Brain Tumor Types, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

A brain tumor is a mass of cells that grows in or near the brain. It can start in the brain or nearby areas like nerves or glands and can be either cancerous or noncancerous, affecting people of all ages.

Brain Tumor Overview

• A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain.
• Brain tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).
• Some tumors overgrow, while others grow slowly.
• About one-third of brain tumors are cancerous.
• Regardless of the cancerous nature, brain tumors can affect brain function and health if they grow large enough to press on surrounding tissues.
• Tumors originating in the brain are called primary tumors, while those that spread to the brain from other body parts are called secondary or metastatic tumors.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain Tumor Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Vision problems like blurry vision or double vision.
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
• Trouble with balance and coordination.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Feeling very tired.
• Confusion and memory problems.
• Personality or behavior changes.
• Seizures, especially if they're new.
• Hearing problems.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Increased appetite and weight gain.

Brain Tumors Causes

• The damaged parts of the brain control how the cells grow, divide, and even stop living.
• When these parts get messed up, the cells start growing quickly and making more cells than they should.
• This creates abnormal cells that occupy space in the brain.
• Sometimes, things like getting a lot of X-rays or past cancer treatments can make this damage worse.
• Few people are born with these damaged parts, making them more likely to get brain tumors.
• Some families have unique genes that can make brain tumors more likely, but this is not very common.

Brain Tumors Diagnosis

• If brain tumor symptoms are present, the healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and ask about symptoms, medical history, medications, surgeries, and family medical history.
• A neurological exam may follow to examine balance, coordination, mental status, hearing, vision, and reflexes, indicating areas affected by the tumor.
• If a brain tumor is suspected, a brain scan or an MRI is suggested for further evaluation.

Tests for Diagnosing Brain Tumor

• MRI or CT scan : These tests use special machines to create detailed brain images, helping identify tumors. MRI is preferred, but CT is used if MRI isn't possible.
• Biopsy: Doctors may need to remove a small piece of the tumor to examine it under a microscope and determine if it's cancerous. This can be done during surgery or through a small hole in the skull using a needle.
• Spinal tap: A needle collects fluid from the spine, which is then examined for cancer cells, mainly if the tumor has spread to the layers covering the brain.
• Specialized tests: Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests check fluids released by tumors or gene abnormalities related to certain types of tumors.

Brain Tumor Treatment

• Brain surgery : Surgeons remove the tumor carefully, sometimes while the patient is awake, to protect brain function.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy X-rays are used to shrink or destroy tumor cells.
• Radiosurgery: Focused radiation beams are used to treat the tumor without surgery.
• Brachytherapy: Radioactive implants are placed near the tumor to deliver radiation directly.
• Chemotherapy : Anti-cancer drugs are given through injections or pills to kill tumor cells.
• Immunotherapy : Boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs target specific cancer cell features without harming healthy cells.

Brain Tumor Medications