Brain Tumor: An Overview

Introduction

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass or growth of cells that can occur in any part of the brain. There are various forms of brain tumor that exists. Brain tumors can occur at any time to the individual. Brain tumors are basically of two types benign and malignant. The benign brain tumor is noncancerous whereas the malignant form of brain tumor is cancerous. Some cancer begins in other parts of your body and spread to the brain as a secondary brain tumor. The rate of growth of brain tumors greatly depends upon the location of the brain tumor and the function of the nervous system. There are various types of treatment options available that depend upon the condition, size, and location of the tumor.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Brain Tumors greatly depend upon person to person and the severity of the patient. Further, the symptoms also depend upon the location of the tumor as a different part of the brain is responsible for different activities. Signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Severe headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Inability to make decisions
• Hampered memory
• Hearing issue
• Seizures
• Sudden unconsciousness
• Loss of neural control
• Sleeping disorders
• Changes in speech, hearing, memory, emotional outbursts, aggressiveness, and mood swings are all common problems that a patient suffers.

Generally, there is no defined reason to have a tumor but there are certain things that increase the risk of having a brain tumor. Some of the risk factors include

• Exposure to Radiations: People who are frequently exposed to radiations are at greater risk of having a brain tumor. Radiation therapy is used in order to treat cancer patients and exposure to the radioactivity of atomic bombs is one of the reasons of brain tumors. Best Oncology specialists in Udaipur takes special care of the patients while doing CT scans and MRIs so that there is minimum risk.
• Genetics: People that have a family history of neural disorders and brain tumors are like to have more chances to have it.

Causes

Brain Tumor originates in different parts of the brain such as brain covering or meninges, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and cranial nerves. Generally, it develops in normal cells by initiating mutations in the DNA of the cell. The DNA in a cell is responsible for its structure and function and any alteration in the DNA might cause several disorders. DNA in a cell is responsible for the growth of the cell, and the cell cycle comprises cell division and the health of the cell.

Types of Brain Tumor

• Primary Brain Tumor: Primary Brain tumor originates in the tissues of the brain itself. It consists of glial cells and can be classified as benign or malignant tumors.
• Metastatic Brain Tumor: It refers to a brain tumor that arises in another part of the body and migrates to the brain later on. This type of brain tumor is cancerous or malignant.
• Craniopharyngiomas: This type of tumor is benign and difficult to remove because of its location as it is found deep in the brain.
• Glomus Jugulare: It is mostly benign and it is located just under the base of the skull, at the top of jugular vein.
• Meningiomas: It is one of the most commonly found brain tumor that comprises of 10-15 percent of neoplasm, as the name suggests it originates from the meninges.
• Schwannomas: It is the most common type of benign brain tumor in adults. It originates in the nerves cells and causes severe complications in the brain.
• Gliomas: It is the most common type of malignant brain tumor found in adults, comprising of 78 percent of malignant brain tumors. There are further many forms of Gliomas tumor.

Bhagwan Mahaveer cancer hospital and research center have one of the best cancer hospitals in Jaipur. We have some of the best Oncology specialists in Jaipur and experts in cancer treatment in Jaipur, who are always available in case of any emergency or query.

FAQs

Q1. What is a brain tumor?
A: A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Its effects depend on size, location and growth rate. 

Q2. What are the common symptoms and risk factors of brain tumors?
A: Symptoms include persistent headaches, seizures, vision or hearing changes, memory issues, and balance problems. Risk factors may include prior radiation exposure and certain genetic syndromes.