Brain Tumour
As we all know, the brain is the part of the human nervous system, located centrally which controls almost all the activities of the human body. The human brain is considered one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body as the human brain is composed of 100 billion nerve cells. The human brain also has many specialised areas which help in the communication process and both these nerve cells and specialised areas work together. The major part of the central nervous system is the brain which is located in the head and is covered by a protective covering known as the skull.
Parts of the Brain
Further, the brain is divided into three parts, they are:
A. Cerebrum:
It is considered the largest part of the brain, which covers mostly your skull area. The cerebrum is further divided into right and left hemispheres. The main function of the cerebrum is interpreting touch, vision and hearing, as well as speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and fine control of movement. 85% percent of the human brain consists of the cerebrum.
B. Cerebellum:
The cerebellum is also termed as little brain as it is small in size and located under the cerebrum. Its main function is in controlling coordination, muscle movements, maintaining posture, muscular activity and balance.
C. Brain Stem:
It is situated below the cerebrum and also in the front of the cerebellum, and is made up of medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain. It works as a connecting part for the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord. Its major function is to control the flow of messages with the body, performing many automatic functions such as breathing, digestion, sneezing, swallowing, pumping of the heart, body temperature, sleeping, coughing, vomiting, etc.
Brain Diseases
It is a kind of infection that occurs in the brain, because of various harmful factors. Based on infection, brain disease is of various types. Some of the major brain diseases are inflammation, trauma, tumours, stroke, seizures, etc. And all these disease tumours are considered to be life-threatening.
About Tumour
When there is an abnormal growth of tissue inside the brain, it is termed as the brain tumour. A brain tumour is further categorised into two types: malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and this tumour can happen at any age.
Classification of Brain Tumour
A. Primary brain Tumour:
This type of tumour generally begins from the brain is termed as the primary brain tumours. They are considered to be very dangerous and they can either be malignant or benign tumours.
B. Secondary Brain Tumour:
This kind of tumours are formed in some other part of the body rather than the brain and further they spread into the brain.
Symptoms of Brain Tumour
Symptoms of brain tumour are not specific; they vary from region to region based on their types and size. Some of the most observed symptoms of brain tumour are listed below:
A. Fatigue
B. Hearing problems.
C. Vision problems.
D. Drowsiness.
E. Difficulties in arms, hands, feet and legs movements.
F. Common problems related to lactation or breastfeeding.
G. Confusions.
H. Changes and difficulties in speech.
I. Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
J. More frequent and severe Headaches.
K. Seizures.
L. Nausea and vomiting.
M. Problems with memory.
N. Unable to concentrate.
O. Gradual loss of sensation.
P. Muscle jerking or twitching.
Q. Problems in balancing or walking.
R. Changes in mood, behaviour, and personality.
Treatment of Brain Tumour
Brain tumours can be treated in various ways. Some of them are listed below:
A. By the surgery as in this method their main aim is to remove the tumour cells.
B. Radiation therapy is another way of treating brain tumour.
C. Chemotherapy
D. Rehabilitation
FAQs on Brain Tumour Symptoms
1. What are the most common warning signs of a brain tumour?
The warning signs of a brain tumour often depend on its size, type, and location. However, some common symptoms that students should be aware of include:
- New or persistent headaches, which may be worse in the morning or awaken you from sleep.
- Unexplained seizures, which are often the first sign.
- Personality or behaviour changes, such as increased irritability or memory problems.
- Nausea or vomiting that is persistent and not related to other illnesses.
- Vision problems, like blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
- Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg.
- Balance difficulties or trouble walking.
2. How does the location of a brain tumour affect the symptoms a person experiences?
The symptoms of a brain tumour are directly linked to the part of the brain it is affecting. Since different brain regions control different functions, the location determines the specific deficits observed. For example:
- A tumour in the frontal lobe can cause changes in personality, problem-solving ability, and movement.
- A tumour in the temporal lobe may lead to issues with memory, speech, and hearing.
- A tumour in the parietal lobe can affect sensation, such as touch or pressure, and spatial awareness.
- A tumour in the occipital lobe primarily causes vision disturbances.
- A tumour in the cerebellum affects coordination and balance, leading to clumsiness or difficulty walking.
3. Can a brain tumour exist for years without showing any symptoms?
Yes, it is possible, particularly with slow-growing, benign (non-cancerous) tumours. These tumours may grow so slowly that the brain adapts to the pressure, causing no noticeable symptoms for a long time. Symptoms often only appear when the tumour becomes large enough to exert significant intracranial pressure on surrounding brain tissue or obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
4. Why exactly do brain tumours cause symptoms like severe headaches and seizures?
Brain tumours cause these symptoms through two primary mechanisms. Headaches occur because the tumour takes up space within the fixed volume of the skull, increasing the overall pressure inside (intracranial pressure). This pressure, along with any swelling (edema) the tumour causes, stretches the pain-sensitive linings of the brain. Seizures happen because the tumour's mass can irritate and disrupt the normal, organised electrical activity of nearby brain cells (neurons), causing them to fire uncontrollably.
5. Do the symptoms of a benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour differ from a malignant (cancerous) one?
Initially, the symptoms of benign and malignant tumours can be very similar because both types increase pressure inside the skull and affect brain function based on their location. The main difference lies in the rate of growth and progression. Malignant tumours tend to grow much faster, leading to a rapid onset and worsening of symptoms. Benign tumours often cause a more gradual development of symptoms over a longer period.
6. What is the correct medical process for diagnosing a brain tumour?
Diagnosing a brain tumour cannot be done at home and requires a comprehensive medical evaluation. The standard diagnostic process as per medical science involves several steps:
- Neurological Examination: A doctor tests vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes.
- Imaging Tests: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is the most common and detailed method used to see the tumour. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan may also be used.
- Biopsy: This is the definitive way to diagnose a brain tumour. A small sample of the tissue is surgically removed and examined under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant and to identify its specific type.
7. Are there any known ways to prevent a brain tumour?
Currently, there is no known way to prevent brain tumours, as the exact cause of most tumours is not understood. However, science has identified certain risk factors. The most significant established risk factor is exposure to high doses of ionising radiation, often from radiation therapy for other conditions. Some rare genetic syndromes, like neurofibromatosis, also increase the risk. For the general population, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure is the only recognized preventive measure.
