Brain tumour

Published: 4 Jul 2024, 17:23 PM

Medically Reviewed by

Overview
Causes
Key Facts
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Articles
FAQs

What is Brain tumour?

A brain tumour means abnormal growth of cells in the brain or surrounding areas. The tumour can be cancerous or non-cancerous. The symptoms of a brain tumour are headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness and paralysis on one side of the body, inability to balance, slurred speech, and vision and hearing problems. Timely diagnosis of a brain tumour is critical for appropriate treatment that will improve the quality of life of the patient. Brain tumour continues to challenge the healthcare system of the country as there is a lack of awareness among people. A large number of people lose their precious lives due to the lack of knowledge about brain tumours.

Causes of Brain tumour

Genetics
Age groups
Environmental factors
Immune system disorders
Having a family history
Radiation therapy

It is important to note that many people with different risk factors are prone to the problem. It is best to consult a doctor to avoid any complications.

Key Facts About Brain tumour

Major Symptoms	Headaches Inability to think or speak words Seizures or convulsions Dizziness Nausea or vomiting Weakness or paralysis in one side of the body Blurred vision or other changes in vision Confusion Loss of memory Changes in mood or behaviour Difficulty in swallowing Loss of bladder or bowel control Hand tremors Clumsiness Feeling very hungry
Necessary Health Tests	MRI scan CT scan PET-CT scan Biopsy Neurological exam
Treatment	Genetics Age groups Environmental factors Immune system disorders Having a family history Radiation therapy

Symptoms of Brain tumour

Brain tumour can affect different parts of the brain, which can lead to different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of brain tumour include:

Headaches
Inability to think or speak words
Seizures or convulsions
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Weakness or paralysis in one side of the body
Blurred vision or other changes in vision
Confusion
Loss of memory
Changes in mood or behaviour
Difficulty in swallowing
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Hand tremors
Clumsiness
Feeling very hungry

Diagnosis of Brain tumour

Diagnosing a brain tumour can be a challenging task and may involve various tests, screening, and imaging methods. Here, is how one should go about the diagnosis.

1. The doctor will conduct a physical exam wherein the patient will be asked about the symptoms, his/her health condition, medication history, surgeries, and family history. Blood tests will also be advised by the doctor.
2. The neurological exam will help to monitor vision changes, balance and coordination, mental health, and reflexes.
3. Brain tumour detection can be done through either a brain MRI or a CT scan.
4. Patients may receive a contrast agent injection before these tests to enhance the visibility of the tumour. The results provide information on the size and location of the tumour. Furthermore, other body parts like the lungs, colon, or breasts can also be examined to check for any potential spread of the tumour.
5. A biopsy of the tumour is done to look for the type of tumour and if it’s cancerous. A neurosurgeon carries out a biopsy during surgery in which they remove all or part of the tumour and check under the microscope to see what exactly it is.
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): During this procedure, a small needle is used to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from around your spine and see if the tumour has invaded the layers of tissues that cover the brain (meninges).
6. Biomarker testing is a promising tool for diagnosing brain tumours, providing valuable information about the genetic makeup of the tumour, and guiding treatment decisions.
7. Liquid biopsy tests offer a minimally invasive approach to detect circulating tumour DNA in blood samples, providing real-time information on the progression of the disease and response to treatment.
8. Molecular testing is also beneficial for tumour diagnosis and management.
9. A brain angiogram is another vital examination for brain tumour detection.

As technology continues to advance, personalized approaches to treatment based on individual tumour size and location will lead to better prognoses for patients facing this challenging condition.

Treatment of Brain tumour

Brain surgery or craniotomy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy can help one manage the symptoms of a brain tumour. There are many myths related to brain tumours. Having a multidisciplinary approach to brain tumour management will help to produce good results. The patient should follow the guidelines given by the doctor and avoid self-medication for any symptoms such as headaches, nausea vomiting, or dizziness. Customized treatment plans for patient management are beneficial for enhancing the survival rates of patients across the country. It is the need of the hour to speak to the doctor and get all the misconceptions cleared before it is too late.

Currently, there has been a significant advancement when it comes to brain tumour screening and diagnosis. Early detection is possible owing to advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans. Apart from this, other options such as non-invasive methods, biomarker testing, and molecular profiling also allow for tumour detection and management. It is the need of the hour to take treatment immediately after the diagnosis.

Brain tumour Related FAQs

Do brain tumours come back?

Unfortunately, malignant brain tumours can happen again, even after treatment is successful. It is vital to go for regular checkups and imaging tests at regular intervals to avoid recurrence.