A brain tumor that affects the functioning of the brain can be either malignant or benign. Though majority of the brain tumors are non-cancerous, they can grow considerably in size to cause undue pressure on the adjoining tissues and organs. However, if you have noticed any unusual lump/s on your head you can consult an oncologist for tumor treatment in Siliguri.
Understanding Brain Tumors
A tumor is any abnormal growth or a collection of cells in the body. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells around the brain. Tumors that originate or form in the brain are called primary tumors. Whereas tumors that spread to the brain after forming in different parts of the body are called secondary tumors. Both kinds of tumors are equally damaging to the body.
Types Of Brain Tumors
Broadly speaking brain tumors are either classified as benign tumors or malignant tumors. Benign tumors include the following:
- Chordomas
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Gangliocytomas
- Glomusjugulare
- Meningiomas
- Pineocytomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Schwannomas
78% of cancerous brain tumors are malignant that include varieties like:
- Astrocytoma
- Ependymomas
- Glioblastoma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Medulloblastoma
How Serious Are Brain Tumors?
Brain tumors-both benign and malignant can be serious because the skull is like a small compartment and it does not allow the growth of any abnormal cell. A brain tumor growing too close to the brain can cause many serious complications such as:
- Exerting abnormal pressure on surrounding tissues
- Destroying health tissues around the brain
- Increasing pressure within the skull
- Leading to fluid build-up in the brain
- Leading to internal bleeding inside the brain
- Obstructing the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid
Common Signs & Symptoms of Brain Tumor
- Morning headaches that are more severe upon waking up
- Difficulty in cognitive abilities like thinking, speaking, and understanding
- Uncontrollable seizures
- Problems with the eye and vision
- Numbness and tingling on the face
- Problems with body balance
- Hearing difficulties
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feelings of confusion and disorientation
How A Brain Tumor Is Diagnosed?
Since brain tumors are complicated, diagnosing them can sometimes be tricky. They are mostly diagnosed based on some imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, or based on the symptoms reported by the patients. Common tests that are performed to diagnose brain tumors include:
- Brain MRI or CT Scan
- Biopsy of the tumor
- Spinal Tap or a lumbar puncture
- Some special tests to check blood and the cerebrospinal fluid
How A Brain Tumor Is Treated?
Depending upon the size, location, and number of tumors, your medical practitioner may decide the course of treatment which may include any one or a combination of two or more of the following:
- Craniotomy or a brain surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Radiosurgery
- Brachytherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Can Patients Survive With Brain Tumors?
Survival rates in the case of brain tumor treatment in Siliguri depend upon various factors like age, size of the tumor, its effect, and the damage caused so far. While young children and youth have a higher survival rate, the same drops with age and other diseases.
