Brain Tumors: Definition, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Brain tumors are masses that occur due to abnormal cell growth in the brain tissue. These tumors can sometimes be cancerous (malignant) and sometimes non-cancerous (benign). Brain tumors can affect the normal functions of the brain and can even be fatal.

The diagnosis of brain tumors is made using several different tests and imaging techniques. Symptoms of brain tumors can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision disturbances, seizures, behavioral changes, and balance issues.

Treatment of brain tumors depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, a surgical procedure is required to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancerous tumors. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Brain tumor treatment should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team. This team can include neurologists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists. The treatment may vary based on the patient's overall health and the characteristics of the tumor.

How Do Brain Tumors Develop?

Brain tumors develop due to the uncontrolled growth of normal brain cells. Under normal conditions, brain cells grow, divide, and die in a specific order. However, sometimes there may be a disruption in these processes, causing the cells to grow uncontrollably. In this case, the cells gradually accumulate and form a tumor.

The exact causes of brain tumor development are not fully understood, but several risk factors exist. These include genetic factors, radiation exposure, exposure to certain chemicals, immune system issues, and some viruses. Also, some brain tumors can be inherited.

Brain tumors are generally classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors do not spread to surrounding tissues and can usually be treated through surgical intervention. However, malignant tumors can spread to surrounding tissues and may be fatal if not treated.

The treatment of brain tumors depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Therefore, once a brain tumor diagnosis is made, it is essential for a multidisciplinary team to develop a treatment plan and begin the treatment process.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms due to their impact on the brain's normal functions. The symptoms of a brain tumor can vary based on the location, size, type, and the person’s general health. However, some common symptoms of brain tumors include:

• Headache: Brain tumors are often associated with headaches. The headache may worsen in the mornings, especially after waking up.
• Nausea and vomiting: Brain tumors can increase intracranial pressure and cause nausea. Therefore, patients often experience vomiting or a feeling of nausea.
• Vision disturbances: Brain tumors can put pressure on the optic nerves or visual centers in the brain, leading to vision loss. Patients may experience double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision in certain areas.
• Seizures: Brain tumors can lead to seizures. The nature of the seizures may depend on the tumor's size and location.
• Behavioral changes: Brain tumors can affect a person’s behavior and personality. Therefore, patients may experience emotional and behavioral changes.
• Balance issues: Brain tumors can cause balance problems by putting pressure on the balance centers of the brain. As a result, patients may frequently stumble or feel unsteady while walking.

The symptoms of a brain tumor can vary depending on the location and type of the tumor. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately.

What Are the Types of Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors can have many different types. They can develop due to environmental factors, genetic factors, or without any clear cause. Brain tumors are usually classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Here are some types of brain tumors:

• Meningioma: These are benign tumors that originate from the meninges (the protective layers surrounding the brain). They typically grow slowly and rarely become cancerous.
• Gliomas: Tumors that originate from glial cells (non-neuronal cells in the brain). These tumors can form anywhere in the brain and may grow quickly. Some gliomas can be cancerous.
• Schwannomas: These are benign tumors that arise from nerve fibers. They typically occur in the auditory nerve (acoustic neuroma) or other nerves.
• Hemangioblastoma: These are benign tumors that originate from blood vessels. They are commonly found in the brain and spinal cord.
• Pituitary adenoma: These are tumors that originate from the pituitary gland in the brain, which produces hormones. These tumors are typically benign.
• Medulloblastoma: One of the most common childhood tumors. It originates from small round cells and is found in the cerebellum.
• Astrocytoma: A type of glioma that originates from astroglial cells. These tumors can be benign or malignant.
• Oligodendroglioma: Another type of glioma originating from oligodendroglial cells. These can be benign tumors that may sometimes become malignant.
• Ependymoma: Tumors that originate from ependymal cells in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors are usually benign.

The diagnosis of a brain tumor can vary based on the tumor’s type and size. Diagnosis can involve a neurological exam, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, a brain biopsy, or blood tests.

Benign Brain Tumors

Benign brain tumors do not spread to surrounding tissues and are typically slow-growing. These tumors are generally treated through surgery and can often be completely cured.

Some of the most common types of benign brain tumors include:

• Meningioma: Tumors originating from the meninges (protective layers of the brain and spinal cord). These tumors are typically benign and grow slowly. Symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, and seizures.
• Schwannoma: A benign tumor originating from nerve fibers. These tumors often occur in the auditory nerve (acoustic neuroma) or other nerves. Symptoms may include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness.
• Hemangioblastoma: A benign tumor originating from blood vessels. These are often found in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include headaches, coordination problems, and muscle weakness.
• Pituitary adenoma: A tumor that originates from the pituitary gland in the brain. These tumors are typically benign. Symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, changes in pituitary hormones, and skin issues.
• Ependymoma: A benign tumor originating from ependymal cells in the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, balance problems, and walking difficulties.

Benign brain tumors typically have a better prognosis than malignant tumors and can be completely cured after treatment. However, it is still important to take any tumor seriously and treat it promptly.

Malignant Brain Tumors

Malignant brain tumors are cancerous tumors that spread to brain tissue and grow by damaging surrounding tissues. These tumors can cause severe damage to the brain and may be life-threatening if not treated.

Malignant brain tumors come in various forms, and treatment options depend on the tumor’s type and size. Symptoms vary based on the location and size of the tumor. Some of the most common types of malignant brain tumors include:

• Glioblastoma: An aggressive tumor originating from astrocytes in the brain. These tumors grow quickly and spread to surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, seizures, and behavioral changes.
• Astrocytoma: A tumor originating from astrocytes in the brain. These tumors may grow quickly and spread to surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, vision problems, and cognitive impairments.
• Medulloblastoma: A tumor originating from the cerebellum. It is more commonly seen in children. Symptoms may include headaches, coordination problems, and nausea.
• Oligodendroglioma: A tumor originating from oligodendrocytes in the brain. These tumors grow slowly and rarely spread. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, and cognitive problems.
• Metastatic brain tumors: Tumors that spread to the brain from cancer in other parts of the body. Symptoms may vary depending on the type and origin of the cancer.

Malignant brain tumors can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues and can be fatal if not treated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Treatment options for malignant brain tumors may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these methods.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

When diagnosing brain tumors, doctors typically perform several tests. The diagnosis begins with a neurological exam and imaging tests.

• Neurological Exam: A neurological exam helps the doctor assess the patient's brain and nervous system functions and evaluate symptoms. During this exam, the doctor checks coordination, reflexes, balance, and mental state.
• Imaging Tests: The most commonly used tests for diagnosing brain tumors are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. These tests help visualize abnormalities in the brain. MRI scans provide more detailed images and are more sensitive than CT scans. However, CT scans are faster and can be used in emergencies.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is used to confirm the presence of a brain tumor and determine its type. During this procedure, a fine needle is used to take samples from the tumor. A biopsy is typically performed under local anesthesia.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are not directly used to diagnose brain tumors but may be used alongside other tests to confirm the presence of a tumor.

Brain tumor diagnosis is based on symptoms, imaging tests, and

biopsy results. Your doctor can provide more information about the tumor’s size, type, and spread and discuss treatment options.

What Are the Treatment Options for Brain Tumors?

The treatment of brain tumors depends on factors such as tumor size, type, and spread. Treatment methods may include:

• Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove or reduce the size of the brain tumor. In some cases, the tumor can be completely removed. However, complete removal may not always be possible. After surgery, the tissues are analyzed pathologically to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used after the tumor is reduced or removed to shrink the tumor further.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of brain tumors.
• Steroid Therapy: Steroids may be used to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by brain tumors. Steroids can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Targeted Therapy: Some drugs are designed to target specific genetic mutations in brain tumors. These drugs help stop the growth of cancer cells and destroy them.

Brain tumor treatment aims to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and prevent or halt the growth of the tumor. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient based on tumor size, type, and spread.

How Is Gamma Knife Treatment Used for Brain Tumors?

Gamma Knife treatment is a non-invasive treatment method that uses high doses of radiation to treat brain tumors. This method does not require surgery.

Gamma Knife treatment directs targeted radiation beams precisely to the tumor. The treatment uses hundreds of radiation beams that focus directly on the tumor without damaging any surrounding areas.

During the procedure, a stereotactic frame is placed on the patient's head to ensure it remains still and in a fixed position. Then, imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans are used to determine the location and size of the tumor. Based on this information, the treatment is planned, and the radiation beams are directed at the tumor.

Gamma Knife treatment typically lasts one to two hours and is usually completed in a single session. The treatment time may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Afterward, patients can usually return home and continue their normal activities.

Gamma Knife treatment can be an alternative to surgery or used to treat residual tumor after surgery. This treatment option yields successful results in suitable patients and has minimal side effects. However, the appropriate treatment method should be determined based on the tumor's size, type, and location.