Overview

Concerns about unexpected seizures, memory problems, or inexplicable headaches highlight the importance of understanding brain cancers and their management. It includes knowledge of tumor types, symptoms, and treatment options. For those in Chennai who require expert medical guidance, seeking a hospital recognized for its advanced neurology services could be a valuable course of action.

Contents Table

• What Is a Brain Tumor?
• Types of Brain Tumors
• Symptoms of a brain tumor
• Recognizing Brain Cancers
• Options for Brain Tumor Classification and Grading
• The quality of life and prognosis
• Final thoughts
• FAQs

What Is a Brain Tumor?

Brain tumors are characterized by an overgrowth of irregular cells occurring inside the brain or its immediate vicinity.These can spread from other parts of the body (metastatic or secondary tumors) or start in the brain (primary tumors). These tumors can impact vital brain functions and grow slowly or quickly, depending on whether they are benign or malignant. For proper diagnosis, consult nearby brain tumor doctors.

Benign Brain Tumors

• Slow-growing and non-cancer
• Examples include pituitary adenoma, Schwannoma, and Meningioma.
• May still result in symptoms due to pressure or compression of brain and its nerves
• Malignant brain tumors that have the potential to grow quickly
  For instance:
  • Highly aggressive Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
  • High Grade Oligodendroglioma and Astrocytoma
  • Medulloblastoma is more prevalent in kids.
• Cancers in other body areas, such as the Thyroid, Lung, Breast, Kidney, or skin can spread to the brain.

Brain tumor symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a brain tumor.

1. Ongoing or Getting Worse A headache
   • Symptoms may be worse in the mornings.
   • Deep, dull pain that is not alleviated by over-the-counter medications
2. Seizures with a New Start
   • May be universal or focal (affecting one limb or side).
   • A cause for concern when there is no existing epilepsy history.
3. Modifications in Behavior or Thought
   • Disinhibition, confusion, and memory loss
   • The first signs are commonly noticed by family or caregivers.
4. Modifications in Vision
   • Double or blurred vision
   • Temporal hemianopsia, or tunnel vision
   • High eye pressure or optic nerve swelling often indicates a medical concern.
5. Feeling weak or numb
   • Hemiparesis, or one-sided weakness
   • Stumbling and tingling feelings
6. Language and Speech Issues
   • Word-finding problems
   • Slow or slurred speech
   • Issues with comprehension
7. Inexplicable Vomiting and Nausea
   • Frequently happens without GI problems.
   • Mornings are worse.
8. Ringing or Hearing Loss
   • Originating in the balance nerve, this tumor is known as both a vestibular schwannoma and an acoustic neuroma.
   • May involve issues with balance.

To evaluate these symptoms accurately, visit a trusted neurology department for timely intervention.

Examining vision, hearing, reflexes, and coordination in order to diagnose brain tumors

• The most detailed imaging method is MRI brain tumour protocol with contrast.
• CT scan: important for detecting calcification and during emergencies
• fMRI, PET, or lumbar puncture (spinal tap) are possible further tests.

Classification and Grading

The WHO grades brain tumors I-IV to help decide treatment and predict outcomes.

Options for Treating Brain Tumors

Maximal safe removal is the best-proven brain tumor treatment.

1. The goal of surgery is to carefully remove as much of the tumor as feasible.
   • Methods : intraoperative MRI, awake craniotomy, and neuronavigation
2. Treatment with Radiation
   • Used either after surgical procedures or if surgery cannot be performed
   • Options include stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) and external beam radiation.
3. The use of chemotherapy
   • Frequent in glioblastoma and other high-grade cancers
   • For instance, temozolomide is commonly used to treat gliomas.
4. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
   • Specifically targets genes or proteins particular to tumors (e.g., Dinutuximab for neuroblastoma in children)
   • Clinical trials of immunotherapy are beginning to emerge.
5. Palliative and Supportive Care
   • For edema, corticosteroids
   • Anti-seizures
   • Occupational and physical therapy

The prognosis and life quality

Results differ based on:

• Location and type of tumor
• Overall wellness and age of the patient
• Surgical accessibility
• Reaction to treatment
• Low-grade cancers often allow long-term survival
• Recurrence rates are higher for high-grade cancers.
• The best results are achieved by interdisciplinary care, early intervention, and a customized treatment strategy.

Concluding remarks

Although receiving a brain tumor diagnosis is devastating, there is still hope. Results are gradually getting better thanks to today’s developments in imaging, surgery, and targeted therapies. Don’t wait if you’re having neurological symptoms. For an early assessment and peace of mind, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled neurologist in chennai.

Reach out to our specialists at MGM Malar – Adyar
Phone Number – 99625 99933