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What is a Brain Tumor?
Brain Tumor is an abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells inside the brain. Usually, in case of an injury, the healing growth of new cells occurs.
But in case of a tumor, the body doesn’t need these cells, but the cells keep growing and multiplying aggressively.
Our brain is enclosed within the hard skull along with other vital parts. When cells grow uncontrollably and tumors enlarge, they press against the skull and other brain structures, causing several dysfunctions.
A brain tumor can affect people of any age, though certain types are more common in adults or children.
Types of Brain Tumors: Benign vs Malignant
There is a distinction between tumors and anti-cancer, which most people misunderstand. Not all tumors can be classified as cancer.
There are two types of Brain tumors:
Benign (non-cancerous)
These are non-cancerous ones; the growth is slow and remains concentrated in one region. But these can also be fatal if they push against any vital part of the brain.
Malignant (Cancerous)
These are the most dangerous ones. They grow aggressively and have the tendency to quickly spread to healthy regions in the brain. These tumors can even return with full intensity after successful treatment.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor, which part of the brain they are pushing against.
But below are some of the most common observed symptoms:
Headaches: Intense headache after waking up or set patterns of headaches throughout the day.
Seizures: Convulsions are the initial signs of fits that are observed in people facing these for the first time.
Hearing Changes: Temporary issues with vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
Cognitive changes: It can also affect your focus, concentration, and even lead to memory loss.
Motor issues: It affects the functioning of motor nerves, responsible for maintaining balance and walking. Hence, weaknesses can be experienced in legs, arms, and difficulty in walking.
Personality changes: Extreme mood swings without any prior symptoms and major shifts in personality, mimicking schizophrenia.
Causes and Risk Factors
Even due to such medical and technological advancements, doctors can’t pinpoint the exact cause of tumors to date. But certain triggers pose a risk in facilitating and developing tumors.
Age
There is no direct correlation between age and tumor, but the number of cases is generally higher in adults above 40 and children.
Radiation Exposure
Someone earlier exposed to “ionizing radiation” in the case of radiotherapy will have more chances of developing a tumor.
This is why, in many cases, even after treatment, the tumor comes back due to previous radiation exposure.
Family History
This is not very common, but yes, in very few cases, tumors were genetically linked and passed down to future generations.
How are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
If a doctor sees the chances of a brain tumor, these are the common steps of diagnosis:
Neurological Exam
The first step is to test vision, balance, hearing, cardiovascular, and neurological coordination, and reflexes.
Imaging Tests
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a major test prescribed to patients to understand the exact location and details of the tumor. In some cases, CT scans are also prescribed.
Biopsy
Here, a small sample of the tumor is surgically removed and analyzed in the laboratory to check whether it is cancerous or not. This is the only method to determine the cancerous nature of the tumor.
Stages and Grades
Doctors assign certain grades to tumors, instead of stages, to understand the intensity and visible characteristics of the tumor:
- Identified by slow growth, visibly almost looks normal. In most cases, these are benign tumors.
- Identified by aggressive growth and spreading to other regions in a quick time.
- Visibly, these tumors are also different and easily recognized.
Common Myths About Brain Tumors
Myth: All brain tumors are cancer.
False. Many are benign.
Myth: A headache always means a brain tumor.
False. Most headaches are caused by other common issues.
Myth: Brain tumors are always fatal.
False. Many tumors are treatable.
Treatment Options for Brain Tumors
Treatment of the tumor is dependent on location, size, growth, and which parts of the brain it is affecting currently:
Radiation Therapy: Here, high-energy rays such as X-rays are directed to destroy cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: Here, certain highly strong drugs are given to destroy cancerous cells. Mostly, these are directly consumed as normal pills or through an IV.
Targeted Therapy: These are slightly different from chemotherapy; here, medication is used, but these are specifically directed to destroy “weak areas in the tumor” without damaging any healthy tissue.
Surgery for Brain Tumors: What to Expect
Surgery is usually the first method followed if the tumor can easily be located and removed.
Scans and Imaging: Before surgery, doctors prescribe multiple scans and imaging tests to verify the tumor’s nature.
Surgery: A certain part of the skull is surgically operated on to extract as much of the tumor as possible.
Can Brain Tumors Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed prevention, but healthy habits may support overall health:
- Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure
- Stop smoking
- Maintain regular checkups
- Seek medical care for unusual symptoms early
Living with a Brain Tumor: Lifestyle Tips
Balanced Diet: Eat a healthy and balanced diet to lead a normal lifestyle and boost the immune system.
Regular Exercise: Do regular exercise or join a sports club to remain healthy physically, and for mental health, consider therapy.
When to See a Doctor for Brain Tumor Symptoms
Constant Headaches: When you experience consistent headaches, the feeling is different from normal headaches due to stress.
Walking Difficulty: Difficulty in walking and maintaining balance.
Irregularity in Sensory activities: Irregular speech and eyesight problems are coming up.
Seizures: Experiencing seizures for the first time.
Conclusion
A brain tumor is an abnormal cell growth in or around the brain that may be benign or malignant. Symptoms vary depending on size and location, but early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve outcomes.
If you experience persistent neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, weakness, or vision changes, seek medical advice promptly.