Brain Tumors: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment in Delhi

 Brain tumors are complex medical conditions that require a thorough deep understanding for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment with high success rate. In this article, top neurosurgeon in delhi explains different types of brain tumors, their symptoms, and different treatment options

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are mainly classified into two types:

1. primary brain tumors
2. secondary brain tumors (metastatic tumors).

Primary brain tumors originate in the brain only, while secondary tumors result from the spread of cancer from different parts of the body.

Primary Brain Tumors

1. Gliomas: Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, arising from glial cells. Subtypes of gliomas include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
2. Meningiomas: Meningiomas develop from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
3. Pituitary Adenomas: These tumors arise from the pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in hormone regulation
4. Schwannomas: Schwannomas originate from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves and can affect the cranial nerves.
5. Medulloblastomas: Common in children, medulloblastomas are fast-growing tumors that occur in the cerebellum.

Secondary Brain Tumors (Metastatic Tumors)

Secondary brain tumors result from cancers originating in the lung, breast, skin (melanoma), kidney, and colon. They spread to the brain through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

The symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their location, size, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches: Persistent, severe headaches that may worsen over time or wake the patient up at night. Seizures: Unexplained seizures, especially in individuals with no history of epilepsy.
• Neurological Deficits: Weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in limbs, difficulty with balance and coordination, changes in vision or speech, and cognitive impairments.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in the morning or without any apparent cause.
• Personality and Behavioral Changes: Irritability, mood swings, and altered personality traits.
• Cognitive Decline: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.

These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions. Thus, a thorough neurological evaluation and imaging tests are necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumors

To diagnose brain tumors accurately, different types of tests are conducted by neurologists and specialists:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the gold standard for imaging brain tumors, providing detailed images of the brain’s anatomy and abnormalities.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans may be used initially for urgent cases or when MRI is not readily available.
3. Biopsy: A tissue sample is obtained from the tumor during surgery or with a needle for pathological analysis, aiding in determining the tumor type and grade.Know More