Brain tumor is a collection of cells in or around the brain. That means it can be in or near the brain tissue. Brain tumors can start in the brain and are called primary brain tumors. Sometimes cancer spreads to the brain from another part of the body. These are secondary brain tumors. It is also called metastatic brain tumor. A brain tumor can affect the nervous system, but this depends on the speed and location of its growth. There are many types of brain tumors, some are cancerous and some are non-cancerous.
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symptoms of brain tumor
According to the Mayo Clinic (Ref), symptoms of different types of brain tumors can also be different. Although sometimes no symptoms are visible, the person develops a brain tumor. Brain tumors include the following symptoms and signs.
- frequent headaches
- gradually worsening headache
- Unexplained vomiting and nausea
- weak eyesight
- loss of body balance
- feeling confused
- change in behavior
- hearing impairment
- tiredness and lethargy
- short term memory loss
Types of brain tumors
There are two main types of brain tumors
Cancerous Brain Tumor: This tumor grows very slowly and is less likely to recur.
Non cancerous brain tumor: It starts in the brain as a primary tumor and gradually spreads throughout the brain. There is a high possibility of recurrence of this tumor.
due to brain tumor
Brain tumors occur when there are changes in the DNA of cells in or around the brain. The cell’s DNA tells them what to do. These changes instruct cells to grow and survive faster, while healthy cells die as part of their natural life cycle. Due to this, many extra cells are formed in the brain.
In such a situation, when cells accumulate, it becomes a tumor. However, the reason for the change in DNA is not clear. Many times children inherit changes in DNA from their parents. In such a situation, it can increase the risk of brain tumor.
Brain Tumor Risk Factors
There are some factors that increase the risk of developing a brain tumor such as-
Growing Age: The risk of brain tumor also increases with age. Brain tumors can occur at any age, but are most common in older people. Some types of brain tumors occur only in children.
Side effects of radiation: The risk of brain tumors increases in people who have been exposed to ionizing radiation.
Family history of cancer: If someone in a person’s family has previously had a brain tumor, he or she may also suffer from this disease.
Having HIV: If someone has HIV or AIDS, he may also develop brain tumor.
brain tumor treatment
If a person is showing symptoms of brain tumor, then the doctor can perform surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy after physical examination. The doctor decides which treatment is appropriate for the patient. Since a person’s speaking, seeing, walking and working efficiency are also affected after a brain tumor, the patient should take some special types of therapy such as physical therapy and speech therapy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.