Understanding brain tumors: Symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment

Every year, International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is observed from October 26 to November 2 to raise awareness about the form of tumour. Mumbai health experts share the causes, effects and highlight why it is important to not ignore the signs

Like every year, International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is being observed from October 26 to November 2, 2024. This initiative was started by the International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) in 2005.
 
Any form of malignant tumour is dangerous and can't be ignored. It is no different for brain tumours. According to the Asian Heart Institute, Brain Tumour Foundation of India, and other research papers, the number of people affected by brain tumours in India is estimated to be between 40,000 and 50,000 annually. This number includes both adults and children.
 
Recognising the widespread lack of awareness about brain tumours among the general public, midday.com reached out to Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant Neurologist, SL Raheja Hospital, Mumbai and Dr. Ravikiran Vutha Consultant Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospital Navi Mumbai to shed some light on brain tumours.
 
What are the causes of brain tumours?
Vutha: The causes of brain tumours are complex and often elusive, as they can stem from a variety of factors, some of which remain unidentified. Clinically, genetic mutations are a primary cause, where the DNA within brain cells undergoes abnormal changes, leading cells to grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Some individuals may inherit genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or Von Hippel-Lindau disease, which increase their risk for brain tumours. Additionally, prolonged exposure to ionising radiation, often from medical treatments like radiotherapy, is linked to a higher risk. For many, the cause remains unknown, making it challenging to implement preventive measures. The lack of clarity on the causes can be emotionally taxing for patients and families, as it leaves them grappling with "why" this happened, underscoring the importance of psychological support in treatment.
 
Mahajan: There's no definite cause for any particular brain tumour. But usually, we divide them into genetic causes and environmental causes. But most of the tumours, we don't find the cause, in that some environmental causes are mainly related to radiation exposure, like x-ray radiation, atomic radiation, and the one that can be coming from phones or network towers.
 
Are there different types of brain tumours?
Vutha: Yes, brain tumours are varied and classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary brain tumours originate within the brain itself and include both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) forms. Some common primary types are:
●  Gliomas: Including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas, these arise from glial cells and are often aggressive.
●  Meningiomas: Typically benign, these tumours arise from the meninges, the layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
●  Medulloblastomas: More common in children, these malignant tumours form in the cerebellum and can spread through the cerebrospinal fluid.
Secondary (metastatic) brain tumours originate elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or breasts, and spread to the brain. This classification informs treatment plans, as benign tumours may only need observation or limited surgery, while malignant tumours often require a multi-faceted approach involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Each type has unique characteristics and impacts, affecting patients' daily lives in different ways, from cognitive functions to mobility.

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