BRAIN TUMOR

WHAT IS A BRAIN TUMOR? HOW IS IT TREATED?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells inside or around structures of the brain. Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can affect normal brain functions, leading to various symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the size of the tumor, its location, and the brain tissue it affects.

They can cause different clinical pictures such as headache, dizziness, vision and hearing problems, imbalance, difficulty remembering words, forgetfulness, weakness in arms and legs, behavioral changes, and others.

Brain tumors can be of different types, and treatment options vary depending on the type, size, location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health.

TREATMENT OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE:

Surgery: Aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy or control cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill tumor cells.

Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. Chemotherapy may be used in some cases for treating brain tumors.

Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drugs have been developed for tumors with specific genetic or molecular features. These drugs can block specific targets to stop or slow tumor growth.

Steroid therapy: Steroid drugs may be used to control brain swelling or inflammation caused by brain tumors. This can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief to the patient.

The treatment of brain tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach and typically involves collaboration among neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. The treatment plan is determined based on the patient's specific condition and the characteristics of the tumor.