Understanding Brain Tumours: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is Brain Tumour?

Brain tumours are a kind of illness that happens when cells in the brain start growing uncontrollably. They can occur because of gene changes, exposure to radiation, or problems with the immune system. There are two main types of brain tumours: primary and secondary. Primary brain tumours begin in the brain itself, while secondary ones start somewhere else in the body and then migrate to the brain.

Types of Brain Tumours

1. Glioblastoma: A highly aggressive brain tumour, often referred to as malignant, necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

2. Astrocytoma: A prevalent brain tumour, the treatment of which is determined by its grade, size, and location. Typically, surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and occasionally chemotherapy are employed.

3. Pituitary adenoma: Originating in the pituitary gland, this tumour grows slowly and can be effectively managed through medication, non-invasive surgery, or radiation therapy.

4. Acoustic neuroma: Characterised by slow growth, this brain tumour can sometimes be benign. Treatment options include neurosurgery and radiosurgery, particularly for larger tumours.

5. Meningioma: These are brain tumours that develop in the meninges, often exhibiting low-grade characteristics. Treatment approaches range from close monitoring to surgical intervention and radiotherapy.

6. Oligodendroglioma: A type of glioma that can manifest as either grade 2 or 3. Treatment strategies are contingent upon the tumour's grade and typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

7. Hemangioblastoma: A slow-growing brain tumour that affects balance and causes headaches. Surgical intervention or radiosurgery is the primary treatment modality.

8. CNS lymphoma: A high-grade lymph cell tumour occurring in the brain or spinal cord, necessitating chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiotherapy.

9. Unspecified glioma: A diverse group of tumours originating from glial cells, including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. Classification can sometimes pose challenges.

Who is Vulnerable to Brain Tumours?

Brain tumours can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. The annual incidence rate for primary brain tumours ranges from 7 to 19 new cases per 100,000 people. Gliomas are the most prevalent type of primary brain tumour, accounting for over half of all primary brain malignancies.

Benign Versus Malignant Brain Tumours

Benign and malignant brain tumours exhibit contrasting attributes in terms of growth rate, invasiveness, and potential to metastasize. Appreciating these distinctions is pivotal. Here are the key differences:

Characteristics of Benign Brain Tumours

1. They manifest gradual growth.

2. They possess well-defined borders.

3. They do not infiltrate surrounding tissues.

4. Immediate treatment might not be necessary.

5. Surgical removal is often feasible.

6. Recurrence is possible if not entirely excised.

Characteristics of Malignant Brain Tumours

1. They exhibit rapid growth.

2. They feature irregular borders.

3. They invade surrounding tissues.

4. They can metastasize to other body regions.

5. Immediate treatment is imperative.

6. Treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

7. They pose a higher risk of recurrence.

The ramifications of a brain tumour hinge on factors like tumour type, location, size, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options encompass surgery, radiation therapy, or observation for benign brain tumours, while malignant tumours may necessitate surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a blend of these approaches. The overarching objective is to eradicate or control the tumour while preserving brain function and enhancing the patient's quality of life.

How Prevalent are Primary Brain Tumours?

Primary brain tumours, though relatively rare, can be terminal. Meningioma stands as the most common benign brain tumour, while glioma claims the distinction of being the most common malignant brain tumour. Brain metastases outpace primary brain tumours in frequency, with lung, breast, and skin cancers being the primary sources. The incidence of brain tumours escalates with age.

How Serious are Brain Tumours?

Brain tumours can be serious, but how fatal it is, depends on the type, size, and location in the brain. Benign brain tumours are not cancerous and usually do not spread, but they can still cause problems if they grow large enough to press on surrounding tissues or nerves. Malignant brain tumours on the other hand are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the brain or body. They are more serious than benign brain tumours and can be life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumours

The signs and symptoms of brain tumours can vary depending on the type, location, and size of the tumour. However, some of the most common initial symptoms include:

1. Headaches, especially those that are worse in the morning or with activity

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Seizures

4. Focal neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body

5. Cognitive decline, such as memory loss or difficulty thinking clearly

6. Visual disturbances, such as blurry vision or double vision

7. Changes in behaviour or personality

In children and young individuals, symptoms may also include:

1. Headaches

2. Vomiting

3. Visual disturbances

4. Developmental delays

5. Changes in behaviour or personality

It is important to note that not everyone with a brain tumour will experience all of these symptoms. The severity of the symptoms can also vary depending on the size and location of the tumour.

What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose a Brain Tumour?

To diagnose a brain tumour, doctors employ a combination of tests and procedures. Here are several common and effective methods used in the diagnosis of brain tumours:

1. Neurological examination: A comprehensive neurological examination allows doctors to assess a patient's vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. This examination is crucial in identifying any abnormalities that may be attributed to a brain tumour.

2. Imaging tests: Advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, play a pivotal role in pinpointing the precise location and size of a brain tumour. Moreover, these tests aid in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumours.

3. Biopsy: A biopsy involves the extraction of a small tissue sample from the brain, which is then examined under a microscope. This procedure is instrumental in determining the type of tumour and whether it is cancerous.

4. Additional tests: Various supplementary tests are conducted to evaluate a patient's overall health and detect any abnormalities that may be linked to a brain tumour.

5. Metabolic imaging: Metabolic imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET) scans, is employed to identify areas of the brain that exhibit abnormal glucose consumption. Such anomalies may indicate the presence of a tumour.

6. Genetic testing: Genetic testing is utilised to identify specific mutations that may be associated with certain types of brain tumours.

Early detection of tumours in the brain can improve treatment options. If you have symptoms of a tumour, it is important to get tested.

How are Brain Tumours Treated?

Brain tumours can be effectively treated using a combination of approaches, tailored to the specific type, location, and size of the tumour, as well as the overall health of the patient. Here, we present some commonly employed treatments for brain tumours:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often the primary course of action when dealing with brain tumours. The objective of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving brain function. However, in certain cases, surgery may not be feasible if the tumour is situated in a critical area of the brain.

2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy employs high-energy radiation to eliminate tumour cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. The delivery of radiation therapy can be external or internal, depending on the type and location of the tumour.

3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy utilises drugs to target and destroy tumour cells. It can be administered alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target the molecular pathways responsible for tumour growth. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

5. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT): LITT is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a low-voltage laser to induce hyperthermia and eradicate tumour cells. It is particularly useful for hard-to-reach brain tumours and for patients who are considered high risk for traditional surgery.

6. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems: Researchers are currently developing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to transport therapeutic agents into brain tumour areas while minimising potential side effects.

Can Brain Tumours Be Prevented? 

At present, there are no known methods to prevent the development of brain tumours. Nevertheless, ongoing research is dedicated to improving treatment options for patients afflicted with this condition. Here are some notable research areas:

1. Magnetic nanoparticles: Scientists are actively exploring the potential of magnetic nanoparticles as a viable treatment for brain tumours. These nanoparticles can be precisely targeted to the tumour site, enabling the delivery of drugs or heat to effectively eliminate tumour cells.

2. Blood-brain barrier: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge in treating brain tumours, as it hinders the accumulation of most chemotherapeutic agents within the brain to target infiltrative cancer cells. Ongoing research aims to develop strategies that optimise drug delivery to brain tumours, overcoming this obstacle.

3. Brain tumour segmentation: The detection and diagnosis of brain tumours from vast amounts of MRI data obtained in clinical practice necessitate the implementation of automatic tumour picture segmentation. Researchers are actively working on developing more precise and efficient methods for brain tumour segmentation.

What is the Survival Rate for Brain Tumours?

The survival rate for brain tumours varies widely based on the type of tumour. For instance, the 5-year survival rate for glioblastoma, the most common and most aggressive adult glial tumour, is approximately 34% for males and 36% for females.

The overall adjusted incidence rate for all brain and other CNS tumours, whether malignant or non-malignant, was 24.71 per 100,000 population. The malignant adjusted incidence rate was 7.02 per 100,000 population.

Conclusion

Brain tumours encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, each varying in severity. The timely detection and treatment of these tumours are of utmost importance. Although prevention methods are currently unknown, extensive research is dedicated to advancing treatment options and enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by brain tumours. Furthermore, survival rates differ significantly depending on the tumour type, underscoring the criticality of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Our Aster DM Team

Aster DM Hospital is a renowned healthcare specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. With a team of experienced neurosurgeons and state-of-the-art technology, we provide comprehensive care for individuals facing this challenging condition. Our focus is on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate support for patients and their families. 

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