Types of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors & Treatments

Brain tumors can occur anywhere in the brain. Their severity depends on the size and location of the tumor. Generally, brain tumors are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are various types of brain tumors, and not all of them are cancerous or dangerous. A spinal cord tumor, on the other hand, develops within the vertebral column of the spinal cord, which is also known as an intradural tumor. When the tumor affects the functioning of the vertebrae, it may be called a vertebral tumor.

Varied Types of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

There are two major types of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors-

• Primary Tumor: When the tumor begins at the site of the brain or spinal cord then it is referred to as a primary tumor.
• Metastatic Tumor: Tumors that begin in any other part of the body and reach the brain or spinal cord. At this stage, the tumor changes to cancer. It is more common in adults.

Classification of Tumors

Tumors are usually classified based on the type of cell, tumor grade, and location of the tumor:

• Type of Cell:: Tumors can occur in any type of cell or tissue in the brain or spinal cord. Tumors can be found in similar types of cells or different types of cells as well.  Tumors begin at one site and spread around the infected.
• Grade of Tumor:  Brain and spinal cord tumors can be divided into 4 grades. In grade 1 and 2 tumors, the tumor grows slowly and it does not spread to nearby tissues generally. Grade 3 and 4 are severe as they grows quickly and spreads to nearby tissues. This requires series of treatments.
• Location of Tumor: Our brain is the most complex organ in our body which is responsible for all bodily functions.  The part of the brain that suffers from the tumor, its function gets affected by it. For example, if the tumor forms in the part of the brain which is responsible for vision then the person suffering from it would face vision-related problems.

Treatment of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

The treatment for a Brain Tumor or spinal cord tumor depends upon the size, location of the tumor and the condition of the patient. Neuro Oncology Treatment in Udaipur is well known because of its great success rate. The specialists create a patient-specific treatment plan based on the requirement of the patient.  

• Radiation Therapy: It uses a high beam of energy rays that directly kill the tumor cells and cancerous cells. It is a specific type of treatment that require specialist which is known as radiation oncologists. There are different types of radiation therapies such as Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), Brachytherapy  (internal radiation therapy),  stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) etc.
• Chemotherapy: In this specific chemical drugs are used orally or intravenously. It is used for fast-growing tumor cells as it directly attacks the cells.
• Targeted Drug Therapy: The targeted therapy works in a different way than chemotherapy. They are specific and usually work on the targeted area.
• Surgical Treatment: Surgical treatment is required to get a biopsy in order to find the type of tumor and removal of the tumor. In some cases, surgical methods are used to decrease the symptoms or effects of tumors.

Bhagwan Mahaveer cancer hospital and research center have one of the best hospitals in Jaipur. We have few of the best Neuro Oncologists in Udaipur who are always available in case of any emergency or query.