BRAIN TUMOR – COMPLETE DETAILS A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding structures. Tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even benign tumors can be dangerous due to the limited space inside the skull.

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1. Types of Brain Tumors

A. Primary Brain Tumors

Originate in the brain itself.

1. Gliomas (most common)

Arise from glial cells:

  • Astrocytoma
    – Includes Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive type

  • Oligodendroglioma

  • Ependymoma

2. Meningioma

  • Arises from meninges

  • Usually benign but can compress brain structures

3. Pituitary Tumors

  • Adenomas producing hormonal disturbances

4. Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

  • Tumor of cranial nerve VIII

  • Causes hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo

5. Medulloblastoma

  • Common in children

  • Highly malignant but treatable

B. Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors

Cancers that spread to the brain.
Common primary sources:

  • Lung cancer (most common)

  • Breast cancer

  • Melanoma

  • Kidney cancer

  • Colon cancer

Metastatic tumors are more common than primary brain tumors.

2. Causes & Risk Factors

Most brain tumors have no known cause, but possible risk factors include:

  • Genetic syndromes:

    • Neurofibromatosis (NF1, NF2)

    • Li-Fraumeni syndrome

    • von Hippel–Lindau disease

  • Exposure to ionizing radiation

  • Family history (rare)

  • Age (children & older adults highest risk)

  • Immune suppression (e.g., HIV)

Mobile phone use is NOT proven to cause brain tumors.

3. Symptoms

Symptoms depend on tumor location, size, and rate of growth.

General Symptoms

  • Headache (worse in the morning)

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Seizures

  • Vision or hearing problems

  • Weakness or numbness in limbs

  • Balance issues

  • Personality changes

  • Memory loss / difficulty concentrating

Location-Specific Symptoms

Brain Area Possible Symptoms
Frontal lobe Behavior change, poor judgment, weakness
Temporal lobe Memory loss, seizures, speech difficulty
Parietal lobe Loss of sensation, spatial disorientation
Occipital lobe Vision loss
Cerebellum Balance/coordination issues
Brainstem Breathing, heart rate, swallowing problems

4. Diagnosis

A. Imaging Studies

  • MRI with contrast → Gold standard

  • CT scan → Useful in emergencies (bleeding, swelling)

  • MR spectroscopy / perfusion studies → Tumor grading

B. Biopsy

Confirms tumor type and grade

  • Stereotactic needle biopsy

  • Open surgical biopsy

C. Additional Tests

  • Functional MRI (for eloquent brain areas)

  • Lumbar puncture (for some tumors like medulloblastoma)

  • Blood tests (pituitary tumors → hormone levels)

5. Classification (WHO Grading System)

Grade Tumor Type Behavior
Grade I Benign, slow growing Curable (e.g., Pilocytic astrocytoma)
Grade II Low-grade Slow but recurrent
Grade III Anaplastic Malignant, faster growth
Grade IV Highly malignant Aggressive (e.g., Glioblastoma)

6. Treatment Options

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, grade, and patient condition.

A. Surgery

  • First line for most tumors

  • Aim: maximum safe tumor removal

  • Techniques:

    • Craniotomy

    • Image-guided surgery

    • Awake brain surgery

    • Endoscopic approach (pituitary tumors)

B. Radiation Therapy

Used when:

  • Tumor cannot be completely removed

  • For malignant tumors or recurrence

  • Types:

    • External beam radiation

    • Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife)

    • Proton therapy

C. Chemotherapy

Common drugs:

  • Temozolomide (TMZ) – standard for glioblastoma

  • PCV regimen (Procarbazine, CCNU, Vincristine)

  • Targeted therapies like Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF)

D. Immunotherapy

  • Cancer vaccines

  • Checkpoint inhibitors (limited use depending on tumor type)

E. Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)

Electrical field therapy used in glioblastoma.

F. Steroids

  • Dexamethasone reduces brain swelling, relieves symptoms.

G. Anti-Seizure Medications

  • Levetiracetam commonly used.

7. Prognosis

Depends on:

  • Tumor type (benign vs malignant)

  • Location

  • Extent of surgical removal

  • Molecular markers (IDH mutation, MGMT methylation)

  • Patient’s age and overall health

Examples:

  • Meningioma (benign): Excellent prognosis

  • Low-grade glioma: Survival 8–12 years (varies)

  • Glioblastoma: Median survival 12–18 months (with full treatment)

  • Metastatic tumors: Depends on primary cancer

8. Prevention

No guaranteed prevention. Helpful measures:

  • Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure

  • Early evaluation of neurological symptoms

  • Genetic counseling for inherited syndromes

9. When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate evaluation if experiencing:

  • Persistent headaches

  • New-onset seizures

  • Sudden weakness/numbness

  • Vision or hearing loss

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Behavior or personality changes

10. Summary

A brain tumor is a complex condition requiring early diagnosis, multimodal treatment, and long-term follow-up. Modern advances in imaging, surgery, molecular testing, and targeted therapies have improved outcomes, especially when detected early.

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