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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or its surrounding areas. Tumors can develop within the brain tissue itself or in nearby structures such as the nerves, pituitary gland, pineal gland, or the protective membranes covering the brain. Brain tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Some tumors grow quickly, while others are slow-growing.
Signs and symptoms of acute or chronic bronchitis include:
● Headaches
● Sore throat
● Seizures.
● Vision issues.
● Hearing loss and dizziness
● Memory loss
● Recent Personality changes
● Facial pain or abnormal facial movements
● Nausea and vomiting
Brain tumors can be classified into several types:
Metastatic Brain Tumors: Metastatic brain tumors occur when cancer cells spread to the brain from another part of the body, most commonly the lungs, breast, skin (melanoma), kidneys, or colon. These tumors are more common than primary brain tumors and may cause headaches, seizures, vision problems, or changes in behavior. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Malignant Brain Tumors: A malignant brain tumor is a fast-growing, cancerous growth in the brain that can invade nearby brain tissue and interfere with normal brain function. These tumors often cause symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision or speech problems, and changes in behavior. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to manage the condition and improve outcomes.
Benign Brain Tumors: Benign brain tumors are non-cancerous growths that develop in the brain or its surrounding structures. They usually grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body but can still cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or vision problems by pressing on nearby brain tissue. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
The following are the causes of brain tumors:
Family History: Having a close relative with a brain tumor may increase susceptibility.
Genetic Changes: Sometimes, changes in a cell’s genes cause brain cells to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
Weak Immune System: People with compromised immunity are at higher risk for certain brain tumors.
Radiation Exposure: Exposure to high levels of radiation to the head, especially in the past, can increase the risk.
Metastatic Cancer: Cancer spreading from other parts of the body to the brain can form secondary brain tumors.
If your healthcare professional thinks you might have a brain tumor, you’ll need a number of tests and procedures to get a diagnosis. These might include:
In most people with primary brain tumors, the cause isn’t clear. But some factors may raise the risk.
Age: Brain tumors can occur at any age, but they are more common in older adults. Some types mainly affect adults, while others are seen more often in children.
HIV or AIDS: People with HIV or AIDS are at increased risk of developing brain tumors because their weakened immune systems reduce the body’s ability to detect and control abnormal cell growth.
Race: Anyone can get a brain tumor. But some types of brain tumors are more common in people of certain races. For example, gliomas are more common in white people. Meningiomas are more common in Black people.
Exposure To Radiation: Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation increases the risk of brain tumors by causing DNA damage that can lead to abnormal cell growth.
Healthcare providers often use a combination of therapies to treat a tumor. Your treatment options might include:
Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high doses of X-rays to destroy brain tumor cells or shrink the tumor.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy for brain tumors uses strong medicines to kill tumor cells.
Endoscopic Surgery: Certain skull-base tumors, such as pituitary adenomas and clival chordomas, can be effectively managed using an endoscopic approach, which allows surgeons to access the tumor with minimal invasion and faster recovery.
Medications: Steroids and cerebral decongestants are used to reduce brain swelling, anticonvulsants help prevent seizures, and pain relief is provided as needed to improve comfort and quality of life.
Stereotactic Biopsy: When brain tumors are deep-seated, cannot be surgically removed, or when there are multiple lesions, a stereotactic biopsy can be performed. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to safely obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis while protecting the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
