Brain Tumours

Overview

A brain tumour is a growing mass of abnormal cells rooted in the brain or in its surrounding tissues. These cells stop the brain from functioning normally and are generally either benign non-cancerous cells or malignant/cancerous cells. Since our brain is responsible for every sensation within our body, from movement to thoughts and emotions, a brain tumour can have a hazardous impact.

What are Brain Tumours?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain. Given the brain's complex structure, which includes various regions responsible for different functions, tumors can form in any part of the brain or its surrounding areas, such as the protective lining, brainstem, or sinuses. There are over 120 types of brain tumors, classified based on their origin from different tissues. These tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous), with some growing rapidly and others more slowly.

Types of Brain Tumors
Researchers have identified over 150 types of brain tumors. Healthcare providers classify primary tumors as either glial (originating from glial cells in the brain) or non-glial (arising from structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and glands within the brain). These tumors can also be categorized as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign Brain Tumors
Types of brain tumors that are usually benign include:

• Chordomas: Slow-growing tumors found at the base of the skull and spine.
• Craniopharyngiomas: Tumors near the pituitary gland, challenging to remove due to their deep location.
• Gangliocytomas, Gangliomas, and Anaplastic Gangliogliomas: Rare tumors forming in nerve cells.
• Glomus Jugulare: Tumors under the skull base near the jugular vein.
• Meningiomas: Common primary brain tumors developing in the meninges, typically slow-growing.
• Pineocytomas: Slow-growing tumors in the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Tumors in the pituitary gland, often slow-growing and affecting hormone production.
• Schwannomas: Common benign tumors in adults, developing from Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system or cranial nerves, such as acoustic neuromas on the vestibular nerve.

Cancerous (Malignant) Brain Tumors

• Astrocytoma: Common gliomas forming in astrocytes, typically found in the cerebrum.
• Ependymomas: Tumors near brain ventricles, arising from ependymal cells.
• Glioblastoma (GBM): Fastest-growing astrocytomas.
• Oligodendroglioma: Rare tumors originating in cells that create myelin.
• Medulloblastoma: Another type of fast-growing cancerous brain tumor, most common in children, forming at the skull base.

Symptoms of Brain Tumour

Different parts of the brain control various functions, so brain tumor symptoms depend on the tumor's location. For instance, a tumor in the cerebellum at the back of the head may cause issues with movement, walking, balance, and coordination. If the tumor affects the optic pathway, vision changes may occur.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, symptoms vary based on the brain tumor's location and may include:

• Headaches, especially severe in the morning or waking the patient at night
• Seizures or convulsions
• Difficulty thinking, speaking, or articulating
• Personality changes
• Weakness or paralysis on one part or side of the body
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Vision changes
• Hearing changes
• Facial numbness or tingling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swallowing difficulties
• Confusion and disorientation
• Causes of Brain Tumour

Researchers have found that brain tumours develop when specific genes on a cell's chromosomes become damaged and malfunction. However, the exact reason why some cells start to form tumours is still unknown. It could be related to a person's genetic makeup, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Some potential causes and risk factors for brain tumours include:

- Cancers that metastasize from other parts of the body
- Certain genetic conditions that predispose individuals to an overproduction of specific cells
- Exposure to certain types of radiation

Prevention of Brain Tumour

Since the exact cause of most brain tumours is still unknown, you can’t prevent a brain tumor. You can reduce your risk of developing a brain tumour by avoiding environmental hazards such as smoking and excessive radiation exposure.

Tests and Treatments for Brain Tumour

A brain tumour diagnosis generally involves a multi-step process with inputs from a licensed medical practitioner. The first response would be to take a neurological test to assess the functioning of your nervous system, using imaging tests like MRI scans and CT scans to see if there are any abnormalities In some cases, a small tissue sample from the tumour may be needed for microscopic examination, called a biopsy, to determine its type and nature.

For treatment, on the other hand, it mainly depends on a few different factors like the type, size, location and aggressiveness (the growth rate mentioned earlier) of the tumour and how far it has progressed. When possible, surgeons strive to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible.

The methods they take to approach this may vary. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy makes use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Lastly, supportive care medications and therapies can manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and seizures.