It is almost too simplistic to think that primary brain tumors really begin in the brain… but they do. They can show up in the tissues near to the brain, such as the “brain-covering” membrane, or close to the cranial nerves, pineal and pituitary glands.

Such tumors actually get their start when our normal cells mutate, setting up a chain reaction of growing-and-dividing at faster and faster rates, according to the Mayo Clinic post, “Brain Tumor: Causes.” Furthermore, the when cells are receiving the wrong code to cause this abnormal growth, it’s a function of normal cells receiving “‘errors (mutations) in their DNA,” which in itself is the cause of brain cancer.

At the outset, and to a family receiving the devastating news that their child has a brain tumor, it makes little difference from whence the cancer came: Their lives are upended and no one can really understand what they are feeling as they watch their child suffer from the affliction.

The diagnosis may, indeed, be that of a primary tumor, and as such, generally are defined further by the types of cells causing the tumor.

A few examples can include:

• Acoustic neuroma (schwannoma)
• Astrocytoma, also known as glioma, which includes anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma
• Ependymoma
• Ependymoblastoma
• Germ cell tumor

What is important to the Rory David Deutsch Foundation is their commitment to find a cure for pediatric brain tumors. The mainstay of their funding goes to medical research, and to programs keyed to childhood brain tumors.

Fundamental to their work is getting the word out through fund-raising events, the kind that brings young and old together to build awareness and raise funds to help kids who are sick and support for their families.

Contact us to learn how you can be a part of this worthy cause. Contributions can be made direct from our website.

 

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