Like all tumor types, some brain tumors are malignant. Malignant brain tumors are also referred to as cancerous or brain cancer. On the other hand, benign brain tumors are non-cancerous or non-malignant tumors, which can often be treated successfully with surgery alone.
The Symptoms of Brain Tumors Include:
- Severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting due to increased pressure inside the skull, as brain tumors are located within the cranial cavity.
- Weakness on the right or left side of the body.
- Numbness in certain areas of the body.
- Problems with walking or coordination.
- Vision loss.
- Hearing loss.
- Memory problems.
- Difficulty in speaking.
- Imbalance.
These are some of the common symptoms associated with brain tumors.
Types of Treatment
Brain tumors are generally treated in three ways:
- Surgical Treatment In surgical treatment, the tumor is removed, providing the opportunity for pathological examination to determine the type of tumor. Moreover, significant advancements have been made in surgical treatments nowadays. For instance, the use of surgical microscopes has become a standard practice. The intraoperative use of MRI contributes significantly to the removal of certain tumors. The rate of complications related to surgical interventions has reduced significantly compared to the past.
- Chemotherapy (Medical treatment) Chemotherapy can be used for the treatment of malignant tumors depending on the stage of the disease. In the case of brain tumors, the stage of the tumor may require different treatment methods and combinations. The necessity of chemotherapy is determined based on the patient's condition. In some cases, such as pituitary gland tumors, even benign tumors may require medical treatment.
- Radiation (Radiation therapy) The use of radiation for brain tumors has a long history. Additionally, methods like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife radiosurgery can also be used for the treatment of brain tumors.
Can Brain Tumors Be Treated Without Surgery?
Some brain tumors can be treated using non-surgical methods.
Can a Brain Tumor Metastasize to Another Part of the Body?
Brain tumors do not typically metastasize to other parts of the body, but tumors from other regions can frequently metastasize to the brain.
How Can You Tell if There is a Brain Tumor?
Brain tumors have a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is headaches. Additionally, there are various other symptoms depending on the location of the tumor and the brain function affected. These symptoms may include vision problems or loss, numbness in the arms, paralysis, balance issues, difficulty walking, weakness, and others.
Is Radiation Therapy Effective for Brain Tumors?
Radiation therapy is effective for malignant brain tumors. It can cause tumors to shrink or even disappear in some cases, providing beneficial results.