Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Brain cancer is a malignant growth in the brain which differs from a benign tumor as its cancerous and tends to grow fast.
Less than 1% of people will experience a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord over their lifetime. Men have a higher risk of developing malignant brain tumors than women.
Although they seem to be more common in older folks, brain tumors can affect people of any age, including children.
Depending on the location of the tumor in the brain, different symptoms can occur which include:
Headache (which gets worse in the morning and when coughing or straining)
Seizures
Regularly feeling sick (vomiting)
Personality changes or memory problems
Weakness or paralysis
Vision or speech problems
Sometimes you might not have any symptoms at all, or they might come on very gradually. Although it's unlikely to be a tumor, it's best to be certain.
If you experience persistent symptoms of a brain tumor,
visit your Neurologist who may refer you to an Oncologist.
Although the majority of brain tumors have no known reason, there are some risk factors that could.
These include:
Age – the risk increases as you get older (most brain tumors happen in older adults aged 85 to 89)
Radiation exposure- People who have received radiation, a CT scan, or head X-rays are more likely to develop certain forms of brain tumors
Family history & Genetic conditions
Check with your doctor if you notice any symptoms. The following tests and procedures may be used:
General neurological examination: This includes for example; mental exercises, hearing tests, checking reflexes and strength of legs and arms.
Brain magnetic resonance (MRI) scan: This examination creates a thorough image of the interior of your head using magnetic fields.
Brain computerized tomography (CT) scan: This produces a three-dimensional image of the inside of the body by taking many x-rays.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: This measures the activity of cells in various regions of the body using low-dose radioactive glucose (a form of sugar), but it’s not routinely used.
Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT): This examines the brain’s blood flow.
Biopsy: Taking a small sample to be examined to confirm the diagnosis and know the type of tumor.
Grading
According to how quickly they grow and how likely it is that they will return following therapy, brain tumors are graded. Tumors in grades 1 and 2 are low grade, whereas those in grades 3 and 4 are high grade.
Malignant tumors are high grade (grade 3/4). They can begin in the brain (primary tumors) or spread from another location into the brain (secondary tumors); they are more likely to recur after therapy.
The goal of treatment for a brain tumor is to get rid of as much of it as possible and try to prevent it from coming back.
Treatment depends on the type, position, size, and the patient’s overall health.
Treatment options are:
Surgery: An operation in which the tumor is removed.
Radiotherapy: After surgery, radiation from an external device used to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: A medicine that kills cancer cells. It is used after surgery to kill any remaining cells or if the tumor cannot be removed by surgery, to ease symptoms (ex: PROCARBAZINE, Vincristine, Carboplatin, Cisplatin).
Radiosurgery: If surgery is not an option, the cancer is killed using several small radiation beams.
Carmustine implants (glial wafers): A novel method of administering chemotherapy for some high-grade tumors involves placing implants in the brain.
Additionally, other medications may be used to treat illnesses and symptoms like headaches, seizures, and vomiting
Get the answers you need, all in one place. Explore expert-written blogs, browse our extensive FAQs for quick answers to common concerns, or use our Symptom Checker for preliminary insights.
Need in-depth details? Our Disease Directory provides comprehensive information to help you understand conditions better.
Whatever you're looking for, we're here to support your health journey, seamlessly and effortlessly.
Reviewed Blogs & Medical Guidelines
and Diseases Explained