and body, in much the same way, as does injury to the spinal cord. Most commonly, a tumour in the spinal cord will affect the spinal cord by pressing on it. Tumours can occur in the spinal cord or membrane surrounding the spinal column. They can be benign or malignant. Like brain tumours they are named according to the type of cell they arise from. Causes of brain and spinal cord tumours The causes of these tumours are not fully understood. Researchers around the world are investigating possible causes. How common are brain and spinal cord tumours Malignant tumours of the central nervous system are diagnosed in around 350 Victorians every year.