Brain tumors cause symptoms such as severe headache, loss of strength in the arms and legs, vomiting, visual and speech impairment. Genetics as well as different risk factors are also involved in the formation of this pathology. Diagnosis can be made quickly with neurological examination as well as radiological examinations. We have compiled for you what you wonder about the subject and what you need to know.
It is a disease that occurs when cells in the brain tissue differentiate and multiply uncontrollably, or cancer cells that exist in different parts of the body reach the brain through blood circulation and spread to this area. Cells that show an abnormal growth in the brain tissue cause the formation of a mass, that is, a tumor, and this formation puts pressure on the skull. As a result of this situation, various epileptic and neurological disorders may occur with an increase in intracranial pressure.
“What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?” It is one of the frequently asked questions. The most common brain tumor symptoms are as follows:
- Headache (especially headaches at night)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Neurological deficits
Apart from that, different brain tumor symptoms may occur depending on the affected area of the brain. These symptoms are as follows:
- Numbness
- Unbalance
- Gait disturbance
- Difficulty speaking
- Vision loss
- Memory deterioration
- Experiencing hearing loss
- Weakness in the right or left half of the body
Among the pituitary gland tumors, growth in the hands and feet and menstrual irregularity are among the symptoms that may be seen.
Brain tumors are classified according to the location of the tumor. Tumors arising from the brain tissue itself are called primary brain tumors. Tumors that spread to the brain from other parts of the body are also called metastases or secondary brain tumors.
Primary brain tumors: Divided into two groups:
- Benign brain tumors (meningioma, schwanoma, dermoid epidermoid cysts)
- Malignant brain tumors (glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic)
“What is a benign tumor?” The answer is given as residual tumors that come from the meninges or nerves in the brain and are present at birth. “What are benign tumors?” The question can be answered as these tumors can be listed as schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), pituitary adenomas, hemangioblastoma, craniopharyngioma and choroid plexus papilloma, respectively.
Malignant brain tumors can be abnormal or fast-growing. As rapid growth occurs, brain cancer symptoms spread into healthy brain cells. Treatments for this tumor vary according to the location, size and risk factors of the tumor.
Brain tumor test, magnetic resonance imaging and brain tomography are imaging methods used in the diagnosis of brain tumors.
“What causes a brain tumor?” are among the frequently asked questions. Brain tumors can develop from their own cells or spread to the brain from another region. Caucasian race, exposure to radiation, and male gender are among the risk factors for the condition, although the causes have not been fully determined.
Brain tumors are treated with surgical methods, radiation and drug therapy. Surgery is one of the prominent treatment modalities, as tumors generally press on the brain inside the skull and increase intracranial pressure. In surgical treatment, removal of the tumor with brain tumor surgery, determination of the tumor type and relief of the brain are provided.
Significant advances have been made in chemotherapy, another treatment method, in recent years. The success of the chemotherapy method, which is generally used in the treatment of malignant tumors, is specific to the patient.
WHAT SHOULD THE PROCESS BE LIKE AFTER BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY?
It is important for the patient to pay attention to certain points for a longer life expectancy after brain tumor surgery. Depending on the location of the brain tumor, there may be some loss of function in the patient after the operation. For this reason, some rehabilitation programs and physical therapy are applied to the patient in the postoperative period. In addition, the patient should receive psychological support before and after the operation.
IS EVERY HEADACHE A SYMPTOM OF A BRAIN TUMOR?
Headaches can be due to various causes such as stress, migraine and high blood pressure. However, they are not always related to a brain tumor. In addition, the headache associated with a brain tumor is sudden, severe and uncontrollable. This pain can also be a sign of a brain hemorrhage. In addition, in some cases the pain may be mild but may last for a very long time. In such cases, a specialist should be consulted for the necessary tests.
CAN CANCER IN ANOTHER ORGAN SPREAD TO THE BRAIN?
In metastatic brain tumors, cancerous tissue in other organs of the body can spread to the brain. In addition, up to 25% of all cancer types can metastasize to the brain.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF BRAIN TUMOR SURGERIES?
It is possible to completely remove benign brain tumors with a specialist surgeon and achieve good results. However, if the tumor is not completely removed by surgery in malignant brain tumors, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be applied after the procedure.
HOW IS RADIATION THERAPY APPLIED IN BRAIN TUMORS?
Radiotherapy application is done in the first month after the operation. The purpose of this treatment is to kill tumor cells or suppress their growth. In very rare cases, radiotherapy is applied to patients who cannot be operated on. In addition, radiotherapy application varies according to the type and size of the tumor, age of the patient and neurological findings.
