Brain Tumours : Symptoms and Treatment

The brain is one of the most intricate and vital organs in the human body, responsible for controlling all bodily functions and interpreting information from the outside world. It is a part of the central nervous system and acts as the command centre, processing sensory inputs, regulating emotions, and coordinating movement. It is the most compact organ with trillions of structures and functions! 

Over 30 lakh cases are reported worldwide of brain tumour this makes it a pressing issue for the medical community. The rise in cases of brain tumours is a concern because of difficulty in diagnosing and treatment. Since the brain is the highest functioning organ, any impact on the same can disrupt end numbers of function. Brain tumours whether benign or invasive develop into cancer. This puts pressure on certain parts of the brain, disrupting particular functions. Early diagnosis still remains a challenge in medical practice because of general symptoms or most of the time being asymptomatic. 

Traditional treatment includes surgeries and radiotherapy which often affects the surrounding brain tissues as well. This created an ardent need for precise, advanced and accurate treatment methods. Read ahead to understand the symptoms, causes and advanced treatment options for brain tumours.

Diving into the Brain Tumours!

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding tissues. It can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The brain’s complexity makes the diagnosis and treatment of tumours particularly challenging, as even benign tumours can disrupt vital brain functions depending on their location and size. Brain tumours can originate in the brain itself (primary brain tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic brain tumours).

The brain consists of various specialised regions, each responsible for different functions such as movement, speech, memory, and sensory perception. A tumour can affect one or more of these regions, leading to a wide range of symptoms. For example, a tumour in the frontal lobe might cause personality changes or motor control issues, while one in the temporal lobe could affect speech and memory. Tumours in the cerebellum can cause balance problems, and growths in the brainstem may interfere with basic life functions like breathing and heart rate regulation, given its role in controlling essential bodily processes.

The anatomy of the brain further complicates the situation. It is protected by the blood-brain barrier, a selective membrane that shields the brain from harmful substances but also limits the effectiveness of certain medications used in treatment. Additionally, the brain is enclosed within the skull, meaning that any abnormal growth increases intracranial pressure, potentially causing headaches, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.

Treating brain tumours often requires a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, due to the brain’s sensitivity and complexity, removing tumours without damaging surrounding healthy tissue can be extremely difficult. This complexity makes brain tumours a formidable challenge in both medical diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the difference between brain tumours and brain cancers

The distinction between brain tumours and brain cancers lies primarily in their growth behaviour, potential for spreading, and overall threat to health. Brain tumours refer to any abnormal growth of cells in the brain, which can be either benign or malignant. Brain cancer, however, always refers to malignant tumours, which are aggressive, fast-growing, and more likely to invade nearby brain tissues.

A benign brain tumour is non-cancerous and usually grows slowly. While it may not spread to other parts of the brain or body, it can still be dangerous due to the confined space within the skull. As the tumour grows, it can compress critical areas of the brain, causing symptoms like headaches, seizures, or cognitive difficulties. The main challenge with benign tumours is that their location can make surgical removal difficult, and even small tumours can cause serious problems depending on where they are located.

In contrast, brain cancers (malignant tumours) grow rapidly and have the potential to invade nearby brain tissue, disrupting essential functions such as movement, sensation, or cognition. These tumours can also generate secondary tumours through metastasis, spreading to other parts of the brain or central nervous system. Primary brain cancers originate in the brain, while secondary (metastatic) brain cancers spread from other organs like the lungs, breast, or colon.

The dangerous aspect of both brain tumours and cancers is their impact on the brain’s delicate structures. However, malignant brain cancers pose a higher risk due to their aggressive growth, potential to spread, and difficulty in treatment. Benign tumours, while less likely to spread, can still be life-threatening based on their location, making both conditions serious medical concerns.

Signs and symptoms of brain tumours

Size of the tumour controls the signs and symptoms. Here is a list of signs and symptoms which can make you look for a doctor. 

Headaches:

• Persistent headaches that may worsen in the morning or with activity.
• New or unusual headaches that do not respond to  pain relievers.

Seizures:

• Sudden onset of seizures or convulsions, even in individuals with no previous history.
• Different types of seizures can occur, including focal (localised) or generalised seizures.

Nausea and Vomiting:

• Unexplained nausea and vomiting, often worse in the morning and not associated with other illnesses.

Visual Problems:

• Blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or loss of peripheral vision.
• Sudden changes in vision or unexplained eye movement.

Hearing Loss:

• Gradual or sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or balance problems.

Speech Difficulties:

• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding language (aphasia).

Weakness or Numbness:

• Weakness or numbness in one side of the body (hemiparesis) or in specific parts, such as the arms or legs.
• Loss of coordination or difficulty with balance and walking.

Difficulty Swallowing:

• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing food or liquids.

Fatigue:

• Unusual or persistent fatigue not relieved by rest or sleep.

Brain tumours can be classified as cancerous and non-cancerous. Cancerous tumours tend to show symptoms quickly whereas non-cancerous tumours are less aggressive and have better prognosis. Till date treatment is bounded by radiotherapy and surg

Do brain tumours run in families?

While most brain tumours do not have a strong hereditary link, there are cases where brain tumours can run in families. In the majority of individuals, brain tumours are caused by genetic mutations that occur spontaneously and are not passed down from parents. However, a small percentage of brain tumours are associated with inherited genetic conditions.

Certain hereditary syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2, tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Von Hippel-Lindau disease, increase the risk of developing brain tumours. These conditions are caused by inherited gene mutations that predispose individuals to tumours, not only in the brain but also in other parts of the body. For example, neurofibromatosis is linked to tumours in the nervous system, while Li-Fraumeni syndrome increases the risk of multiple types of cancer, including brain cancer.

The Shift in Treatment of Brain Tumours

Brain surgery is one of the most challenging surgical procedures due to the intricate structure of the brain. This 3-pound organ contains around 86 billion neurons and trillions of connections, forming a highly complex network. Operating on the brain is a delicate and demanding task, and the presence of brain tumours further complicates the procedure. Tumours are often closely attached to surrounding brain tissues, making surgical removal particularly risky. Neurosurgery has long been the cornerstone of treatment for brain tumours, but it presents its own set of benefits and drawbacks. 

ZAP-X Gyroscopic Stereotactic Radiosurgery of the brain is an advanced surgical procedure especially designed for brain tumours. It is a surgical robot designed for the brain and spine. Unlike traditional methods there is maximum accuracy and least side effects. ZAP-X is a machine which uses radiation and a targeted approach. The approach is simple, it uses image-guided targeting and a compact linear accelerator to deliver high-dose radiation to lesions in the brain and cervical spine. 

Several advanced treatments are now available for brain tumours. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive option that uses a laser catheter to heat and destroy tumour cells, reaching tumours that may be otherwise inoperable. Non-invasive options include CyberKnife and Gamma Knife, which use targeted radiation to treat tumours, ideal for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery. Proton therapy delivers precise radiation while minimising damage to surrounding tissues. Awake craniotomy with brain mapping allows surgeons to map speech and motor functions during surgery, ensuring critical areas are preserved while removing the tumour.

Faq 

Are brain tumours completely curable?

The curability of brain tumors depends on various factors, including the type, location, size, and stage of the tumor. Some benign tumors can be completely removed through surgery and may not recur. However, malignant brain tumors, especially aggressive forms like glioblastoma, are more challenging to cure. While treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can control tumor growth, complete eradication is not always possible, and recurrence remains a risk.

Can I live a normal life with treatment of brain tumours?

Many individuals can live a relatively normal life after brain tumor treatment, depending on the tumor’s type, location, and treatment outcomes. Advances in surgery, radiation, and other therapies have improved survival rates and quality of life. However, some may experience ongoing challenges, such as cognitive or physical impairments, depending on the tumor’s impact on brain function. Regular follow-up care and rehabilitation can help manage these challenges and support a fulfilling life.

Which is the most affordable treatment for brain tumour?

The most affordable treatment for a brain tumor often depends on the tumor’s type, size, and location, as well as the healthcare system in the region. Traditional surgery tends to be more affordable than advanced treatments like CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, or proton therapy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are commonly used and may be more cost-effective. However, the overall cost varies widely, and financial assistance or insurance coverage can significantly reduce expenses.

Why are brain tumours not easy to detect?

Brain tumours are not easy to detect because their symptoms often mimic other common conditions, such as headaches, fatigue, or memory issues. The brain’s complex structure also means that tumours can grow without causing noticeable symptoms until they press on vital areas. Additionally, symptoms vary widely depending on the tumour’s location and size, making early diagnosis difficult. Advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans is usually required for detection.