Understanding Brain tumor
A brain tumor is a condition in which there is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain that disrupts brain function. Doctors detect the type of tumor based on the location where the tumor cells originated and also whether they are benign or cancerous or malignant. Below are types of brain tumors
- Benign
It is said to be the least destructive type of brain tumor as in it the cells originate from cells within or surrounding the brain. It does not contain cancer cells, and it grows slowly and also does not spread into other tissues.
- Malignant
It is a type of brain tumor that contains cancer cells and is considered to be life-threatening. It grows rapidly in the brain and invades surrounding brain tissues.
- Primary
These are the type of tumors that initiate in cells of the brain and spread to other parts of the brain or spine but rarely spread to other body organs.
- Secondary
It is also called as Metastatic and begins in other parts of the body and then spread to the brain.
Symptoms of brain tumors
Brain tumor symptoms can vary as per there type and location. There can be a condition where person many have no symptoms at the time when a tumor is discovered. Some symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Changes in personality
- Short-term memory loss
- Recurrent headaches
- Issues with vision
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty speaking
Causes or risk factors of brain tumor
The risk factor of brain tumor means that elements that increase the chances of the person to develop a brain tumor. Some people having a high risk of brain tumor do not directly cause brain tumor while others with no risk factors develop it. Most of the time, the brain tumor is unknown but below are some risk factors that may raise the risk of developing a brain tumor:
- Gender – Generally, men are more prone to brain tumors in comparison to women. There are specific types of brain tumors that are common in women, such as meningioma and more.
- Age- Sadly tumors are most common in children and older adults, though people with any age can develop a brain tumor.
- Family history-About five percent of brain tumors are connected with genetic factors
- Exposure to infections, allergens, and viruses- There are many types of virus that cause brain tumors
- Head injury and seizers – severe head trauma is linked with brain tumors.
How are brain tumors graded?
Brain tumors are graded as per their behavior, including their speed of growing, areas of spreading in the brain, and more. With time some brain tumor behavior changes, and it can change to the high-grade tumor. Generally, brain tumors are graded from 1 to 4, depending on its behavior.
Grade 1 and 2 are low-grade tumors, sometimes referred to as benign. These tumors
- Grow slowly
- Unlikely to spread
- Less chances of returning after removing
- Contains well-defined edges
Grade 3 and 4 are high-grade tumors referred to as malignant. These tumors are
- Fast-growing
- Likely to spread to other parts
- Chances of coming back after removed
Best hospital for a brain tumor in India
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Fortis Escorts Heart Insitute, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Fortis Flt.Lt.Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi
- Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Brain tumor treatment options
There are many therapies which are used to treat brain tumors. The type of treatment totally depends upon the size and type of brain tumor, its location, its growth rate, and health of the patient. The treatment of brain tumor includes radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Your doctor will describe all the treatment choices of brain tumor along with the expected results and possible side effects. Then he will refer you to the brain tumor specialists who include neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists.