Abnormal growth of cells in the brain results in Brain Tumor. Every year on 8th June, World Brain Tumor Day is observed. It was first initiated by the German Brain Tumor Association (GBTA) in 2000. The main aim of it being, to spread awareness about it and ensure its early diagnosis in people. It is one of the most common types of cancer amongst children. The National Health Portal (NHP) of India states, “Brain tumour is an abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells found in the brain. In a healthy human body, normal cells grow old or die and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong. Some unnecessary new cells are produced when the body doesn't need them, and old or damaged cells don't die as they should. The formation of these extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumour. There are two main types of tumours which are called benign tumours (harmless growth) and malignant (cancerous tumours).”
“Cancerous tumours can be divided into primary brain tumours that start within the brain, and secondary brain tumours that originate from somewhere else, but spread throughout the body, known as brain metastasis tumours.”, states NHP.
There are many types of primary brain tumors, which are mostly named after the type of cells or the part of the brain where they begin like Gliomas, Meningiomas, Pituitary tumors, Pineal Gland tumors, Ependymomas, etc. Secondary brain tumors include Lung cancer, Breast cancer, Kidney cancer and Skin cancer, in which cancer may start in the respective body part and metastasize to the brain.
Symptoms
The Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada states some of the common symptoms of a brain tumor:
- Severe headaches become more frequent.
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting.
- The Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg.
- Difficulty with balance.
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision.
- Speech difficulties.
- Seizures, with no previous history of seizures.
- Changes in personality
- Tingling or stiffness on one side of the body
- Anxiety or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty communicating as usual
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle weakness
However, the symptoms may differ according to the part of the brain in which the tumor is present.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A brain tumor can be diagnosed by a neurological exam, angiogram, spinal tap, MRI and CT scans or skull X-rays. Once diagnosed, these tumors can be treated according to the type, size, position or the tumor and general health of a person. According to NHP, the possible treatments of a Brain tumor can be:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Steroids
- Anti-seizure medication
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (Also called a VP shunt)
- Encourage supportive care
“There is no specific cause of brain tumour. Mutation of certain genes is thought to be the main cause of some types of tumour. The role of radiation caused by gadgets like mobile phones in causing various types of cancers including brain tumour is widely debated”, states NHP.
Amidst the global pandemic, people suffering from brain tumor do not fall in the higher risk category. However, some may be at a higher risk because of a weaker immune system due to certain treatments and medications. But, you do not need to panic in case you are diagnosed with a brain tumor. It becomes important to take your medication on time, do not hesitate to ask for help and do not isolate yourself from your friends or family. We are together with you in this battle!
