BRAIN TUMOR
A brain tumor is a cluster of abnormal cells that grows out of control in your brain. Some brain tumors are benign, which means the cells aren’t cancer. Others are malignant, meaning they’re cancer.
Brain tumors are called primary tumors if they started in your brain. They’re considered secondary if they started somewhere else in your body and spread to your brain.
Types of Brain Tumors
Primary brain tumors come from cells that invent the brain and central nervous system. They’re named for the kind of cell in which they first form. There are more than 100 kinds of brain tumors. The most common types in adults are:
Gliomas. These tumors start in the glial cells, which are cells that help keep nerves healthy. They’re most often cancer. There are several categories of gliomas, based on which specific cells they target. Astrocytomas are most common in adults. A glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of glial tumor.- Meningiomas These form in the meninges, the thin layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. They aren’t cancer, but they can cause problems by pressing on your brain.
- Schwannomas These damage the protective coating of nerve cells. They aren’t cancer, but they often cause hearing loss or problems with balance.
- Pituitary adenomas These form on the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of your brain. It makes important hormones. These tumors usually aren’t cancer and are slow growing.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
- Headaches, which may not get better with the usual headache remedies. You may notice you’re getting them more often or they’re worse than usual.
- Seizures, particularly in a person who doesn’t have a history of seizures
- Changes in speech or hearing
- Changes in vision
- Balance problems
- Problems with walking
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Problems with memory
- Personality changes
- Inability to concentrate
- Weakness in one part of the body
- Morning vomiting without nausea
These symptoms can result from many conditions. Don’t assume you have a brain tumor just because you have some of the symptoms. Check must consult with doctor.
How Dr. Vardan Diagnoses Brain Tumors
Dr. Vardan is an expert and have a strong team at diagnosing brain tumors. Our doctors will examine the patient to determine the existence of a brain tumor. The results of the examinations will determine:
- The type of brain tumor
- Its severity— whether it is benign or malignant.
- Its severity— whether it is benign or malignant.
Diagnosing a brain tumor usually involves three steps:
- A neurological exam
- Brain scans: CT scan, MRI, occasionally an angiogram or X-rays, and others.
- A biopsy (tissue sample analysis)
Treatment by Dr. Vardan for brain tumours
The main treatments for brain or spinal cord tumours are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These may be used alone or in combination. Medicines, such as steroids or anticonvulsants, may be given to reduce symptoms. There also could be new, experimental treatments or improvements in existing treatments. These are given in clinical trials – your doctor will tell you if you are eligible to join.
The aim of treatment may be to remove the tumour completely, slow its growth, or relieve symptoms by shrinking the tumour and reducing swelling. Your choice of treatment will depend on:
- the type, size, grade, location and genetic make-up of the tumour
- your age, medical history and general state of health
- the types of symptoms you have.
Dr. Vardan (neurosurgeons) have access to the range of treatments available.