RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
BRAIN TUMOR
Overview
The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reported that there are over 28,000 cases of brain tumors reported in India each year and more than 24,000 people reportedly die due to brain tumors annually. A brain tumor is a serious condition and can be fatal if not detected early and treated early.
What is Brain Tumor?
Uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth in the brain is called brain tumor.The space in our skull is restricted. Therefore, this extra growth inside our brain causes more pressure inside the skull, causing life-threatening complications, and also damaging our brain. Tumors can be benign or malignant. They could be primary brain tumors or metastasis from somewhere else in the body.
Brain Tumors Include:
Primary tumors of brain are categorized into glial and non-glial tumors. Glial Tumors or gliomas are ones that arise in the glial cells. These cells support the nervous system by surrounding and holding neurons in place, supplying nutrients and oxygen to the nerve cells, removing dead neurons, and insulating neurons from each other. Tumors could be:
- Astrocytomas – Arising from cerebral cortex of brain
- Oligodendroglial tumors – Mostly in frontal and temporal lobes
- Glioblastoma – Most aggressive tumors from supportive tissue of brain.
Non-glial tumors are ones that develop in structures of the brain like blood vessels, nerves, meninges or glands. Examples include meningiomas, pituitary tumors, schwanomas ,pineal gland tumors, craniopharyngiomas etc.
Secondary or metastatic brain tumors are the most common type and they usually spread via the bloodstream. Cancers of the breast, lung and kidney are the ones that most commonly spread to the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumor:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Clumsiness
- Memory loss
- Weakness on a part of the face or in a limb
- Mood and behavioral changes
- Unequal pupils or drooping eyelids
- Dizziness
- Tingling on one side of your body
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Tremors in the hands
- Changes in hearing, taste or smell
- Drowsiness and loss of consciousness
Diagnosis and Investigation
- Biopsy
- Analysis of CSF examination may be required.
- Skull X-Ray
- Imaging: Tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT scan and PET Scan (selected cases)
- Neurological examination: This will include checking your hearing, balance, vision, coordination, reflexes and strength. Difficulties in these areas are indicators that a specific part of your brain may be affected by a brain tumors
Treatment of Brain Tumor
There are various options available for treating brain tumors.
Surgery
This is the most common treatment for malignant brain tumors. The surgeon removes as much of the cancerous cells as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue.
Radiation therapy
In this type of brain tumor treatment, radiation like X-rays or protons beams are used to kill tumors cells. Side-effects of this therapy include fatigue, memory loss, headaches and scalp irritation.
Chemotherapy/Targeted Therapy
Radiosurgery
Unlike surgery in the traditional sense of the word, this treatment is where many beams of radiation are focused onto the brain tumor to kill the tumor cells.
How is RGCIRC Different
RGCIRC has state of the art equipments with experienced faculty. Focus is on multimodality treatment to give the best possible to the patient. Most cases are discussed in Multidisciplinary clinics.
Risk Factors of Brain Tumor
Obesity
Family History
Past Cancers like leukemia in childhood
Age
Risk of brain tumors increases with age
Radiation
Could be from previous X-Rays,CT Scans. It can also be from power lines, Mobiles towers and cell phones.
Exposure to Chemicals
Diesel exhaust, coal tar, tobacco smoke, arsenic compounds, cadmium and nickel compounds
Prevention & Cure of Brain Tumors
- No smoking
- Avoid radiation exposure –no unnecessary xrays
- Maintain your weight
- If there is strong family history of cancer—consult a genetic counsellor
DO’s after Surgery
- Regular soft diet,sit for 1 hr after meals
- Take the help of Physiotherapist
- Have sound sleep.
- Follow advise of your doctor regarding medication and wound care.
- Get out of bed and move as much as possible
DON'Ts after Surgery
- Try not to lift or push heavy things
- Office work for atleast for 4 to 6 weeks
- Alcohol intake, smoking
- Driving-for 6 weeks and then ask your doctor
- Active sports and Gym.