Brain Tumor

Normally with time, the cells in our body grow old and die and are replaced by new ones. Sometimes, due to some abnormality or pathology, these cells do not die and the whole process goes wrong. The new cells being produced and the old remaining cells together form a mass that we call tumor.

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, brain tumors are the second leading cause of deaths due to cancers in children, the second leading cause of deaths in males aged 20-39 and the fifth leading cause among women aged 20-39. The estimated number of new cases that are expected to be diagnosed in the US population in 2013 is 69,720.

A brain tumor can be primary or secondary depending on the nature of origin or benign or malignant depending on the nature of cell growth and morphology; benign tumors have a propensity to stay in the brain, while a malignant tumor can spread to the surrounding areas. Benign tumors occur more frequently in children and older adults. Malignant brain tumors are more common in adults as compared to children.

Although the benign tumors can be surgically removed and seldom grow back, however, unlike those elsewhere in the body, the ones in the brain can cause serious problems and can also be life threatening. A benign brain tumor can transform into malignant brain tumor (also known as brain cancer). Malignant tumors are usually more problematic and pose a more serious threat to life.

What causes brain tumors? There is still no satisfactory answer to this question. The possible factors that could play a role in increasing the chances of a primary brain tumor are exposure to radiation, inheritance, usage of cell phones was strongly debated upon but no valid link could be found.

Symptoms of a brain tumor can unfortunately be very challenging for the patients. They include seizures, headaches, loss of motor and sensory functions, hearing loss, loss of vision, deep venous thrombosis, fatigue, cognitive and behavioral changes, and dysfunctional endocrine system. These symptoms depend on the nature, site, size and severity of the tumor and might be made worse by surgery or other procedures if complications occur.

Diagnosing a brain tumor is an intricate and difficult journey. It is vital for the patients to understand the protocols and the consequences of diagnostic procedures and methods. A thorough history and neurological exam is the first step towards establishing a diagnosis  followed by CT scan, MRI, x-ray, biopsy, genetic profiling, laboratory tests that include lumbar puncture, myelogram evoked potentials, audiometry, endocrine evaluation, perimetry, and a recently developed technique called biomarker research.