Brain Tumour

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside the skull. Some tumours are benign (not cancer) and grow slowly, while others are malignant (cancer) and can grow faster. Even a benign tumour can cause problems by pressing on important parts of the brain, so every brain tumour needs proper evaluation.

Symptoms

• Headache that is new, keeps coming back or gets worse, often in the morning
• Nausea or vomiting, especially with headache
• Fits (seizures) for the first time in adult life
• Blurred vision, double vision or loss of side vision
• Slowly increasing weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding
• Changes in memory, behaviour or personality
• Loss of balance or difficulty in walking
• Hearing loss or ringing in one ear
• Hormone problems such as irregular periods, abnormal milk discharge or unusual body growth

Causes

In most people, the exact cause of a brain tumour is not known. Tumours can start in the brain itself or in its coverings, nerves or the pituitary gland. Some tumours spread to the brain from cancers in other parts of the body, such as the lung or breast. A few rare inherited conditions and past radiation to the head can increase the risk. A brain tumour is not caused by anything the patient or family did wrong.

Diagnosis

The doctor asks about symptoms and performs a detailed examination of the nerves, strength, balance and eyes. An MRI of the brain with contrast is the main test to see the size, position and nature of the tumour. A CT scan, eye check-up, hearing tests or hormone blood tests may also be needed. The final type of tumour is confirmed by testing the removed tissue in the laboratory (histopathology), which helps plan further treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the tumour, the symptoms, and the patient's age and general health. Not every brain tumour needs immediate surgery. Some small, slow-growing tumours that cause no symptoms can be watched with regular MRI scans. Medicines such as steroids to reduce swelling and anti-seizure medicines help control symptoms. Certain pituitary tumours can be treated with medicines alone.

When surgery is needed, the aim is to remove as much of the tumour as is safely possible while protecting normal brain function. Microscopic surgery allows careful removal with good magnification and lighting. Many pituitary and some skull base tumours can be removed through the nose using endoscopic surgery, without a cut on the scalp. Sometimes only a small sample (biopsy) is taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Depending on the tissue report, some patients need radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgery, planned together with cancer specialists. Regular follow-up with MRI scans is important for all patients.

When to Seek Urgent Care

• Sudden severe headache or headache with repeated vomiting
• A fit (seizure), especially the first one
• Sudden loss of vision
• Rapidly increasing weakness, confusion or drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness

If any of these happen, go to the nearest emergency immediately.

If you or a family member has symptoms like these or has been told of a brain tumour on a scan, you can consult Dr. Prashant Sharma at Keshav Super Speciality Hospital, Meerut, to discuss the reports and the right treatment plan.

Related Conditions

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• Headache
• Migraine
• Nerve Pain (Neuropathic Pain)
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