Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Brain tumors are grouped by grade. The grade of the tumor refers to the way the cells look under a microscope. Cells from low grade tumors (grade 1 and 2) look more normal and generally grow more slowly than cells from high grade tumors (grades 3 and 4). Over time a low grade tumor may become a high grade tumor. There are many types of primary brain tumors. Tumors are named according to the type of cells or the part of the brain in which they begin.
Most primary tumors begin in glial cells. This type of tumor is called a glioma. Among adults, the most common types of tumors are; 1. astrocytomas which arise from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. It can be any grade and most often occurs in the cerebrum. 2. Meningioma is a tumor that arises in the meninges. It can be grades 1, 2, or 3. It is usually benign and grows slowly. 3. Oligodendroglioma which the tumor that arises from cells that make the fatty substance that covers and protects nerves. It usually occurs in the cerebrum. It’s most common in middle-aged adults. It can be grade 2 or 3.
No one knows the exact cause of brain tumors. Researchers are studying whether people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop a brain tumor. Studies have found the following as risk factors for brain tumors: ionizing radiation and family history. Symptoms of a brain tumor depend on tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or harms a part of the brain. They also may be caused when a tumor blocks the fluid that flows through and around the brain, or when the brain swells because of the buildup of fluid. The most common symptoms of brain tumors are headaches, nausea and vomiting, changes in speech, vision, or hearing, problems balancing or walking, changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate, problems with memory, muscle jerking, or twitching, and numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
If you have symptoms that exhibit a brain tumor your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask about your personal and family health history. Additional tests including neurologic exam, MRI, CT scan, angiogram, spinal tap, and biopsy may be done also. A biopsy is the removal of tissue to look for tumor cells. Biopsies are done by a surgeon and sent to a pathologist to evaluate the tissue under a microscope for diagnosis and grade. Once testing is complete, treatment options are discussed with the patient. Brain cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type and grade of brain tumor, its location in the brain, its size, and your age and general health. A treatment plan that is best for you will then be decided upon by you and your physician.
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February 16 Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group
WHO : Anybody who has had a stroke, TBI, or Brain Injury and their families, caregivers, or friends are welcome! WHAT YOU NEED : Computer or phone, a microphone, and speakers, a webcam (optional), & an internet connection. HOW TO JOIN : Visit our ...
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February 15 Look Good Feel Better
This has been postponed until further notice. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our patients, staff, residents and community members safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Look Good Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty ...
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February 18 Survivors of the Loss of Suicide Support Group
The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame, a heightened sense of helplessness; and these all tend to complicate the healing process for ...
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January 28 Seeking Safety Group
Seeking Safety is a group open to women who have experienced trauma and have a history of problems with substance use. This group is a safe place to learn coping skills on how to manage daily life more effectively. Seeking Safety also provides ...
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January 26 Al-Anon Group Meetings
This has been postponed until further notice. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our patients, staff, residents, and community members safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Al-Anon meetings are for those affected by others' drinking. Here ...
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January 26 Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Support Group
The Behavioral Health Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Group meets every Tuesday from 5–6 pm. This outpatient group provides ongoing relapse prevention and aftercare services to our clients who have successfully completed one of our more ...
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January 26 Alzheimer's Support Group
Over 8,500 people in Wyoming are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 28,000 family and friends are helping to care for them. Alzheimer’s is often referred to as a ‘caregivers disease’ because of the tremendous toll – physically, emotionally and ...
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"My wife (Gerie Helton) and I traveled to Cody for our anniversary trip to Yellowstone National Park. On September 23, 2018 which would have been the first day of our trip she dislocated her left hip ( which had been replaced in 2009 0r 2010) while putting on her socks ( of all things.) We were staying at the Sunrise Motor Inn which fortunately was a short ambulance ride to your emergency room. The experience we had beginning with the EMT's who responded to the ambulance call, to the emergency room, and the next day on the second floor of your fine hospital is what ..."
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"I was a walk in patient on 5/29/18. I had been sick for several days while on a month long motorhome trip. The reception staff was friendly and efficient. I was seen quickly by the PA on duty, Robert Lang. He listened to me, did an exam, diagnosed my illness as acute bronchitis, and prescribed the necessary medication. I was feeling better in just a few days which enabled me to enjoy the remainder of my trip. I was sick and a long way from home so I really appreciated the excellent and friendly care that I received."
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