A head tumor may occur in any part of the head, but most commonly occur in the sinuses, ears or nasal cavity. Tumors may also occur inside the skull. These aare usually referred to as brain tumors.
Tumors are abnormal tissue growth. They occur when normal cells reproduce in an out of control manner. A mass or bump usually forms. The size of the tumor can vary greatly; some tumors may only be the size of a pea or smaller, while others can grow quite large.
There are various types of head tumors including gliomas, which are the most common type of malignant tumor. An acoustic neuroma is another type of head tumor, which is a tumor on the nerve in the head that leads to the inner ear. This type of tumor interferes with hearing and is usually benign.
Each type of head tumor is either classified as cancerous or benign. Benign head tumors do not usually cause life threatening problems and don‘t spread to other parts of the body. However, depending on where in the head the tumor is located, it can interfere with functions, such as hearing or breathing.
The more serious type of tumor is a cancerous head tumor. It may start in the head and travel to other organs of the body. Cancerous tumors are also more likely to grow back after they are removed. A biopsy is usually required to determine if a tumor is cancerous or benign.
Symptoms of a head tumor will vary depending on where it is located. For example, tumors in the sinuses may cause dizziness and visual problems. Headache is a common symptom in many types of head tumors.
A diagnosis is usually made through a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both of these tests provide an image of the head and brain and can detect a mass. A diagnosis may be determined by the location and size of the tumor.
Treatment will be needed for most types of tumors in the head, even if they are benign. Depending on the location of a benign tumor, it may press on parts of the brain and cause disturbances. Surgery to remove the tumor is usually the treatment for most types of benign head tumors.
Cancerous tumors also require treatment. Surgery may be an option depending on the location of the tumor. Certain tumors may be located in an area which are considered inoperable. Other than surgery, tumors may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The prognosis with a head tumor varies greatly. Most benign tumors are able to be removed and do not grow back. The prognosis with a cancerous tumor in the head will depend on the location and size of the tumor, as well as how early it was diagnosed and treated.