The human brain, the body's command centre, is a complex organ made of billions of cells that must work in harmony to function properly. However, the brain, like any other area of the body, is susceptible to a variety of medical disorders, the most serious of which is a brain tumour.
What is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or the surrounding tissues. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours tend to grow slowly and do not invade nearby tissues, making them generally less harmful than malignant tumours, which can grow rapidly and invade surrounding tissues, affecting normal brain function.
Also read: World Brain Tumour Day 2021: Know The Warning Signs Signalling Tumor Growth
Symptoms of Brain Tumours
According to Dr Ravinuthula V Raghunandan, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG MNR Cancer Centre, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, the symptoms of a brain tumour can vary widely depending on the size, location, and type of the tumour. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches: Persistent and severe headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, often worsened in the morning.
- Seizures: Seizures, which may be generalised or focal, can occur when a tumour irritates the brain tissue.
- Changes in Vision or Hearing: Tumours affecting the sensory areas of the brain can lead to changes in vision or hearing.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Tumours impacting the cerebellum can cause difficulties with balance and coordination.
- Personality or Cognitive Changes: Tumours affecting the frontal lobe may result in changes in personality, mood swings, or cognitive impairment.
Causes of Brain Tumours
Certain risk factors of brain tumours have been identified. These risk factors include:
- Genetics: Some brain tumours have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families.
- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to ionising radiation, either from medical treatments or environmental sources, has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain tumours.
- Age: While brain tumours can occur at any age, certain types are more common in specific age groups. For example, gliomas are more prevalent in adults, while medulloblastomas are often diagnosed in children.
- Immunosuppression: Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions or certain medications, may be more susceptible to developing brain tumours.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a brain tumour typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, and a biopsy to analyse the tumour cells. Once diagnosed, treatment options vary based on factors like the tumour type, size, and location. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: The removal of the tumour is often the primary treatment if the tumour is accessible and can be safely removed without causing significant damage to surrounding brain tissue.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.
- Chemotherapy: Medications are administered to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs are designed to target specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This emerging treatment approach harnesses the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach of doctors involving surgery, radiation, and various therapeutic interventions offer hope in the fight against brain tumours.
Also read: World Brain Tumour Day 2021: 7 Myths And Facts About Brain Tumour
As research continues, it is essential to raise awareness, support ongoing studies, and strive for breakthroughs that may one day lead to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this formidable health challenge.