Brain Tumor.|| Types, Symptoms & Treatment. || Dr Chirantan Banerjee (Neuro Surgeon).

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or the surrounding tissues. They can be either primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastasizing from other parts of the body). Brain tumors are categorized as benign or malignant, with malignant tumors being cancerous and potentially more aggressive.

*Common Brain Tumor Types:*
1. *Gliomas:* Arise from glial cells that provide support to nerve cells. Types include:
*Astrocytomas:* Originate from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes.
*Oligodendrogliomas:* Develop from cells that produce the fatty substance myelin.
*Glioblastomas:* Highly malignant tumors that grow quickly and have complex features.

2. *Meningiomas:* Form in the meninges, the layers covering the brain and spinal cord. Usually benign but can cause symptoms due to their location.

3. *Pituitary Tumors:* Grow in the pituitary gland and can affect hormone production.

4. *Medulloblastomas:* Primarily occur in children and arise in the cerebellum, affecting balance and coordination.

5. *Schwannomas:* Develop from Schwann cells that produce the protective covering (myelin) of nerves.

Brain tumor symptoms:

*Common Brain Tumor Symptoms:*
1. *Headaches:* Often more frequent and severe, especially in the morning or upon waking. They may not respond well to usual headache remedies.

2. *Seizures:* Sudden changes in behavior, convulsions, or loss of consciousness, even if the person has never experienced seizures before.

3. *Cognitive and Behavioral Changes:*
*Memory Problems:* Difficulty recalling recent events or conversations.
*Confusion:* Disorientation, trouble concentrating, and difficulty making decisions.
*Personality Changes:* Mood swings, irritability, and sudden emotional shifts.

4. *Motor and Sensory Changes:*
*Weakness:* Gradual or sudden loss of strength in one side of the body or in specific limbs.
*Coordination Difficulties:* Trouble with balance and walking, clumsiness, and difficulty with fine motor skills.
*Numbness or Tingling:* Sensations in the arms, legs, or face.

5. *Visual and Auditory Changes:*
*Vision Problems:* Blurred or double vision, peripheral vision loss, or seeing flashing lights.
*Hearing Issues:* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss.

6. *Speech and Language Problems:*
*Difficulty Speaking:* Slurred speech, trouble forming words, or stuttering.
*Language Impairment:* Trouble understanding language or difficulty finding the right words to express oneself.

7. *Nausea and Vomiting:* Especially if it's unrelated to other factors like food poisoning or a stomach bug.

8. *Fatigue:* Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

9. *Sleep Disturbances:* Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

10. *Changes in Appetite:* Significant weight loss or gain without an apparent cause.

11. *Unexplained Pain:* Often localized to a specific area of the head, neck, or face.

12. *Changes in Senses:* Altered taste or smell, such as a metallic taste in the mouth.

Brain tumor treatments:

*1. Surgery:*
*Craniotomy:* Surgical removal of the tumor through an opening made in the skull. The extent of removal depends on the tumor's location and type.
*Biopsy:* A small sample of the tumor is removed for diagnosis, and this can guide further treatment decisions.
*Debulking:* Partial removal of the tumor to alleviate symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.

*2. Radiation Therapy:*
*External Beam Radiation:* High-energy beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body. It can target specific areas and may be used after surgery or as the primary treatment.
*Stereotactic Radiosurgery:* Precise, high-dose radiation is delivered to a small target area. Despite the name, it's not surgical in nature.

*3. Chemotherapy:*
*Oral or Intravenous Drugs:* Medications that target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. They may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
*Chemotherapy Wafers:* In some cases, wafers containing chemotherapy drugs are placed in the tumor cavity after surgery to help prevent recurrence.
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