November 21, 2024

Although not common in India, brain tumour cases are reported in India now and then, with the numbers revealing 40,000 cases annually. Most often, children are affected by brain tumours. The numbers could be much higher, but these usually go unnoticed as people suffer silently in the remote rural regions. Brain tumours, which is the abnormal growth of cells in the brain, is a condition that can go undetected unless symptoms are identified early and monitored closely. In this blog, we will understand the signs of a brain tumour. We will also gain an understanding of the different types of brain tumours and how they affect an individual. Let’s dive in!

 What are the Types of Brain Tumours?

There are more than 120 different types of brain tumours. There are two main types of brain tumours: malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous). The following are some primary brain tumours that you should be aware of. 

Primary Brain Tumours

• Gliomas: Gliomas are tumours that develop in the cell groups (glial) that protect the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord region. This type of brain cancer can be cancerous/ malignant or non-cancerous/ benign. It is known that 33% of tumours are gliomas. 
• Astrocytomas: Astrocytomas are a type of glioma. They are the most common type of glioma in which star-shaped cells called astrocytes that support the brain and spinal cord’s nerve cells are affected. 
• Oligodendrogliomas: Rare, slow-growing primary tumours of the brain or spinal cord; oligodendrogliomas arise specifically from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. The usual presentations of this disease include headaches, seizures, personality changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, and changes in thinking, learning, concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making. The symptoms vary depending on where the tumour is located in the brain and its size. 
• Ependymomas: Ependymomas are glial cell tumours that commonly arise in the lining cells of the ventricular system and, less commonly, outside the central nervous system (CNS) or within the brain parenchyma. 
• Meningiomas: Meningiomas are benign tumours that develop in the meninges. They grow from meningiomas, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas occur most often in people between the ages of 40 and 70 and are more common in women. They occur in approximately 3% of people aged 60 years and older. Some known predisposing factors include previous exposure to radiation, Long-term use of hormones, and inherited conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 2.
• Medulloblastomas: This type of brain cancer is the fastest-growing type of cancer. It is a type of tumour originating in the cerebellum, the lower back part of the brain. Affecting children and adults alike, this type of brain tumour is primary and highly aggressive. But it also responds positively to early treatment. 
• Pituitary Tumours: Pituitary tumours develop in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production of hormones. This type of brain tumour is non-cancerous or benign and grows slowly. Pituitary tumours do not show many symptoms, so they often go undiagnosed. 
• Schwannomas: Schwannomas are a type of nerve tumour that can occur anywhere in a person’s body. They usually begin at the main nerve and spread to the rest of the nerve. This type of brain tumour is usually non-cancerous, but it can also sometimes be cancerous. 

 Rare Tumours

• Craniopharyngiomas: This is a rare intracranial brain tumour that originates near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. It is usually benign and slow-growing, and it is known for its high rates of recurrence.
• Germ Cell Tumours: Another rare kind of tumour is the germ cell tumour, which develops in the cells of gonads that produce eggs or sperm. This kind of tumour can also develop in other parts of the body like the brain, chest, abdomen, or at the bottom of the spinal cord. Although germ cell tumour is common, it is highly curable. 

 What are the Early Warning Signs of a Brain Tumour?

• Persistent Headaches: Frequent intense headaches, especially in the morning, are a common early sign of a brain tumour. 
• Seizures: Sudden seizures that can occur unprovoked may represent brain activity caused by a tumour. This is another early sign of a brain tumour. 
• Nausea and Vomiting: A feeling of constant sickness, uneasiness, and a tendency to puke is often an early sign of a brain tumour. Nausea and vomiting can be caused by increased pressure within the skull. 
• Vision Problems: Blurred vision or other problems, like double vision, can occur due to increased pressure on the optic nerve that occurs when a tumour develops near it. 
• Changes in Speech or Hearing: The next early sign of a brain tumour is difficulty understanding words or hearing things. Sometimes, the affected person’s speech can also get slurred. These signs are often linked to brain tumours. 
• Cognitive or Behavioural Changes: Shifts in behaviour and personality, although these changes can often be subtle, are also an indication of a brain tumour. 
• Weakness or Numbness: Feeling a loss of control and sensation on either side of the body is also an early sign of a brain tumour. 
• Coordination Issues: Having difficulty balancing or facing issues with basic functions like walking can show problems with the brain parts that control coordination. 
• Unexplained Fatigue: Another overlooked early sign of brain tumour is chronic fatigue that occurs without any particular cause. 

FAQs

1. Are all brain tumours cancerous?

No. Not all brain tumours are cancerous. Some are also benign, i.e., non-cancerous. However, even these non-cancerous brain tumours can cause concern if they press against important brain structures. 

2.    How are brain tumours diagnosed?

Brain tumours are diagnosed through neurological exams, imaging tests (MRI or CT scans), and sometimes a biopsy to confirm the tumour type.

3. What treatment options are available for brain tumours? 

Treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or even a combination of all of these. The treatment of a brain tumour often depends on its type, location, and size.