Brain tumors are a group of abnormal cells that grow around or in the brain. These tumors can occur both in adults and children. They can be non-cancerous or cancerous.
Experts say that some brain tumors grow quickly, but others take time. It doesn’t matter whether the brain tumor is benign or malignant; it will affect brain function and a person’s health.
When the brain tumor keeps growing, it will also start to press on the surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels in the brain. But with effective brain tumor treatment, you can get relief from its symptoms and condition.
What is the Time Taken for the Brain Tumor to Develop?
How quickly a brain tumor develops will depend on the type of brain tumor. When a tumor is aggressive, it will grow much faster.
A brain tumor may take around a few months or years to develop. Brain tumors, such as “Glioblastomas,” are the most aggressive type of brain tumor among others.
It grows in a way that the immune system cannot detect its presence. Besides, “Glioblastoma is a common brain tumor and grows in the tissues of the brain. Experts have pointed out that around 33% of brain tumors are gliomas.
How are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
To determine whether or not you have a tumor, the physician will suggest the following diagnostic procedures and tests:
Neurological Examination
The physician will conduct a neurological exam to check your vision, reflexes, coordination, hearing, strength, and balance. If you experience issues in any of these areas, it will provide the doctor with clues on the section of the brain that is affected by a tumor.
Imaging Tests
MRI [Magnetic Resonance Imaging] is used for diagnosing brain tumors. On certain occasions, a dye gets injected into the patient’s vein in the arm during the MRI scan.
Some of the specialized MRI elements are functional MR, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and perfusion MRI. These components help the physician assess the brain tumor and plan an effective treatment.
At times, several other imaging tests are suggested by the doctor. These tests are PET [Positron Emission Tomography] and CT [Computerized Tomography].
Biopsy
The Biopsy is a procedure where the doctor removes a part of the tumor and tests it. It is also conducted with a needle, especially for tumors that are located in hard-to-reach sections of the brain.
Using a needle is a preferred option because an extensive excision of the tissue sample can damage the sensitive areas in the brain. The surgeon will make a small hole into the patient’s skull and insert a thin needle through that hole.
The surgeon will remove the tissue with the needle and then view the sample under the microscope. This way, they can determine whether or not the brain tumor is benign or malignant.
If you need a biopsy, speak with your doctor regarding it.
Treatment Options for Brain Tumor
There are some effective brain tumor treatment options. These are:
Craniotomy or Brain Surgery
Through this surgical procedure, the surgeons attempt to remove the tumor. They will perform the surgery when the patient is awake [the patient will not feel the pain]. That way, they can reduce the damage to all the functional sections of the brain.
Radiation Therapy
It is a much-used treatment for patients with brain tumors. High levels of X-rays destroy the cancer cells or shrink the tumor to a smaller size.
Radiosurgery
It is another effective treatment option for brain tumors where proton beams or gamma rays are used to destroy the tumor. It is not a surgical procedure because it doesn’t need an incision.
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses anti-cancer drugs, which destroy the cancer cells in the brain and body. It may be given in the form of a pill or intravenously.
The physician will suggest you this option when there are cancer cells present after the surgery. Otherwise, they may suggest chemotherapy to stop the tumor from growing.
Brachytherapy
It is a type of radiation therapy where radioactive implants, capsules, or seeds are surgically placed near or in the brain tumor. Before you opt for this treatment option, be sure to speak to your doctor to learn more about it.
Conclusion
Brain tumors can be either malignant or benign. Some of the tumors develop slowly, while others develop fast. If you experience the symptoms of a brain tumor, such as severe headaches or dizziness, be sure to speak with your doctor without delay.
Read more health blogs about 8 Silent Signs of Brain Tumor You Should Know.
