Medical Health Encyclopedia

Brain cancer is uncommon, and, over the course of their lifetime, many people are exposed to these chemicals, many of which are very common. To date, there has been no clear evidence that implicates any specific industrial chemical or metal.

Inherited Disorders

About 5% of primary brain tumors are associated with hereditary disorders. They include the following:

• Li-Fraumeni cancer family syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis)
• Von Hippel Lindau disease
• Familial polyposis (Turcot's syndrome)
• Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome

Organ Transplantation

A 2002 study reported a higher risk for brain cancers in patients who had undergone organ transplantations. Researchers believed that the drugs used to suppress the immune response after the procedures may increase the risk.

Medical Conditions Associated with a Lower Risk for Brain Tumors

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A 2002 study reported lower risks for brain cancers in individuals with allergies and autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes). Autoimmune diseases were also associated with a lower risk for meningiomas. The cause of this possible association remains unknown.

Studies have also found an association between lower risk for gliomas and a history of infection with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles.

Click the icon to see an image of the chicken pox.