Brain Tumor Treatment in Mumbai

Brain Tumor Treatment in Mumbai

A brain tumor is defined as a growth of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most cases of brain tumors are benign. Brain tumors are classified as primary and secondary. A primary brain tumor is when the tumor originates in the brain itself. A secondary brain tumor, also called a metastatic brain tumor, forms when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain.

In this article, doctors at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, explain the various aspects of brain tumors – when a tumor is referred to as malignant or benign, how to recognise the warning signs and symptoms, and what treatment options are available.

What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor, or an intracranial tumor, is an abnormal mass of brain cells that grows and multiplies uncontrollably.

What’s the difference between malignant vs benign brain tumors?

Malignant and benign brain tumors can develop in any part of the brain or spinal cord. Malignant or cancerous brain tumors grow more quickly and can rapidly invade nearby tissues, compared to benign tumors, which grow slowly and are less likely to spread to other tissues. Yet, benign brain tumors can be life-threatening, as they may grow over time and damage the surrounding areas, causing unbearable symptoms and long-term complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of brain tumors?

Brain tumor symptoms may vary depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Symptoms of cancerous or fast-growing brain tumors may come on quickly over days or weeks, unlike the symptoms of slow-growing or benign brain tumors, which may not be noticeable until some months or even years. 
Common symptoms of brain tumors may include:

•    Headaches – one of the most common symptoms that can interfere with your sleep or worsen in the morning
•    Seizures
•    Convulsions
•    Paralysis or weakness in one side of the body
•    Balance or coordination problems
•    Vision or hearing problems
•    Changes in personality and behavior
•    Difficulty speaking, thinking, or following simple commands
•    Confusion and memory problems
•    Nausea or vomiting
•    Tingling or numbness in the face

Seek medical attention if you or someone in your family experiences any concerning symptoms.

What causes brain tumors?

While the exact cause of a brain tumor is unknown, experts believe it may have something to do with genetic or environmental factors.

Some factors that may raise a person’s risk of developing a brain tumor include:
•    Age – the risk of brain tumors increases with age
•    Being overweight and obese
•    Exposure to radiation, mostly from radiation therapy used to treat cancer
•    A family history of a brain tumor, although the risk is quite low
•    Certain genetic conditions, such as Neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turner syndrome, Turcot syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, etc
•    Weakened immune system due to a congenital or acquired disease such as HIV

What are the different types of brain tumors?

More than 100 types of brain tumors have been identified and named after the type of cells or tissues they develop from. Doctors categorise them into two main groups: primary and secondary brain tumors. 
Primary brain tumors: A primary brain tumor is when the tumor originates in the brain itself. 

Common types of primary brain tumors include:
•    Gliomas – these brain tumors, including glioblastoma, develop in glial cells and are mostly cancerous, although some of them are noncancerous.  Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults.
•    Meningiomas – this type of tumor forms in the meninges, the layers covering the brain and spinal cord. Most cases of meningiomas are benign, but some may be cancerous.  
•    Medulloblastomas – the most prevalent brain cancer in children. These fast-growing tumors start in the cerebellum, located at the lower back of the head.
•    Secondary brain tumors: A secondary brain tumor, also called a metastatic brain tumor, occurs when a malignant tumor from part of the body spreads or metastasises to the brain. Almost all cancers can spread to the brain and form a secondary or metastatic brain tumor. 

The most common types are:
•    Breast cancer
•    Lung cancer
•    Kidney cancer
•    Colon cancer
•    Melanoma

Who do brain tumors affect the most?

Brain tumors can affect anyone, both children and adults, although they are often diagnosed in older adults. Additionally, studies suggested that men are more likely to develop brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, than women.

How are brain tumors diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose a brain tumor, your doctor may recommend a series of tests and procedures, including: 
•    A neurological exam
•    Blood tests
•    Brain MRI or CT scan
•    PET scan of the brain
•    Biopsy

Treatments will depend on different factors - the type, size, and location of a brain tumor, your age and overall health. 

Your doctor might recommend a combination of therapies, including:
•    Surgery – to remove the tumor as much as possible
•    Radiation therapy – to destroy brain cancer cells or shrink the tumor
•    Radiosurgery – a specialised form of radiation therapy used to destroy the tumor
•    Chemotherapy – to destroy tumor cells, slow down their growth, or prevent them from coming back
•    Targeted therapy – to target or attack specific features of tumor cells 
Other treatment options, such as palliative care, may be used to manage symptoms of brain tumors.

What is the outlook or prognosis for brain tumors?

The outlook/prognosis for people with brain tumors varies based on various aspects, including the tumor's type and how your body responds to treatments and their side effects. Many types of brain tumors can often be treated successfully by a doctor. Some brain tumors may recur after treatment, requiring continued treatments to prevent the tumor from growing or spreading to other areas. Early medical intervention can help prevent complications and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Can brain tumors be prevented?

There’s no proven way to prevent a brain tumor. Making healthier lifestyle choices and avoiding potential risk factors - such as tobacco smoking, too much radiation exposure - can help reduce your risk and improve brain and overall health.