BRAIN TUMORS

Overview: Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. They can be primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastatic, spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body). Brain tumors range from benign (non-cancerous) to malignant (cancerous) and vary in their growth rate and prognosis.

Types of Brain Tumors

• Primary Brain Tumors (originate in the brain):
  • Gliomas (glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma)
  • Meningiomas
  • Pituitary adenomas
  • Acoustic neuromas
  • Medulloblastomas
• Secondary Brain Tumors (metastatic):
  • Spread from lung, breast, melanoma, or other cancers

Risk Factors

• Previous cancer history
• Radiation exposure
• Genetic syndromes (neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
• Immunosuppression
• Age (some types more common in children, others in adults)
• Family history
• Certain environmental exposures

Symptoms (vary depending on tumor location and size)

• Headaches (often worse in morning)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision or hearing problems
• Balance and coordination difficulties
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Speech difficulties
• Cognitive changes (memory, concentration)
• Personality changes
• Hormonal changes (if pituitary tumor)

Diagnosis

• Brain MRI (primary imaging modality)
• CT scan (for acute presentation)
• Brain biopsy (to confirm diagnosis and grade tumor)
• Blood tests
• Lumbar puncture (if meningeal involvement suspected)
• PET scan (for metastatic disease)

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Tumor removal to relieve symptoms and reduce tumor burden
  • Craniotomy (open surgery)
  • Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery
  • Intraoperative neuromonitoring to protect brain function
• Radiation Therapy:
  • External beam radiation
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife)
  • Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment for malignant tumors
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific genetic mutations
• Supportive Care: Management of symptoms and side effects

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on tumor type, grade, size, location, and patient age. Benign tumors may have excellent prognosis, while malignant tumors may require aggressive multimodal treatment. Our team will discuss realistic expectations and treatment goals with each patient.