In this article, we will discuss the brain tumor, its causes, symptoms, signs and diagnostic tests. We will also discuss some questions related to brain tumors.
A brain tumor is a condition that occurs due to uncontrolled division of cells in the brain leading to the mass of cells which can lead to Brain tumors. There is not any specific cause of brain tumors but researchers believe that genetics and exposure to certain chemicals lead to the DNA mutation in brain cells which can lead to brain tumors.
Brain Tumor can be specific to the brain and can reach other parts like the spinal cord. If the tumors spread to other parts of the body it is called metastatic tumors or secondary brain tumors. Brain tumors can lead to various issues related to the brain like weak memory, unable to walk, weakness, fatigue, confusion etc. A person suffering from a brain tumor should consult a doctor for treatment.
Brain Tumor
The brain is the vital part of the central nervous system and any abnormality in the brain can lead to various health issues related to control and coordination. Brain tumor is a condition that occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of brain cells and forms cell masses called tumors. If this tumor spreads to the spinal cord then it is called cancerous.
Nearly one-third of brain tumors are cancerous and other tumors are not cancerous. Brain tumors can affect the functionality of the brain and greatly impact the control and coordination of the person. It is important to go for the treatment of brain cancer early because time is important in the treatment of cancers. Early treatment is effective and helps to get the person back on track more easily than in later stages of cancer.
Brain Tumor Symptoms or Brain Tumor Warning Signs
Various symptoms are related to brain tumors and these symptoms include:
- Headache: This is one of the most common symptoms related to brain tumors. It is important to note that all headaches are not related to brain tumors. Headaches of severe intensity that make you up at night or not able to get corrected by simple OTC drugs. These headaches can be connected with this type of condition.
- Personality Changes: If the person changes their behavior towards the situations or people, this can also be related to the condition of brain tumors.
- Seizures: This is also one of the common symptoms that is related to the brain tumor. A person suffering from a brain tumor can have frequent seizures and headaches.
- Blurred vision: A person going through a brain tumor can have the issue of blurred vision and related issues. Nerves controlling the vision can get damaged and affect the vision of the person which can be one of the symptoms of the brain tumor.
- Balance Issues: A person going through brain tumors will be having balance issues and not be able to stand in a particular form for a long time. The brain controls and coordinates muscle movement and any abnormality in the brain can lead to such kind of issues.
- Facial numbness and tingling: A person going through a brain tumor can feel numbness in the face and some kind of tingling sensation all around the face.
- Hearing Issues: A person with a brain tumor can also have issues with hearing and related problems. Brain tumors can affect the surrounding areas of the brain and lead to such issues.
- Confusion and disorientation: A person with the issue of a brain tumor can also suffer from the conditions of confusion and disorientation. Which can lead to various other issues like unexpected behavior, unusual activities etc.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can also be related to brain tumor conditions. This can be severe in the tumor conditions.
Brain Tumor causes
There is no particular cause of brain tumors, and it is unclear about the exact cause but various factors that can lead to brain tumors include:
Genetic Mutations
Researchers believe that some genetic mutations occur which leads to the uncontrolled growth of brain cells and these cells then form a mass of cells called tumors. Any uncontrolled mass of cells can spread to other parts of the central nervous system if the tumors become cancerous.
Environmental conditions
Some studies believe that brain tumors can also occur when there is exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. These lead to mutations in the cells which can lead to uncontrolled growth of cells and form tumors.
Some rare genetic inherited syndromes are also associated with brain tumors and these include:
- NF1 gene (Neurofibromatosis type 1)
- NF2 gene (Neurofibromatosis type 2)
- Turcot syndrome (APC gene)
- Gorlin Syndrome (PTCH gene)
- Tuberoses sclerosis complex (TSC1 and TSC2 genes)
- Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53 gene)
What are the different types of brain tumors?
There are almost more than 150 types of brain tumors detected by researchers. These include both benign and malignant brain tumors.
Benign brain tumors include:
- Chordomas
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Gangliocytomas, ganglions and anaplastic gangliogliomas
- Glomus jugular
- Meningiomas
- Pineocytomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Schwannomas
Malignant or Cancerous Brain Tumors include:
- Astrocytoma
- Ependymomas.
- Glioblastoma (GBM)
- Oligodendroglioma
- Medulloblastoma
Tests Used to Detect Brain Tumor
Various tests are used to detect brain tumors, these tests include various procedures and purposes. Healthcare experts can suggest a good test after the analysis of the patient. Various types of tests used for the detection of brain tumors include:
Brain MRI
MRI is one of the diagnostic procedures that use magnetic waves for the detection of abnormalities in the brain. This test is very effective in the diagnosis of the brain tumor condition.
Brain CT
Brain CT or computer tomography is another test used for the detection of brain tumors. The test used X-rays for the detection of brain tumor abnormalities.
Biopsy
In this type of test, a sample is taken from the brain and analyzed, this analysis leads to the detection of cancer cells or brain tumors in general.
Spinal Tab (Lumbar puncture)
Spinal tab is another such test that is used for the detection of abnormalities in the brain and associated tissues.
Tumor markers
Tumor markers are the cells that are specifically used to identify brain tumors. These cells get attached to the tumor cells and after detection, the movement brain tumor can be detected.
PET CT scan
PET CT scan is one of the advanced radiological diagnostic procedures, which uses radioactive tracers and X-rays for the detection of abnormalities in the brain and helps to detect brain tumors.
Conclusion
Brain tumors are one of the deadly diseases which affect the brain functioning and the associated tissues. A brain tumor occurs when the cells divide in an uncontrolled manner leading to the formation of a mass of cells, these cells can lead to brain tumors. There is no specific cause for the brain tumor which can be fixed. It is believed that mutation leads to the controlled growth of cells forming tumors in the brain. There are various types of brain cancers; researchers have identified almost 150 types of brain tumors in benign and malignant forms. There are various types of tests used for the detection of brain tumors and these include CT, MRI, PET, biopsies etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a brain tumor?
Brain tumor is the uncontrolled division of brain cells leading to the formation of tumors.
What are the different types of brain tumors?
Different types of brain cancer include benign and malignant.
What are the causes of brain tumors?
Different causes of brain tumors include genetic mutation, environmental factors, inherence etc.
Which tests are used to detect brain tumors?
Various tests used to detect brain tumors include PET, CT, MRI, biopsies etc.
What are the warning signs of a brain tumor?
Warning signs of brain tumor include confusion, headache, numbness on the face, not able to make decisions, unbalancing etc.
