Posted On: 2023-06-09 11:16:44
Mayo Clinic defines Brain Tumour as ‘a growth of cells in the brain or near it.’ It can happen in the brain, nearby locations or in the brain tissue. Nearby locations may include nerves, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, and the membranes that cover the surface of the brain.
Every Year, The 8th of June is celebrated as World Brain Tumour Day. It was initially started by German Brain Tumor Association. The day is marked by raising awareness and educating people about brain tumours. Myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease are plenty, so it is extremely important to raise awareness about the disease. In India, over 24,000 people die annually due to brain tumours.
One such myth is that all brain tumours are cancerous. However, this is not true as non-cancerous brain tumours also exist. According to NHS UK, “Non-cancerous brain tumours tend to stay in one place and do not spread. It will not usually come back if all of the tumour can be safely removed during surgery.” Some examples include gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas etc.
More than 150 types of brain tumours have been identified by researchers. They are categorized into four types, glial (composed of glial cells in your brain) or non-glial (developed on or in the structures of your brain, including nerves, blood vessels and glands) and benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Without wasting further time, let’s talk about how to recognize brain tumour and how to treat it.
Even if brain tumours are not cancerous, they can still pose a threat. As our skull is rigid and not malleable, it doesn’t leave space for tumours to expand, causing a host of difficulties. Brain tumours destroy healthy brain tissues, increase pressure on nearby tissues, increase intracranial pressure, cause fluid to build up in your brain, and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spaces within your brain, causing those spaces to enlarge. It can also cause a brain haemorrhage.
Some symptoms of a brain tumour may include weakness, difficulty in walking, problems with balance, partial or complete loss of vision, difficulty comprehending or using language, and memory issues.
Unfortunately, brain tumours cannot be prevented. The best you can do is avoid environmental hazards like smoking or excessive radiation exposure. But exposure to toxic gases goes hand in hand with living in metropolitan cities or the modern age. Genetics can also be blamed for brain tumours. So it is always important to inform the doctor if someone in your family has a history of brain tumours.
Healthcare providers would often use one procedure or a combination of different procedures to treat brain tumours. Some procedures may include Brain surgery (craniotomy), Radiation therapy, Radiosurgery, Brachytherapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Watchful waiting/active surveillance, Shunts, Drugs such as mannitol and corticosteroids, and Palliative care.
Filaantro also raises funds for patients dealing with brain tumours. So, if you or your loved one is dealing with a brain tumour. Feel free to reach out to us to start fundraising.
AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad
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