The term “Brain Tumor” sparks dread in many people. It is scary because it touches on some of their deepest fears—about losing control, identity, and life itself.People often think "tumor" means cancer, but not all brain tumors are malignant. Most of these are benign and can be treated successfully with surgery or monitored over time. Understanding what they are and how frequently they occur and their prevalence can help reduce fear and promote awareness.

According to the WHO, brain and other central nervous system tumors account for about 1.6% of all cancers worldwide. They are the most common solid tumors in children and the leading cause of cancer-related death among pediatric age groups. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive form of brain cancer and has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%.

What Are Brain Tumors?

A Brain Tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when the brain cells or the calles surrounding the brain grow and divide uncontrollably, often due to genetic mutations. These can be benign (which are non-cancerous) or malignant (which are cancerous) and may cause serious health issues due to their location inside the skull. These Brain Tumors can be put in two categories:

  • Primary Brain Tumors: They originate from the brain tissues or from the nearby structures like cranial nerves, meninges or pituitary gland. Eg. Gliomas, Meningiomas, Pituitary tumors and Medulloblastomas.
  • Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors: They are more common and occur in 10–30% of all cancer patients and originate in other parts of the body (like the lungs, breast, or skin) and spread to the brain.

What Causes Brain Tumors?

The exact cause is not known. Factors like genetic mutations, exposure to high doses of radiation,  metastasis from tumors originating in other body parts and family history of tumors may increase the risk of developing.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of a brain tumor may vary depending  on its size, type, and location in the brain. Most commonly experienced symptoms are:

  • Headache - most common symptom
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Vision disturbances
  • Seizures
  • Memory loss
  • Weakness or loss of sensation in some parts of the body
  • Difficulty in maintaining balance or coordination

How are Brain Tumors diagnosed?

Based on the clinical symptoms, doctors may suggest checking brain function. Imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans are used to detect and know the location of the tumor. A biopsy may be performed to determine the type and grade of the tumor.

Treatment Options:

Depending on the tumor’s type, location, and whether it is benign or malignant, doctors may suggest surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, chemotherapy using drugs to slow the growth of cancer. More advanced treatment options like targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also available that destroy only the cancerous cells. Palliative care is required to manage symptoms.

Prognosis and awareness:

The prognosis depends on the tumor’s type, location, size, and whether it is benign or malignant. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes. If people recognize symptoms early, seek timely medical care, and support ongoing research it can prevent negative outcomes. Awareness about brain tumors reduces stigma and promotes understanding of the challenges faced by patients and families and can lead to earlier detection, better treatment access, and improved survival and quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.