A Brain Tumor is marked by the growth of abnormal cells in the brain or elsewhere inside the skull. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors don’t spread as opposed to malignant tumors that do. However,both types can be treated at some of the best cancer hospitals in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai or abroad. There are two sources of a brain tumor:
1.Primary – originates from the brain tissue itself
2.Metastasis – spreads from other parts of the body
As many as 120 types of brain tumors are treatable, but the type of treatment depends on the location, type, and size of the tumor. Following are the brain tumor symptoms and treatment –
Diagnosis
Your neuro surgeon will begin by obtaining the medical history of your family followed neurological exams to determine your memory and mental status. The exam also determines cranial nerve functions such as sight, hearing, facial movement, tongue, smell, reflexes, coordination, and response to pain.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – one of the most commonly used tests to detect brain tumors. A dye may be administered through a vein during the test. It gives an accurate idea of the location, size, and situation of the tumor. Other tests such as Computerized Tomography (CT) or Positron Emission Tomography may be advised as well, in some cases.
If the cancer has spread through other parts of the body, PET and CT scans are recommended to identify tumor growths to treat them.
Biopsy
A biopsy is performed if the imaging tests/scans do not clearly indicate the type of the tumor. It is basically the procedure to extract tumor cells that are then examined by a pathologist. Needle biopsy is a separate diagnostic procedure in which the cells are extracted. Biopsy can also be performed as a part of the brain tumor surgery. Needle Biopsy is done to reach the sensitive and hard-to-reach areas of the brain.
A hole is drilled in the skull through which a thin needle is guided to the tumor with the help of the scans. The removed cells are then examined under a microscope, which allow the doctors to decide the further course of treatment.
Treatment
The goal of the treatment is curative or palliative (relieving symptoms) care. In most cases, a combination of the treatments is used.
1.Surgery – all or most of the tumor is removed through surgery if it is accessible for operation. When the tumor is small and not a part of the brain tissue, it can be removed easily. If this is not the case, surgery is risky; the part that can be safely removed is operated since that helps in managing symptoms
2.Radiation Therapy – With the help of high energy beams (protons or x-rays), radiation therapy kills the tumor cells. It may be carried out internally, known as Brachytherapy (radiation inside the body near the tumor), or externally (external beam radiation)
3.Radiosurgery – Stereotactic radiosurgery is the process of directing multiple highly concentrated beams of radiation towards the tumor. The beams create a powerful effect to kill the abnormal brain cells where they meet. One of the technologies used for radiosurgery is known as Gamma Knife.
4.Chemotherapy – the process involves drugs that kills the tumor cells. The medication may be administered intravenously or through pills. The side-effects include hair loss, vomiting, and nausea.
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