Brain Tumors: All the Information You Need to Know

Brain tumors develop when normal brain cells undergo genetic alterations that lead them to become abnormal cells. This mass may harm the normal brain or create pressure sensations owing to the skull’s compressed space.

Over 120 distinct forms of brain tumors exist, and they are often called by the cell type from which they originate. The two basic types of brain tumors are primary and metastatic tumors.

Primary brain tumors may be categorized as glial (from the brain’s supporting cells) or non-glial (from neurons, blood vessels, or glands) tumors depending on where they develop in the brain or spinal cord. Secondary brain tumors are metastases that have spread from other body regions, such as the breast, lung, or other organs, to the brain.

Brain tumors may develop in young people, adults, or the elderly. Brain tumors may either be benign or malignant, depending on how they behave clinically. Meningiomas, schwannomas, and pituitary adenomas are a few of the often occurring, slowly developing benign brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme, Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, and Medulloblastoma are examples of malignant brain tumors.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized primary brain tumors into different classes based on the cell abnormalities that may be detected under a microscope. Brain tumors come in four different grades; grades 1 and 2 are referred to as low grade tumors, while grades 3 and 4 are referred to as high grade tumors. In contrast to other malignancies, brain cancers have grades rather than stages.

Unknown are the precise risk factors that cause brain tumors. The only definite environmental risk factor for brain tumors is ionizing radiation.

As a result of the user’s head being exposed to radiofrequency energy, cellular cellphones are a source of radiofrequency fields that have been discussed in the media as possible risk factors for brain cancers. In trials where researchers were blinded to whether the individual was a case or a control, there was a modest increase in risk linked with mobile phone usage, according to a meta-analysis that included data from 22 case control series. Furthermore, an induction duration of 10 years or more seems to be linked to risk. Radiofrequency electromagnetic waves are classified as potentially harmful to humans by the World Health Organization (WHO)/IARC.

There is no proof that exposing kids or expectant mothers to magnetic fields from high-current power lines, electric heaters, or electric appliances increases their risk of developing brain cancers later on.

There is a slight increase in the chance of brain cancers in hereditary syndromes such Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2, Tuberous sclerosis, and Von Hippel Lindau syndrome. Although further research is required to determine the exact cause of brain tumors, environmental variables such exposure to carcinogens and infectious agents may be linked to the disease.

The management of brain tumors relies heavily on early detection and treatment. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, patients may develop movement difficulties, cognitive impairment, or behavioral problems. These tumors may raise pressure, harming the surrounding tissues and nerves. Seizures, headaches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, changes in speech, difficulties walking, double vision, personality changes, etc. are among the most prevalent symptoms. It is advised to consult a doctor and get treatment as soon as possible if a person has any of the aforementioned symptoms.