Brain Tumor

Brain Tumor

Brain Tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or central nervous system. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), affecting brain function depending on their location, size, and rate of growth. Brain tumors can originate within the brain (primary brain tumors) or spread to the brain from other parts of the body (metastatic or secondary brain tumors).

Treatment

Treatment for brain tumors varies depending on the type, size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment approaches include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for accessible brain tumors, involving the removal of as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage to surrounding brain tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells or reduce the size of the tumor, often employed when surgery is not possible.
• Chemotherapy: Utilizes drugs to kill or slow the growth of tumor cells, either taken orally, intravenously, or delivered directly to the brain.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific genes or proteins that contribute to tumor growth, aiming to block the tumor's ability to grow and spread.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack brain tumor cells.

The treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient's needs, balancing the goal of tumor removal with the preservation of brain function.

Types of Brain Tumors

• Gliomas: A type of tumor that arises from glial cells in the brain, with subtypes including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas.
• Meningiomas: Tumors that develop in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These are often benign but can still cause significant neurological problems.
• Metastatic Brain Tumors: Tumors that spread to the brain from cancers originating in other parts of the body, such as lung or breast cancer.

Common Symptoms

• Headaches, often worse in the morning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Changes in vision, speech, or hearing
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
• Cognitive or personality changes

Diagnosis

Diagnosing brain tumors typically involves:

• Neurological Exam: To evaluate brain function by testing reflexes, coordination, vision, hearing, and balance.
• Imaging Studies: Such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the tumor's size, location, and impact on brain structures.
• Biopsy: A sample of tumor tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant.
• Genetic Testing: To identify specific mutations that may guide targeted therapies.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormal patterns related to seizures.