WHAT IS BRAIN TUMOR?
A brain tumour is a collection of damaged cells that multiply out of control within the brain. It is also called a neoplasm, growth, mass, or lesion. Brain tumour is classified as either primary or secondary (metastatic), and can be benign or malignant.
- Primary brain tumours develop and generally remain in the brain.
- Secondary brain tumours, or metastatic brain tumours, are cancers that develop elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.
- Malignant brain tumours grow rapidly and invade other cells.
- Benign brain tumours generally do not grow rapidly. However, even benign tumours can be life-threatening.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BRAIN TUMOR?
As tumour cells multiply within the brain, they can press against, irritate, and/or destroy normal brain tissue. As a result, brain tumours may cause symptoms such as :
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Speech problems
- Weakness
- Poor vision
- Pain or numbness
- Movement problems
- Paralysis
- Nausea or vomiting
HOW TO DIAGNOSE BRAIN TUMOURS?
Brain tumours may be diagnosed and evaluated with one or more of different types of procedures:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs use an extremely strong magnet to produce images. With contrast-enhanced MRI, the patient is first injected with a dye that makes normal and tumour tissue display differently.
- Computerized Tomography (CT): A CT scan may be used for patients who cannot undergo MRI because they have pacemakers, metal implants, allergies, or claustrophobia. CT scan machines take multiple x-rays of small areas of the brain from different angles. The computer then combines the scans to make a detailed, three-dimensional image.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): PET scans are sometimes used in addition to MRI or CT to evaluate brain tumours. After receiving treatment for a brain tumour, PET scans can also be used to differentiate new tumour growth from scar tissue or necrosis (cells killed by radiation).
- Biopsy: It is the surgical removal of a small piece of the tumour tissue. The tissue is studied to confirm the type of tumour, and to help the healthcare team outline a treatment plan.
HOW TO TREAT BRAIN TUMORS?
Your doctor will design a plan to help treat the tumour and relieve any symptoms the brain tumour may be causing.
- Surgery: The first treatment of choice, depending on the location and size of the tumour, is surgical removal of as much of the lesion as possible (also called resection). Surgery can also reduce symptoms caused by swelling in the skull.
- Radiation Therapy or Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy is the use of painless x-rays which destroy tumour cells by making them unable to reproduce. The types of radiation therapy are :
- Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT): It delivers an even dose of radiation to the entire brain. Radiotherapy can treat large and small tumours, many tumours at the same time, and tumours deep in the brain that cannot be removed through surgery.
- Conventional External Beam Radiation: It is the most common form of radiation therapy. The beams are aimed at the tumour plus a small border of tissue around the tumour.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: This form of therapy delivers a higher dose of radiation to a small tumour (usually 1.5 inches or less in diameter) in a single treatment session.
- Chemotherapy: It is the use of special drugs to kill tumour cells. Sometimes, a pump or catheter may be placed underneath the skin to deliver the drugs.
HOW TO TREAT THE SYMPTOMS?
The following treatments can help with the symptoms of a brain tumour, although they will not actually help to remove the tumour :
- Steroids (Corticosteroids): Brain tumours often produce swelling and inflammation inside the skull. This can cause headaches, sleepiness, and other problems.
- Anti-seizure Medications (Anticonvulsants): Medications may be given to help prevent seizures. These medications are called anti-seizure medications or anticonvulsants.
- Complementary Therapies: Complementary therapies for cancer may include stress management, relaxation and imagery training, meditation, group support, family counselling, nutrition, herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture and education.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER TREATMENT?
After treatment, a patient's health is monitored closely. An MRI, CT, or other type of imaging scan may be done every so often to see if the treatment is working. Frequent physical exams will help the doctor find out if the cancer has returned or if side effects are a problem. Be sure to report any recurrence of symptoms or other changes in your health promptly to the doctor or nurse.