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A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain or surrounding tissue. Brain tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may arise directly within the brain (primary tumors) or spread to the brain from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumors). Early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan are essential in managing the impacts of a brain tumor.
Brain tumor symptoms vary widely depending on the tumor’s location, size, and growth rate. Some common symptoms include:
Headaches: Often worse in the morning and may improve throughout the day. They may become more frequent or severe over time.
Seizures: New onset of seizures in an adult, or any unusual neurological events, may be a symptom.
Cognitive or Personality
Changes: Difficulty with memory, concentration, or decision-making, as well as noticeable mood changes.
Weakness or Numbness: Reduced strength or sensation, often on one side of the body, especially if the tumor is pressing on specific brain regions.
Vision or Hearing Changes: Blurred vision, double vision, partial loss of vision, or hearing issues may occur.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting, particularly if associated with headache, can be a symptom.
Balance and Coordination Issues: Tumors in certain areas, like the cerebellum, can cause loss of coordination or trouble walking.
Since many of these symptoms overlap with other health issues, a thorough evaluation is necessary for diagnosis.
Diagnosing a brain tumor involves several steps, often beginning with an assessment of symptoms, followed by imaging studies and sometimes a biopsy:
Neurological Examination: Checks for signs of brain dysfunction, including reflexes, coordination, vision, and hearing.
Imaging Tests:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The preferred method for detecting brain tumors, providing detailed images of the brain’s structures.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Often used if MRI is unavailable or as an initial evaluation, especially in emergencies.
Positron Emission
Tomography (PET) Scan: Sometimes used to determine the aggressiveness of the tumor.
Biopsy: Involves taking a tissue sample from the tumor, either through surgery or a needle biopsy, to confirm the type and grade of the tumor.
Molecular Testing: Identifies genetic mutations or biomarkers, which may influence treatment choices, especially for gliomas.
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
Surgery:
Craniotomy: The most common surgical approach, where a part of the skull is removed to access and remove the tumor.
Minimally Invasive
Techniques: For certain tumors, endoscopic or stereotactic techniques may reduce risks and recovery time.
Complete or Partial Resection: The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging brain function.
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or inhibit cancer cell growth. It’s often used for aggressive or high-grade tumors. Drugs like temozolomide are commonly used for gliomas.
Targeted Therapy: Targets specific molecules involved in tumor growth and spread. Drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin) can block blood supply to the tumor.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. While not yet widely used for brain tumors, research is ongoing.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTF): A newer treatment that uses electrical fields to disrupt tumor cell division, often used with other therapies for glioblastoma.
Supportive and Palliative Care: Focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, such as medications for pain, swelling, or seizures.
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