June 8 is celebrated as World Brain Tumour Day. The German Brain Tumour Association initiated this event to raise awareness about brain tumours (masses occurring in the brain) among the general public.
A brain tumour can be understood in simple terms as the uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain. Brain tumours can be classified into two types: benign (non-cancerous) tumours and malignant (cancerous) tumours. Malignant tumours can further be classified into primary brain tumours, which originate in the brain cells, and metastatic brain tumours, which are cancers that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
According to statistics in India, brain tumours are found in 5-10 people per 100,000.
Yes, definitely. Brain tumours are the second most common cancers in children. (Most common cancers in children: leukemia > brain tumour > lymphoma)
Common symptoms include headaches, vomiting, dizziness, paralysis of one part of the body, seizures, and newly onset memory loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the brain tumour. If the tumour is in the cerebellum, symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. If the tumour is in the occipital lobe, visual problems may be an early symptom. If the tumour is in the frontal lobe, symptoms can include personality changes and loss of smell. If the tumour is in the temporal lobe, symptoms may include speech difficulties and memory loss. If the tumour is in the parietal lobe, symptoms can include difficulty with calculations, reading and writing issues, seizures, and paralysis of one side. Each part of the brain has a specific function. When a tumour grows in any part, it interferes with that function and manifests as symptoms.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor for a detailed examination as soon as possible. The doctor will evaluate the necessity for further tests through detailed history taking and clinical examination. Many of these symptoms can occur due to causes other than brain tumours. Diagnosis is confirmed through MRI Brain and CT Brain scans.
Treatment is determined by factors such as the patient’s age, health, the tumour's location in the brain, and whether it is a primary or metastatic brain tumour. For primary brain tumours, if it is operable, the first step in treatment is to completely remove the tumour. Whether further treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy are required is determined by the pathology report of the removed tumour. The grade of the tumour, as determined by the pathology report, is crucial in deciding subsequent treatments. Grade 1 & 2 tumours often do not require additional treatment if completely removed. However, Grade 3 & 4 tumours may need further treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. A multi-disciplinary tumour board, consisting of specialists like neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, makes the treatment decisions. For metastatic brain tumours (cancers that have spread from other organs), surgery is rarely performed. Most treatments involve palliative whole brain radiation or stereotactic brain radiation. Additionally, medications to reduce brain pressure are also administered as part of the treatment.
