Thursday, 13 December 2012

Brain Tumors Seen During Pregnancy

By Rob Sutter


When pregnancy comes to mind, several symptoms can spring to mind. Think about such aspects as appetite shifts and irritability; these are common for most, but it appears as though another cause has shown up. Brain tumors referred to as meningiomas can sometimes form within the bodies of expecting mothers. According to the November issue of Neurosurgery, "hemodynamic changes" are seen as the greatest factor.

Meningiomas are seen as benign tumors found within the brains of women who are expecting. These tumors are not cancerous but they still have the potential to influence the brain if they aren't attended to. During this time of pregnancy, such tumors can expand, which makes the symptoms that follow that much more apparent. As spoken about in the November issue of Neurosurgery, the one cause, above all others, for meningiomas is hormone level changes in pregnancy.

The symptoms for meningiomas seem to come about within the third trimester or eight days after the delivery of the child. Some of these earliest symptoms are facial paralysis and cranial nerve palsies. Thankfully, treatment for these benign tumors is quite possible. For instance, the November issue of Neurosurgery reported that out of 17 patients, surgery was successful in 16; the remaining patient died before surgery could occur. Even so, it's clear that there is a high rate of success.

This amount of success seems to be greater than just about any other and it's mainly because typical brain tumors have many types. Organizations like Voices Against Brain Cancer can verify that with so many types of tumors, counting over 120, finding a concrete type of treatment is nearly unfeasible. However, such organizations exist so that brain cancer can be helped. Not only are treatments looked at constantly, but outside events help to garner interest in the awareness movement as well.

I am of the opinion that more people should be aware of these meningiomas since they are perhaps more prevalent than any other type shown today. They can be seen in pregnant women especially and cannot be simply brushed away as if they aren't issues. They are very much impactful despite the fact that they stand a great chance of being treated. Meningiomas have to be looked at because being a mother shouldn't be impeded by anything.




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