Understanding Brain Tumors: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

The growth of abnormal cells inside or even around the brain is referred to as a brain tumour. Brain tumours can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are tumours that develop slowly and others that grow quickly. Tumours affect brain processes by causing a variety of symptoms because they destroy part of the surrounding normal tissue when they grow or due to pressure on surrounding brain tissue. The term “brain tumor” sounds threatening, but not all kinds are fatal. Let’s know the types of diseases, their symptoms, and the method of diagnosis.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are broadly classified into two categories:

• Benign Brain Tumors
• Malignant Brain Tumors

Benign Brain Tumor: A benign brain tumour is not the same as a cancerous tumour. It develops slowly and doesn’t to spread to other areas of the brain. Although they seldom cause death, they can nevertheless trigger problems since they may have an impact on important parts of the brain. A common benign brain tumour called a meningioma starts in the meninges, the protective covering that envelops the brain and spinal cord.

Malignant Brain Tumor: It represents malignant brain cancer that, if untreated, usually grows faster. Malignant brain tumours require radiation or chemotherapy or by surgery. Gliomas, which are characterised as “brain tumours originating from glial cell,” often begin with cancerous glial cells that act as a shield for the nerve cells.

Treatment and the likely result also heavily depends on the ability to distinguish between the two types of brain tumors, namely benign and malignant brain tumours or stage of tumour growth (Assesed on examination of cells under microscopy).

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

For individuals with very tiny brain tumours, there are cases in which signs and symptoms are completely absent. As previously mentioned, the location, size, and type of growth all affect how a brain tumour manifests. They may include:

• Headaches: Severe or recurring headaches, especially if you wake up with it or right after waking up.
• Seizures: Unpredictable and uncontrolled movements or sensations produced by aberrant brain activity.
• Nausea and Vomiting: This is usually a result of a rise in pressure inside the head.
• Vision Problems: Blurred or double vision or even loss of peripheral vision.
• Cognitive Changes: Sluggishness or forgetfulness with confusion or inability to focus.
• Weakness or Numbness: Especially on one side of the body.
• Speech or Hearing Difficulties: Learning disorder, speech or language disorder, or hearing loss.

Furthermore, it should be noted that other conditions might also cause the same symptoms. Seeking medical advice early on is essential for a precise diagnosis.

Risk Factors for Brain Tumors

Although possessing risk factors does not ensure that a person will get a brain tumour, a number of variables may predispose an individual to the development of one. Key risk factors consist of:

• Age: Risk is determined by age; some tumours develop when one is young, while others develop at older age.
• Gender: Some types, such as meningiomas, are more common in women, while others are more common in men.
• Family History: The family history of brain tumours or genetic disorders poses a high risk.
• Radiation Exposure: Treatments involving ionising radiation raise the risk of exposure to such radiation.
• Chemical Exposure: There is a possibility that risks may go higher due to exposure to dangerous chemicals.
• Immune Disorders: It is also a risk when the body’s immune system is compromised due to immunosuppressive drugs or diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
• Genetics: Genetic mutations or inherited syndromes contribute to susceptibility.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumors

A brain tumour can be difficult to diagnose and may require the assistance of many experts. However, in certain instances, medical professionals may find a brain tumour while doing imaging testing for another condition. Your healthcare professional will perform a physical diagnosis to determine whether you are exhibiting signs of a brain tumour. They may also perform:

• Neurological Examination: A doctor assesses your eyesight, hearing, reflexes, balance, and coordination.
• Imaging Tests:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is one of the most efficient methods of detecting brain tumors since it entirely images the cerebral structure.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This test helps identify abnormalities in the brain.
• Biopsy: In certain instances, a sample of the tumour is obtained in order to classify it as either benign or malignant brain tumour.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): In this procedure, a doctor draws cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the area around the spinal column using a tiny needle. After that, the fluid is examined in a lab to check for the presence of cancerous cells.

Why Early Detection is Important

If the brain tumour is identified early, there is an excellent chance that it will be treated and cured. A patient who receives a diagnosis early on may have a higher quality of life and have fewer or no problems and potentially permanent negative consequences. If the tumour is small and readily removed, doctors can take action with an early diagnosis. Additionally, many more treatments, such as radiation and surgery. In the event that there are any post-procedure problems, such as headaches, seizures, or changes in vision, close monitoring is required.

How are Brain Tumors Treated?

The effective treatment plan for brain tumors depends on various factors such as the tumor’s location, size, type, number, and the patient’s age and overall health.

• Surgery (Craniotomy): Neurosurgeons aim to remove the tumour as safely as possible, and in rare situations, they may operate on a conscious patient to avoid damaging critical areas of the brain.
• Radiation Therapy: High doses of X-rays can destroy tumour cells or shrink them.
• Radiosurgery: Radiation beams that are focused on the tumour do not harm the skin.
• Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer medications kill tumour cells and prevent their proliferation.
• Immunotherapy: Enhances the body’s ability to battle cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: It focuses on certain characteristics of cancer cells, which do not affect the healthy cells.
• Active Surveillance: Monitoring small, symptom-free tumors with regular tests.

Other supportive treatments include:

• Shunts: Relieve pressure by draining excess fluid.
• Medications: Reduce swelling and intracranial pressure.
• Palliative Care: Focuses on symptom relief and support.

A combination of therapies is often used to provide the best outcome for patients.

Conclusion

Understanding the fundamentals of brain tumours is the first step in treating this complicated ailment. The sooner that a brain tumour is diagnosed and treated, the better, whether it is a benign tumour like a meningioma or an aggressive malignant tumour like a glioma. At Apollo Hospital in Mysore, we provide patients with individualised treatment plans and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to help them on their path to recovery.

Please give us a call right now to arrange a consultation or if you have any enquiries concerning brain tumours. Your health is our priority.

FAQs

Q. What is the brain tumour survival rate?

Ans. Whether the brain tumour is benign or malignant, the location of the tumour and some characteristics of a patient will determine the survival rates. The outcome of cancerous brain tumors generally varies, but the survival rate of the benign brain tumour is rather high.

Q. Is it possible to avoid brain tumours?

Ans. Brain tumours are difficult to avoid completely; however, their occurrence may be reduced significantly by minimising exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals, leading a healthy lifestyle, and seeing a doctor regularly.