Brain tumors are complex medical conditions that require a thorough deep understanding for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment with high success rate. In this article, top neurosurgeon in delhi explains different types of brain tumors, their symptoms, and different treatment options
Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are mainly classified into two types:
- primary brain tumors
- secondary brain tumors (metastatic tumors).
Primary brain tumors originate in the brain only, while secondary tumors result from the spread of cancer from different parts of the body.
Primary Brain Tumors
- Gliomas: Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, arising from glial cells. Subtypes of gliomas include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
- Meningiomas: Meningiomas develop from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Pituitary Adenomas: These tumors arise from the pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in hormone regulation
- Schwannomas: Schwannomas originate from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves and can affect the cranial nerves.
- Medulloblastomas: Common in children, medulloblastomas are fast-growing tumors that occur in the cerebellum.
Secondary Brain Tumors (Metastatic Tumors)
Secondary brain tumors result from cancers originating in the lung, breast, skin (melanoma), kidney, and colon. They spread to the brain through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
The symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their location, size, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches: Persistent, severe headaches that may worsen over time or wake the patient up at night. Seizures: Unexplained seizures, especially in individuals with no history of epilepsy.
- Neurological Deficits: Weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in limbs, difficulty with balance and coordination, changes in vision or speech, and cognitive impairments.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in the morning or without any apparent cause.
- Personality and Behavioral Changes: Irritability, mood swings, and altered personality traits.
- Cognitive Decline: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions. Thus, a thorough neurological evaluation and imaging tests are necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Brain Tumors
To diagnose brain tumors accurately, different types of tests are conducted by neurologists and specialists:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the gold standard for imaging brain tumors, providing detailed images of the brain’s anatomy and abnormalities.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans may be used initially for urgent cases or when MRI is not readily available.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is obtained from the tumor during surgery or with a needle for pathological analysis, aiding in determining the tumor type and grade.
Treatment Options for Brain Tumors
The treatment of brain tumors requires neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists. Common treatment approaches include:
- Surgery: Surgical resection aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving critical brain functions. It is the primary treatment for many benign and some malignant brain tumors.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy tumor cells. It is often employed after surgery to eliminate any remaining tumor cells or as the primary treatment for tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill tumor cells or inhibit their growth orally, intravenously, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular characteristics of tumor cells, inhibiting their growth and survival while sparing healthy tissues.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells effectively.
- Clinical Trials: Participation in clinical trials offers access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies that are being investigated for their potential benefits.
Brain Tumor Surgery In Delhi
- Craniotomy: Traditional open surgery where a section of the skull is removed to access the tumor. It allows direct exposure and removal of the tumor.
- Awake Craniotomy: In few cases, patient is kept awake during parts of the surgery to analyse and preserve critical functioning while removing the tumor.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Endoscopic surgery and stereotactic biopsy minimize trauma to surrounding brain tissue. Endoscopic surgery involve the use of a small camera, while stereotactic techniques use three-dimensional coordinates to precisely target the tumor.
- Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): LITT uses laser to heat and destroy tumor tissue. It is used for deep-seated tumors and guided by real-time imaging.
- Neuroendoscopy: Neuroendoscopic surgery involve using a small, flexible tube with a camera to access and remove tumors through natural openings like the nose or small incisions.
- Image-Guided Surgery: Advanced imaging techniques assists neurosurgeons in this brain tumor surgery.
- Ultrasonic Aspiration: Using ultrasonic vibrations to break down and aspirate tumor tissue used specifically for soft tumor removals
- Functional MRI (fMRI) and Brain Mapping: It assists neurosurgeons identify functional areas of the brain, allowing to avoid damaging these areas during surgery. Brain mapping stimulates specific brain regions to map functions.
Conclusion
Understanding brain tumors, their types, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for both medical professionals and patients. With a comprehensive grasp of the diverse brain tumor landscape, accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions can be made.
Visit the brain tumor specialist in Delhi now