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Brain Tumor

  • A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or its surrounding structures. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their impact depends not only on their nature but also on their location, size, and growth rate.

    Even benign tumors can cause significant symptoms by compressing nearby brain structures, affecting vital functions such as movement, vision, hearing, balance, and cognition.

  • Brain tumors are classified into primary and secondary types:

    • Primary Brain Tumors: Originate within the brain itself.

      • Gliomas (Astrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, Glioblastoma Multiforme)

      • Meningiomas

      • Pituitary Adenomas

      • Medulloblastomas

      • Ependymomas

      • Schwannomas

    • Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors:
      These arise when cancer cells spread to the brain from other organs such as the lung, breast, kidney, or melanoma.

  • Symptoms depend on tumor location and rate of growth. Common warning signs include:

    • Persistent or worsening headaches

    • Seizures

    • Nausea and vomiting (especially in the morning)

    • Weakness or numbness in limbs

    • Visual or speech disturbances

    • Memory problems or behavioral changes

    • Loss of balance or coordination

    Prompt neurological evaluation and imaging are vital when these symptoms appear.

    • Accurate diagnosis involves a series of investigations:

    • MRI Brain (with contrast): The gold standard for detecting and characterizing brain tumors.

    • CT Scan: Useful for emergency evaluation or in patients unable to undergo MRI.

    • Functional MRI / Diffusion Tensor Imaging: Maps brain function and white matter tracts before surgery.

    • Biopsy / Surgical Resection: Confirms tumor type and grade.

    • Molecular Testing: Identifies genetic markers (e.g., IDH mutation, MGMT methylation, 1p/19q co-deletion) that guide prognosis and targeted therapy.

    • The treatment of brain tumors requires a multidisciplinary team involving neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neurologists.

    • 1. Neurosurgery

    • Goal: Remove as much tumor as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue.

    • Techniques:

    • Microsurgical and endoscopic approaches

    • Intraoperative navigation and neuro-monitoring

    • Awake craniotomy (for tumors near critical areas)

    • 2. Radiation Therapy

    • Radiation plays a crucial role in controlling both benign and malignant brain tumors — either after surgery or as the main treatment when surgery isn’t feasible.

    • 3. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy

    • Used in high-grade gliomas and metastatic brain tumors.

    • Drugs like temozolomide are commonly used with radiotherapy.

    • Molecular-targeted and immunotherapy drugs are emerging for certain tumor types.

    • 4. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

    • A highly precise, non-invasive form of radiation that delivers a focused, high dose to the tumor in one or few sessions. Common systems include:

    • Gamma Knife

    • CyberKnife

    • LINAC-based SRS

    • SRS is often used for small, well-defined brain lesions — both primary and metastatic.

    • Non-invasive and painless

    • Allows treatment of inoperable or deep-seated lesions

    • Can shrink or control tumor growth effectively

    • Offers long-term control in benign tumors like meningioma or pituitary adenoma

    • Useful in treating multiple brain metastases without open surgery

    • Brain tumor treatment is one of the most complex and delicate areas of oncology. The combination of advanced neurosurgery, precision radiation oncology, and systemic therapy offers hope and improved survival for patients with both benign and malignant tumors.

    • With continual innovations like stereotactic radiosurgery, proton therapy, and molecular-guided treatment, outcomes continue to improve — offering patients safer, more effective, and life-preserving care.

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