Everything you should know about brain tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain that could grow slowly or quickly. It could be cancerous or noncancerous. When a brain tumor becomes enlarged, it can impede the function of your brain and affect your blood vessels, tissue, and nerves. Brain tumors can develop at any age; the most common type is “glioblastoma.”

Symptoms of brain tumor

1. Loss of memory.
2. Loss of vision.
3. Difficulty in walking.
4. Being unable to use language or speak.
5. Severe headaches.
6. Seizure.
7. Becoming paralysed or weak.
8. Not hearing well.

It is imperative to note that some people do not show any symptoms, especially if the tumor is small.

Causes of brain tumor

Brain tumors develop when specific cell genes are disrupted and can no longer function well. The DNA in your chromosomes controls the cells in your body on what to do; it directs them on when to grow, divide, multiply, and die. In other words, when brain cells’ DNA changes, your brain cells receive new instructions from it. Then abnormality sets in; it takes over the space in your brain.

Read Also: How I survived a brain tumor — Aproko Doctor

Treatment of brain tumor

The different ways of treating brain tumor by healthcare providers include:

1. Radiation therapy

In this treatment, X-rays destroy or shrink the brain tumor cells.

2. Brain surgery

Neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain to remove the tumor. Sometimes, it is done while the patient is awake to reduce chances of damage to functional areas of the brain.

3. Brachytherapy 

This is a treatment used by placing capsules, radioactive seeds, or other implants near the tumor. It is another form of radiation therapy.

4. Radiosurgery

This type of therapy uses proton beams or gamma rays to destroy a tumor.

5. Chemotherapy 

This is a treatment that involves the use of pills, injections, and anticancer drugs to kill the cancer cells in your body and brain. This treatment could be done after going for brain surgery to kill any remaining cells.

6. Immunotherapy 

For immunotherapy, your body’s immune system is given treatment to fight cancer. Your system is stimulated in order for the therapy to be effective. 

A brain tumor cannot be prevented entirely, but you can reduce the risk of getting it. You have to avoid smoking and excessive radiation exposure.