Brain Tumor

Why choose us for Brain Tumor?

What you need to know about Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or central spinal canal. Brain tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their effects can vary widely depending on their size, type, location, and rate of growth.

How to talk to your doctor about Brain Tumor

Getting Ready for the Appointment

  1. Note Symptoms: Write down any symptoms you have, like headaches or vision problems.
  2. Medical History: Make a list of your past illnesses and any family history of cancer.
  3. Medications: List all medicines and supplements you take.
  4. Questions: Write down any questions or worries you have.

Tips for Talking to Your Doctor

  1. Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes.
  2. Bring Someone with You: Have a friend or family member come with you for support.
  3. Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it again.
  4. Record the Conversation: Ask if you can record the discussion to listen to later.
  5. Request Written Information: Ask for brochures or websites to read more about your condition.
  6. Follow-Up Questions: Ask how you can contact your doctor if you have more questions later.

Follow-Up and Second Opinions

  1. Second Opinion: It’s okay to get a second opinion from another doctor.
  2. Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule follow-up visits to keep track of your condition and treatment.
  3. Health Portal: Use any online health portals to access your test results and communicate with your healthcare team.

Emotional Support

  1. Counseling: Consider seeing a counselor to help cope with your feelings.
  2. Support Groups: Join a support group to connect with others in similar situations.
  3. Family Support: Involve your family in discussions and decisions for their support.

Being prepared and asking questions can help you feel more in control and make better decisions about your health.

  • Primary Brain Tumors

  1. Gliomas: Tumors that arise from glial cells.
    • Astrocytomas: Including glioblastomas, the most aggressive type.
    • Oligodendrogliomas: Tumors arising from oligodendrocytes.
    • Ependymomas: Tumors from ependymal cells lining the ventricles.
  2. Meningiomas: Tumors arising from the meninges, usually benign.
  3. Schwannomas: Tumors originating from Schwann cells.
  4. Pituitary Adenomas: Tumors in the pituitary gland.
  5. Medulloblastomas: Common in children, occurring in the cerebellum.
  6. Craniopharyngiomas: Benign tumors near the pituitary gland, affecting hormone production.
  • Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors

    • Originate from cancers elsewhere in the body (e.g., lung, breast, melanoma).
  • Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations and inherited syndromes (e.g., Neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome).
  • Environmental Exposure: High levels of ionizing radiation.
  • Family History: Having a family history of brain tumors.
  • Immune System Disorders: Such as AIDS, which increase susceptibility.
  • Headaches, especially in the morning.
  • Seizures.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Vision or hearing problems.
  • Cognitive or personality changes.
  • Speech difficulties.
  • Balance and coordination issues.
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs.
  • Neurological Examination: Tests of vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes.
  • Imaging Studies:
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the brain.
    • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Useful for quickly viewing the brain.
  • Biopsy: Surgical removal of a small tissue sample for examination.
  • Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): To check for cancer cells in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Surgery: Primary treatment if the tumor is accessible.
  • Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill tumor cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, often used with other treatments.
  • Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
  • Supportive/Palliative Care: Symptom management to improve quality of life.
  • Depends on tumor type, location, size, growth rate, and patient’s age and overall health.
  • Benign Tumors: Often have a good prognosis if fully removable.
  • Malignant Tumors: Prognosis varies; glioblastomas have a poorer outlook.
  • Glioblastomas: Median survival is about 15-18 months, with 5-year survival rates around 5-10%.
  • Meningiomas: 5-year survival rates range from 70-90% for benign forms.
  • Low-Grade Gliomas: 5-year survival rates are about 50-60%.
  • Pituitary Adenomas: Generally have high survival rates, but may impact quality of life.
  • Medulloblastomas: 5-year survival rates are around 70-80% in children.

Survival rates are improving with advances in treatment, early detection, and better supportive care.