Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a condition that is caused when abnormal cells in the brain grow within the brain or the spinal cord. It can be life threatening because it can disrupt brain functioning. There are two types of brain tumors, ones that are benign (cancerous) and malignant (malignant). The life expectance varies depending upon the stage of the cancer.

Benign Tumors – This tumor grows slowly and does not spread to other tissues, thus is not cancerous in nature.

Malignant Tumor – This tumor grows very fast and contains cancerous cells that invade other parts of the brain and is considered to be life threatening condition.

Brain Tumors are also classified as primary and secondary tumors depending on their origin. If the tumor starts in the brain it is known as primary tumor and if it originates from some other part of the body, it is known as secondary or metastatic tumor.

Symptoms
The symptoms of brain tumor depending upon the type of tumor and the origin of it. The symptoms are mild initially and gradually increase. Sometimes there may be no symptoms at all. Some common symptoms –
Headache that persists
Nausea, vomiting and drowsiness
Speech issues
Memory Issues
Seizures or convulsions
Personality Change
Coordination Change

Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves various tests to be carried out including the following
EEG – An electroencephalogram is used to record brain activities for abnormalities if any using electrodes that are attached to the head.
CT Scan – It gives a detailed X ray picture of the patient’s brain
MRI Scan – It makes use of magnetic field as well as radio waves and provides a detailed image of the brain
Even biopsy is used to further confirm the presence of a tumor.

Treatment
The treatment depends on the diagnosis. It includes factors like type of tumor, age of the patient, size of the tumor, tolerance levels of the patient to name a few.

Surgery – The first course of treatment for Cancer starts with surgery and removal of the tumor or a part of it as much as possible. They take care that the neigh-boring tissues are not harmed. The remaining tumor is removed with the help of various cancer therapies,

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is used for treating serious type of malignant tumors. It stops the cells from multiplying or duplicating.
Radiation Therapy – Radio therapy uses intense energy beams to destroy the tumor and prevent it from growing. It attacks the tumor cells, leading to shrinkage in the tumor which can be further be managed using immune system of a person.

Radio Surgery – Also known as stereotactic radio surgery (SRS), this involves giving a targeted and precise dose in the form of an X-ray radiation.
Risk Factors – There is no definite reason behind brain tumors. It might be hereditary but in rare cases. The only risk factor associated with brain tumor is radiation exposure.

Survival – The survival rate post the diagnosis also depends on a lot of factors but for malignant tumors of primary type the 5 year rate is around less than 35%.

 

RRMCH is one the best hospitals in Bangalore and it are also the best Neuro hospital in India. It has got the best neurologist in Bangalore