A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or its surrounding tissues. This growth can be benign which is non-cancerous or malignant which is cancerous. The tumor of the brain is the critical and serious health issue because the brain is the central part of the body and it provides functions to all parts. The brain is also known as the control center of the body. The tumor in the brain affects the function of the brain greatly. Understanding the brain tumor is necessary for the early detection and treatment.
Introduction
A brain tumor is actually the growth of abnormal cells in the brain or near it. The tumor in the brain mostly happens in the brain tissue but sometimes it also happens near the brain tissue. It ranges in size from very small to very large. Sometimes it can be diagnosed when it is very small because it causes symptoms that you notice but sometimes it can grow largely before they are found.
Types of Brain tumor
There are many types of brain tumors on which the primary and secondary are very common.
Primary
These originate in the brain itself. They can be benign or malignant. There are some common types of primary brain tumors.
Gliomas
Meningiomas
Medulloblastomas
Pituitary Tumor
Schwannomas
Craniopharyngiomas
Gliomas: These are the growth of cells that look like glial cells. The cell supports nerve cells in the brain tissue. There are also many types of gliomas including astrocytoma (arise from astrocytes), glioblastomas (highly aggressive form of astrocytoma), oligodendrogliomas (developed from oligodendrocytes), ependymomas (originate from ependymal cells).
Meningiomas: This type of tumor develops from meninges (membrane that surround the brain and spinal cord).
Medulloblastomas: This type of tumor occurs more commonly in the children and is located in the cerebellum. This type is malignant and has the ability to spread to other parts of the body.
Pituitary Tumor: This type of tumor arises from the pituitary gland that is at the base of the brain. This type is benign but can still affect hormone levels and other functions of the body.
Schwannomas: This type of tumor develops from Schwann cells (produce myelin sheath that covers nerves).
Craniopharyngiomas: This type of tumor is rare and mostly occurs near the pituitary gland. It mostly affects the production of hormones.
Secondary
This type of tumor originates anywhere in the body and spreads to the brain. They are always malignant. Common sites in which this tumor mostly occurs are lungs, breast, skin and kidneys and these tumors are known as lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and Kidney cancer respectively.
Signs and symptoms of brain tumors
The signs and symptoms of the brain tumor mostly depends upon the size, type, and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
Headache: Headache is the main and important symptom of the brain tumor. It is often severe in the morning and can also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Seizures: It is the sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
Speech difficulty: Difficulty in speaking or understanding language is also the main symptom.
Vision Problem: Blurred vision, or double vision is also the main symptom of a tumor in the brain.
Hearing issue: The person with tumor in the brain also has hearing issues. They also feel like ringing in the ears.
Balance issues: Patients also face difficulty in walking on maintaining balance.
Fatigue: Feeling tired, exhausted or lacking energy.
Weakness: Patients feel weakness especially on one side of the body.
Causes of brain tumor
The exact cause of the brain tumor is not known but there are several factors that can increase the risk of tumor.
Genetic Factor: Genetic factors are the main course of tumor. There are certain inherited conditions such as neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome that can increase the risk.
Environmental factors: Environmental chapters can also lead to tumors. Exposure to certain chemical and industrial solvent is the main cause.
Family history: If you have a family history of brain tumors it can also increase the risk.
Age: There are no specific age for brain tumor and can be occurred at any age but most of the types are more common in children and older adults.
Diagnosis of brain tumor
Diagnosing brain tumors involves several steps and test
Physical exam: The health care professional discussing symptoms with the patient and examine that whether the patient have tumor or not.
Medical history: The doctor asks patient about medical history and determine tumor on the basis of medical history.
Imaging test: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) are commonly used to detect brain tumor.
Other tests: Blood tests, lumbar puncture and PET scans may be used to gather information.
Treatment of brain tumor
The treatment of the brain tumor mostly depends upon the type, size, location and grade of the tumor. The common treatment include
Surgery: In this method the doctors tries to remove tumor as much as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue.
Radiation therapy: In this technique, high energy rays are used to kill or shrink tumor cells.
Chemotherapy: In this method drugs are commonly used to kill the cancer cell or stop them from growing.
Targeted Therapy: In this method drugs are used to target the specific molecules that are the main cause of the growth of the cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: In this technique, the immune system of the body is immune to fighting against cancer.
Supportive Care: This includes managing the symptoms and side effects of brain tumor such as pain, seizures, headache, weakness and fatigue.
Prevention of brain tumor
There is no exact or sure way to prevent the tumor in the brain but there are some strategies that may reduce the risk.
Avoid exposure to radiation: If you want to limit the risk of tumor then limit exposure to unnecessary medical radiation.
Protect yourself: you must use protective equipment to protect yourself from harmful chemicals if you are working with the chemical industry.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and avoid smoking are the main preventive measures to reduce the risk of tumor.
Genetic counseling: If you have a family history of brain tumor consider genetic counselling to understand your risk.
Living with a brain tumor
Living with a brain tumor is a very typical and difficult task. It involves managing symptoms and treatment. The patient also needs emotional and psychological support from their loved ones.
Manage Symptoms: Consult your health care professional regularly to manage symptoms.
Seek support: The patient of brain tumor needs a lot of support from family and friends.
Healthy Living: The patient of the brain tumor had to maintain a balanced diet and do exercise as much as can and also take care of health.
Conclusion
Brain tumor is a serious and complicated health condition that requires comprehensive care. Understanding the signs symptoms and causes of tumor is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing the symptoms of brain tumor then seek medical attention immediately. If your tumor was diagnosed at the early stage then it can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Stay informed, stay proactive, and take care of your health.