Understanding Brain Tumours: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Brain tumours are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. They can be classified into different types based on their origin and behaviour. Some tumours grow slowly, while others can be aggressive and spread quickly. Understanding brain tumours is crucial because they can affect many aspects of a person’s health and daily life.

Recognising the symptoms, obtaining a timely diagnosis, and knowing the available treatment options are vital steps in managing brain tumours. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients. This blog aims to provide clear and helpful information about brain tumours, covering their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. By learning more about this topic, you can better understand the challenges faced by individuals with brain tumours and the importance of support for them and their families.

What are Brain Tumours?

Brain tumours are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. These tumours can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary.

1. Primary Brain Tumours

Primary brain tumours start in the brain itself. They can arise from various types of cells within the brain, including:

• Glial Cells: These support and protect nerve cells. Tumours that develop from glial cells are called gliomas.
• Meninges: The protective membranes covering the brain. Tumours originating from these layers are called meningiomas.
• Neurons: The brain’s nerve cells, which can also form tumours, though these are less common.

2. Secondary Brain Tumours

Secondary brain tumours, also known as metastatic tumours, occur when cancer cells spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the lungs, breast, or skin. These tumours are more common than primary brain tumours and indicate that cancer has advanced.

Characteristics of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours exhibit a range of characteristics that can affect their diagnosis, treatment, and impact on an individual’s health. Here are some key characteristics to consider:

1. Size

• Small Tumours: Small tumours can often go unnoticed for long periods and may be discovered incidentally during imaging tests for unrelated conditions. Even if they are not causing immediate symptoms, they can still lead to complications if they grow larger or if their location begins to affect surrounding brain structures. Monitoring is usually recommended, and surgical removal may be considered if they start to cause symptoms or show signs of growth.
• Large Tumours: Larger tumours can significantly affect the brain’s functionality, leading to a range of symptoms. They may cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in consciousness. The size of the tumour often dictates the urgency and type of treatment required, as larger tumours can lead to more severe neurological impairments.

2. Location

The specific location of a brain tumour plays a crucial role in determining its effects on the body. Tumours can impact various functions, including:

• Frontal Lobe: Responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and emotions. Tumours in this area can lead to personality changes, difficulty in planning, and impaired judgment.
• Temporal Lobe: Involved in memory, language, and auditory processing. Tumours here may cause memory loss, difficulty understanding speech, or changes in hearing.
• Parietal Lobe: Responsible for processing sensory information. Tumours in this area can result in sensory deficits, such as numbness or difficulty identifying objects through touch.
• Occipital Lobe: Primarily associated with vision. Tumours can lead to visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or loss of specific visual fields.
• Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance. Tumours in this area can lead to problems with coordination, gait abnormalities, and dizziness.

Understanding the location of a brain tumour is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies and anticipating potential complications.

3. Behaviour

• Benign Tumours: Benign brain tumours, while non-cancerous, can still cause serious issues due to their location. They tend to grow slowly and may not invade surrounding tissues, allowing for surgical removal with good outcomes. However, their growth can still lead to pressure on critical brain areas, causing symptoms that may require treatment.
• Malignant Tumours: Malignant brain tumours are cancerous and often grow rapidly. They can invade nearby brain tissue and may metastasise, spreading to other parts of the body. These tumours require more aggressive treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The prognosis for malignant tumours is typically more serious, and ongoing monitoring is essential to manage recurrence or complications.

4. Histology

The histological type of a brain tumour refers to the specific types of cells involved and their characteristics under a microscope. This classification helps determine the tumour’s grade, which indicates how aggressive it is and how likely it is to respond to treatment. Common types include:

• Gliomas: These tumours arise from glial cells and can range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (aggressive). Examples include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
• Meningiomas: Typically benign, these tumours arise from the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain. They can be asymptomatic or cause problems based on their size and location.
• Medulloblastomas: These are common in children and considered aggressive. They often require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for effective treatment.

5. Symptoms

The symptoms of brain tumours can vary widely based on their size, location, and type. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches: Often described as new, persistent, and worsening over time, headaches can be one of the first signs of a brain tumour.
• Seizures: New-onset seizures can occur, especially in patients with tumours located in areas of the brain responsible for controlling electrical activity.
• Cognitive Changes: Tumours can lead to confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating or communicating.
• Motor Skill Impairment: Depending on the tumour’s location, patients may experience weakness or loss of coordination in specific body parts.
• Visual or Auditory Changes: Tumours in certain locations can lead to blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss.

Recognising these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, as they can significantly impact the quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Symptoms of Brain Tumours

The symptoms of brain tumours can vary greatly depending on their size, location, and type. Early recognition of these symptoms is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common symptoms associated with brain tumours:

1. Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumours. However, these headaches may differ from typical headaches in that they tend to be persistent, worsen over time, and may not respond to usual pain relief methods. Patients often describe them as a new type of headache, distinct from their normal headaches.

2. Seizures

New-onset seizures can occur, especially if the tumour irritates the brain tissue. Seizures may manifest in various forms, such as convulsions, unusual sensations, or loss of consciousness. Some patients may experience focal seizures, which affect only a part of the body, while others may have generalised seizures that involve the entire body.

3. Cognitive Changes

Brain tumours can impact cognitive functions, leading to confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory loss. Patients may find it challenging to think clearly or follow conversations, and they may struggle to perform tasks they previously managed easily.

4. Personality and Behavioural Changes

Tumours in the frontal lobe can affect a person’s personality, mood, and behaviour. Changes may include increased irritability, depression, anxiety, or uncharacteristic behaviour. Friends and family may notice these shifts, which can be concerning.

5. Motor Skill Impairment

Depending on the tumour’s location, patients may experience weakness or coordination problems in certain body parts. This can result in difficulty walking, clumsiness, or trouble with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt.

6. Visual Disturbances

Tumours affecting the occipital lobe or optic nerves can cause various visual problems, including blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision. Some patients may also experience difficulty in visual processing, making it hard to recognise familiar objects.

7. Speech Difficulties

Tumours in areas of the brain responsible for language can lead to difficulties with speaking, understanding speech, or finding the right words. Patients may notice slurred speech or the inability to articulate thoughts clearly.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumours

Diagnosing brain tumours involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examinations, imaging studies, and sometimes laboratory tests. The process typically begins with a thorough medical history review and discussion of symptoms with a healthcare professional. The doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and nature of the symptoms, along with any changes in cognitive or physical abilities. A family history of neurological conditions may also be relevant.

A neurological examination assesses the function of the nervous system. This examination may include tests of reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, balance, and sensory perception. The doctor may also evaluate cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving abilities.

Imaging techniques are essential for visualising the brain and identifying the presence of tumours. Common imaging studies include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain, while CT scans combine X-ray images to create cross-sectional images. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumour. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumour for laboratory analysis.

Additional tests, such as blood tests or cerebrospinal fluid analysis, may be conducted to rule out other conditions and gather more information about the tumour.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumours

1. Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for brain tumours, aiming to remove as much of the tumour as possible while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Surgeons use advanced techniques like stereotactic surgery to target the tumour precisely. Depending on its size and location, the procedure may involve complete or partial resection. Recovery often includes rehabilitation to help regain lost abilities, as surgery and the tumour itself can affect motor skills and cognitive functions.

2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy employs high-energy particles to destroy or damage cancer cells. It is used when tumours cannot be fully removed or to target remaining cells post-surgery. This treatment can be delivered via external beam radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery, which precisely directs high doses to the tumour. While effective, radiation therapy may cause side effects like fatigue and skin irritation, which healthcare providers monitor and manage throughout treatment.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or halt their growth. Administered intravenously or orally, it may serve as the primary treatment or complement surgery and radiation. The specific regimen depends on the tumour type, and while effective, it can lead to side effects such as nausea and fatigue. Doctors closely manage these side effects to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. By stimulating the immune response or using engineered immune cells, it targets brain tumours with specific genetic markers. While promising, immunotherapy is still being researched to determine its best applications and candidates. As this field develops, it offers new hope for patients with aggressive tumours.

5. Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients with brain tumours by relieving symptoms and stress. This holistic approach addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs and can be integrated at any treatment stage. A multidisciplinary team collaborates to create a tailored care plan, helping patients manage pain and navigate the challenges of their diagnosis while improving overall comfort and well-being.

Final Thought

Understanding brain tumours, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential for early intervention and better outcomes. While the journey through diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, advancements in medical technology and personalised care provide hope for patients. By seeking timely medical advice and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can navigate this condition with a clearer path forward. JG Hospital is committed to offering comprehensive care, combining expertise with compassion, to help patients and their families manage brain tumours effectively and improve their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is brain tumour surgery always necessary?
Surgery is recommended when the tumour can be safely removed. However, for tumours in difficult-to-reach areas or when surgery poses significant risks, other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy may be used.

Q2. Can brain tumours be cured?
The possibility of a cure depends on the type of tumour, its size, location, and the patient’s overall health. Some benign tumours can be removed entirely, while malignant tumours may require ongoing treatment to manage.

Q3. Are all brain tumours cancerous?
No, not all brain tumours are cancerous. Some are benign and grow slowly, while others can be malignant and spread more aggressively.

Q4. What is the recovery like after brain tumour surgery?
Recovery varies by individual and the complexity of the surgery. Rehabilitation may be required to help regain lost motor skills, speech, or cognitive functions. The recovery process can take weeks to months.

Q5. What are the risks of radiation and chemotherapy?
Both radiation and chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and changes in cognitive function. Doctors carefully manage these side effects during treatment.

Q6. How can JG Hospital help with brain tumour treatment?
JG Hospital offers comprehensive brain tumour care, including advanced diagnostic tools, skilled surgeons, and a range of treatment options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all supported by a dedicated medical team focused on patient well-being.