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Brain Tumor
Brain Tumor- A guide to Symptoms, Risks, Prevention and Cure
Brain Tumor- Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Cure
Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells grow within the brain or surrounding structures. While not all brain tumors are cancerous, malignant ones can interfere with critical functions like memory, movement, and speech. Depending on their type and location, brain tumors may grow slowly or spread aggressively.
As a medical oncologist, I know that a brain tumor diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But today, with earlier detection and improved treatment options, many patients achieve better outcomes and maintain quality of life.
By learning about brain tumors — their symptoms, risks, and treatments — you are making an important step toward awareness and preparedness.
What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor occurs when normal brain cells change and begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even non-cancerous tumors can be dangerous, as they take up space within the skull and put pressure on the brain. Cancerous brain tumors may start in the brain (primary brain cancer) or spread from cancers in other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic brain cancer).
Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are classified by the type of cells involved:
Gliomas: Most common malignant brain tumors, arising from glial cells. Subtypes include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas.
Meningiomas: Often benign, form in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
Medulloblastomas: Fast-growing tumors, usually in children.
Pituitary tumors: Affect hormone-producing pituitary gland, usually benign but impactful.
Metastatic brain tumors: Cancers that spread from the lung, breast, kidney, or other organs to the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumor
Brain tumor symptoms depend on the tumor’s size, type, and location. Common signs include:
Persistent headaches (often worse in the morning or with activity)
Seizures (new onset, especially in adults)
Vision problems (blurred or double vision, loss of peripheral vision)
Speech difficulties or confusion
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Loss of balance or coordination
Personality or behavior changes
Nausea and vomiting not linked to other causes
Risk Factors for Brain Tumor
The exact cause of most brain tumors is unknown, but certain factors may increase risk:
Family history or genetic syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turcot syndrome)
Previous radiation therapy to the head
Weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV or immunosuppressive drugs)
Age (some tumors are more common in children, others in older adults)
Exposure to certain industrial chemicals (rare and not strongly proven)
Brain Tumor Screening
There are no routine screening tests for brain tumors. Diagnosis usually begins when symptoms prompt further testing. Evaluation includes:
Neurological examination
Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans
Biopsy to confirm tumor type and grade
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
Persistent or worsening headaches
Unexplained seizures
Vision changes or double vision
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination
Personality or memory changes without clear cause
Treatment for Brain Tumor
Treatment depends on tumor type, size, location, and overall health:
Surgery: Often the first step to remove as much tumor as possible.
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to target and kill tumor cells.
Chemotherapy: Drugs to destroy or slow cancer cell growth.
Targeted therapy: Drugs that act on specific genetic changes in tumor cells.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight brain cancer.
Supportive care: Rehabilitation (physical, speech, or occupational therapy) for recovery.
Some Facts vs Myths about Brain Tumors
Myth: All brain tumors are cancerous.
Fact: Many brain tumors are benign, but even non-cancerous ones can cause serious problems due to pressure on the brain.Myth: Using cell phones causes brain cancer.
Fact: Current research has not found conclusive evidence linking cell phone use to brain tumors.Myth: Brain tumors always cause severe headaches.
Fact: Some tumors may cause subtle symptoms like memory problems or personality changes instead of pain.Myth: Surgery on the brain always leads to disability.
Fact: Advances in neurosurgery have made tumor removal safer, and many patients recover well with rehabilitation.
