Brain Tumor
The brain is a tightly confined area, and any abnormal growth in this region can have severe consequences. Tumors in the brain can put pressure on sensitive parts, affecting important functions. As a result, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in these cases.
What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that grows within the skull. These cells can either be benign, meaning they do not pose a threat to healthy cells, or malignant, meaning they are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. The increase in these abnormal cells can affect normal brain function. Benign tumors originate within the brain, while malignant ones spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body.
What Are the Factors Causing a Brain Tumor?
Many different factors contribute to the formation of brain tumors. These factors vary depending on the location of the tumor. While genetics play a small role, other factors include increasing age and race. For example, brain tumors are more common in people living in the Caucasus region. Occupational or personal exposure to chemical substances is also a significant risk factor. On the other hand, having chickenpox in childhood has been shown to reduce the risk of developing a brain tumor. These are just some of the factors that can play a role in brain tumor formation.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?
Observed symptoms vary according to the structure and size of the tumor. Tumors that apply pressure directly to the brain create much more significant symptoms and damage. The main symptoms can be listed as follows;
-
Severe headache
-
blurred vision
-
Perception problems
-
Vomiting
-
Loss of memory
-
Difficulty in reading
-
Difficulty in writing
-
Difficulty swallowing
-
Shake
-
loss of balance
How is Brain Tumor Diagnosed?
A serious physical and neurological examination should be performed to diagnose a brain tumor. The first of these is the examination of the pupil of the eye. The eye examination shows the condition of the cranial nerves exiting the brain. Then, memory and coordination tests that measure brain power are performed. After the physical tests, neurological tests are started. Here the CT test is done first. This test allows more specific ideas to be formed through x-ray images. Then, MR images of the patient are obtained. This test contains more precise information about the head area. MR test can be done in color if needed. Other tests that can be done are listed as follows;
-
Biopsy: A piece of the tumor structure is taken. Thus, information about whether it is benign or malignant is obtained.
-
X-ray: It is used to learn the damage caused by the tumor in the bone structure and blood.
-
Angio: In this method, the dye released from the inguinal region reaches the artery in the brain. Thus, information about the tumor is obtained.
How Is A Brain Tumor Treated?
To treat malignant tumors, the amount and regions of spread should be determined. The findings are decisive in the choice of treatment to be applied. The main treatment methods are listed as follows;
-
Radiotherapy
-
Chemotherapy
-
immunotherapy
-
Surgical Operation (surgery)