D33.9: Benign neoplasm: Central nervous system, unspecified

The brain is made up of several areas. For example, the cerebrum is used to think and plan actions. In the cerebellum, movements are initialized and coordinated. The brain stem is responsible for various unconscious tasks such as breathing. The brain stem passes into the spinal cord. The spinal cord is located in the spinal column. The spinal cord is made up of nerve fibers. The brain uses the nerve fibers to exchange information with the organs, skin and muscles.

When there is abnormal growth of tissue, then this is also referred to as a tumor. The tissue in the body is made up of cells. A tumor disorder involves the cells multiplying more than normal. This results in abnormal or excess tissue forming. A tumor can be benign or malignant. The tumor you have is benign. Benign tumors do not destroy the healthy tissue and do not spread throughout the body. However, a tumor can crowd out the healthy tissue.

The symptoms with a brain tumor will depend on which side and which area of the brain is affected. A brain tumor can cause you to have a headache or seizures, for example. You may feel sick. Certain areas of the brain may also no longer work properly. You may then no longer be able to move certain muscles properly or the skin may tingle. You may also behave differently. The symptoms of a spinal cord tumor will depend on which area of the spinal cord is affected. You are then no longer able to move certain muscles or perceive touch on the skin, for example. The lower region of the spinal cord is where there are nerves for the bladder and anus, for example. A spinal cord tumor can therefore cause you to have problems urinating or with bowel movements, for example. It is also possible to have other symptoms.