Brain Tumor - Symptoms, Causes &Treatment Options

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Signs of a Brain Tumour, Causes, Treatment and More!

We all experience headaches from time to time, whether it's due to stress, lack of sleep, or simply staring at your phone or laptop for too long. However, if you notice that a headache persists or is accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, or sudden memory loss, it's essential to pay attention. Most headaches are harmless, but occasionally, they can be a sign of something more serious, like a brain tumour.

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. While it is a serious condition, understanding it can make a significant difference. Early detection improves treatment options and recovery prospects. Let's explain in simple terms what it is, the early signs of a brain tumour and explore how modern medicine combats it.

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is a growth of cells in or near the brain. These tumours can develop within the brain tissue itself or in nearby areas. Such locations include nerves, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, and the membranes that cover the brain's surface.

Brain tumours can be cancerous or benign, like other tumours in the body. Since the skull encloses your brain, pressure from a tumour can cause tension in the skull and other issues. A diagnosis is needed to determine severity. Tumours vary in size; small ones may cause symptoms if they occur in active brain areas, but those in less-active parts might not cause immediate symptoms.

Common Brain Tumour Types & What They Mean!

Brain tumours are classified based on their original location and the severity they pose to the person. The following are the types of brain cancer you should know about:

Primary Brain Tumour

As the name suggests, a primary brain tumour develops in the brain itself. It may grow at various locations in the brain. A primary brain tumour can grow in:

• Brain cells
• Meninges, the surrounding membranes of the brain
• Nerve cells
• Pituitary gland

Secondary Brain Tumour/ Metastatic Brain Tumour

Any tumour that reaches the brain from any other body part, like the breast, lungs, kidney, etc., is known as a secondary tumour. It is also known as a metastatic tumour. Metastasised brain tumours may spread from:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Kidney cancer

Tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Since the brain is extremely sensitive and surrounded by the skull, even non-cancerous tumours can cause various complications.

Malignant Brain Tumour

Cancerous brain tumours are known as malignant brain tumours. They grow rapidly and can also spread to other parts of the brain. Such tumours may turn life-threatening.

Benign Brain Tumour

All non-cancerous brain tumours are known as benign tumours. Typically, two-thirds of brain tumours are benign. They have slow growth, and surgeries can be more effective for benign tumours.

Brain Tumour Symptoms That You Shouldn’t Ignore!

Depending on the location and size of the brain tumour, its symptoms may vary. Some of the common signs of a brain tumour are:

• Headaches while asleep
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Mental confusion
• Weakness of limbs or facial parts
• Difficulty reading, writing, or understanding
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in walking
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Hand tremors
• Loss of bowel control
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling on the side of the body
• Extreme mood swings
• Changes in moods and behaviour
• Drooping eyelids
• Unequal pupils
• Uncontrolled movements
• Difficulty hearing, smelling
• Change in taste.

In the case of pituitary brain tumours, you may experience the following brain cancer symptoms:

• Galactorrhea
• Nipple discharge
• Menstruation irregularity or lack of it
• Breast tissue development in men
• Hand and foot enlargement
• Low blood pressure
• Obesity
• Tunnel vision
• Heat or cold sensitivity
• Increase in body hair

What are The Causes of Brain Tumour?

Usually, how brain tumours occur can’t be known. Specific chromosome genes get damaged and can’t function anymore. The doctor believes this happens when genetic mutations cause brain cells to multiply uncontrollably. Possible risk factors for brain tumour include:

• Family history of brain tumours
• Long-term exposure to radiation
• Weak immune system
• Age ( more common in older adults, but can happen at any age)
• Certain inherited conditions
• History of cancer that can spread to the brain

The Stages of Brain Tumour & Severity

Brain tumours are classified on a scale from I to IV, where higher grades denote more aggressive and malignant growths. Unlike other cancers, such as those in the lung, colon, or breast, which are staged based on their location, size, lymph node involvement, and spread, brain cancer grading focuses on how aggressive the tumour cells look under a microscope. Brain tumours are categorised into four grades:

• Grade 1 Brain Cancer: The tumour tends to grow slowly and infrequently attacks surrounding tissues. Complete removal through surgery may be possible.
• Grade 2 Brain Cancer: The tumour develops gradually but has the potential to invade adjacent tissues or come back after treatment.
• Grade 3 Brain Cancer: The tumour develops rapidly, tends to invade adjacent tissues, and the tumour cells appear very distinct from normal cells.
• Grade 4 Brain Cancer: The tumour rapidly increases in size and spreads quickly, with tumour cells that appear unlike normal cells.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice any unusual changes in your body, it’s very important to pay attention, especially if symptoms appear suddenly or worsen over time. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you experience, as they might indicate other health concerns. See a doctor if you encounter any of these symptoms:

• Experience headaches that intensify or persist without relief.
• Experience new or unusual seizures.
• Notice changes in your vision, speech, balance or personality.
• Feel extremely confused, drowsy, or forgetful.
• Experience symptoms that persist or repeatedly return.
• Early diagnosis can lead to improved treatment options and potentially prevent complications.

How is a Brain Tumour Diagnosed?

The doctor conducts a neurological exam, including symptoms, health history, treatments, and lifestyle, to diagnose the disease properly. Any of the following scans can be used to diagnose tumours:

• CT Scan: Computed Tomography (CT) scan provides cross-sectional images of the brain through an X-ray camera.
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) creates brain images through radio waves.
• PET Scan: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan identifies areas where cells consume large amounts of glucose.

What is the Brain Tumour Treatment?

Several factors decide the treatment of brain tumours, such as:

• The number of tumours in the brain
• The location of the tumour
• The size and type of the tumour
• Age
• Overall health

The following are the brain tumour treatment options:

• Brain Surgery: Noncancerous brain tumours are removed with surgery and usually don’t grow again.
• Radiation Therapy: The patient is exposed to high doses of X-rays to shrink the tumour or destroy brain tumour cells.
• Radiosurgery: Concentrated beams of radiation, such as gamma rays or proton beams, are given to the patient to destroy a tumour.
• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells, anticancer drugs are given through an injection or as a pill. Chemotherapy is usually recommended after surgery to remove cancer cells, if any.
• Brachytherapy: In this radiation therapy, radioactive seeds or capsules are surgically placed near or in the cancerous tumour.

How to Prevent Brain Tumour?

Although we can't prevent every brain tumour, embracing a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the risk and keep our brains healthy overall. Some common tips to avoid brain tumours include:

• Eat a balanced diet - Include fruit, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods.
• Exercise Regularly - Keeps your body's immune system strong.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol - Reduce cancer risks overall.
• Protect Yourself from Radiation Exposure - Only undergo scans when medically necessary.
• Go to Regular Check-ups - Early detection makes treatment easier.

Does Health Insurance Cover Brain Tumour in India?

Cancer is often a silent disease, and hearing about a brain tumour can be quite stressful. But don't worry—getting thorough examinations and tests can lead to a proper diagnosis. Whether a tumour is malignant or benign, it can cause various challenges for your brain and overall health. To help you feel more secure financially, consider investing in our Cancer Insurance Policy. It includes 32 different critical illnesses, including benign tumours. With coverage of up to 2 crores, you can plan your treatment expenses comfortably, without worrying about financial strain.

>>Also Read: What is Carcinoma? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Final Word

Brain tumours can significantly impact your life, so it's a good idea to stay proactive about your health. If you're at risk, regular check-ups can make a big difference. Remember, routine medical visits are beneficial for everyone. Thinking about a critical illness plan can also be a smart move to help manage rising treatment costs. Protecting yourself and your savings with health insurance shows you care about your well-being and that of your loved ones.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion. All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.