Understanding Brain Tumour Effects, Symptoms and Treatments

Brain tumours are complex, challenging health conditions that can significantly impact patients and those around them. Over the last few decades, advances in medicine and treatment have increasingly empowered the battle against brain tumours.

In this article, we look at the impact of brain tumours on physical and emotional health, and the therapies and innovations that hold promise in this fight.

Difficulties of Brain Tumors

Brain tumours are abnormal growths in the brain or nearby structures. They can be classified into different types based on factors such as origin, behaviour and aggressiveness. Knowing the specific kind of tumour is important to what treatment options to pursue and what the prognosis is.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

The Impact on Physical Health

Brain tumours can significantly affect physical health, with symptoms varying based on the tumour's size, location, and growth rate.

Neurological Symptom: Headaches, seizers dizziness and changes in balance and coordination.
Cognitive Impairment: After the tumor affects brain function, you may experience memory loss, problems concentrating, and difficulty speaking.
Motor Challenges: Tumours may lead to weakness, numbness, or paralysis in some body parts, based on the tumour’s location.
Sensory Disturbances: Vision problems, loss of hearing, or change in sensation of touch may develop due to nerve involvement.

Managing these symptoms through timely treatment and supportive care is crucial for improving quality of life.

Psychological symptoms of a brain tumour can include

Personality changes
Mood swings
Depression or anxiety
Memory problems
Cognitive impairments (difficulty thinking, understanding, or concentrating)
Behavioural changes (irritability, aggression, or impulsivity)
Hallucinations or delusions

In addition to the physical challenges, brain tumours can impact emotional and psychological health. Patients might develop anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and cognitive disabilities. Both patients and their families can be overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what the diagnosis and treatment will be.

Types of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours are classified based on their origin, behaviour, and growth rate. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Primary Brain Tumours (Originate in the Brain)

Gliomas: Tumours arising from glial cells, including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas.
Meningiomas: Tumours that form in the meninges, the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.
Pituitary Tumours: Growths in the pituitary gland that can affect hormone regulation.
Medulloblastomas: Fast-growing tumours often seen in children, affecting the cerebellum.

Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumours

These occur when cancer from another part of the body (such as the lungs, breast, or skin) spreads to the brain. Metastatic brain tumours are more common than primary brain tumours and require specialized treatment.

The fundamentals of getting brain tumours and their types help in the early detection and specific treatment. If patients develop symptoms, medical evaluation is important.

When to See a Doctor for a Brain Tumour?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Persistent headaches: Especially worse in the morning or at night.
Seizures: Sudden convulsions or loss of consciousness.
Memory loss or mood changes: Difficulty concentrating, personality shifts, or depression.
Vision or hearing issues: Blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss.
Balance problems: Dizziness or trouble walking.
Speech difficulties: Slurred speech or trouble finding words.
Unexplained nausea or vomiting: Persistent without a known cause.

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes, so consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Brain Tumour Treatment Approaches

Brain tumour treatment depends on factors such as tumour type, size, location, and overall health. A combination of treatments is often used to improve outcomes while minimising side effects.

Surgery: Advances in minimally invasive techniques, navigation systems, and intraoperative imaging have enhanced tumour removal precision, reducing risks and preserving healthy brain tissue.
Radiation & Chemotherapy: Radiation targets the tumour cells, and chemotherapy helps control the growth and spread of the tumour.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: These promising therapies target tumour cells without damaging normal tissue, harnessing the immune system to eliminate cancer very effectively.
Supportive Care & Rehabilitation: Pain management, psychological counselling, and physical therapy help improve the patient’s overall well-being.
Clinical Trials & Research: Trial participation provides access to modern treatments and contributes to future medical advancements.
Support Networks & Resilience: A strong support system of family, healthcare professionals, and patient groups can make a significant difference in coping with the disease.

A personalised treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs ensures the best possible outcome and quality of life.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

The battle against brain tumors is complex, combining medical progress, psychological health, and the resilience of the human spirit. With knowledge of the impact of brain tumors and treatment trajectories, the usage of supportive networks of friends, family, and peers, patients and their families may travel this path with determination, resilience, and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, treatment options like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies may be used depending on the type and location of the tumour.

No, some brain tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly, while others are malignant (cancerous) and aggressive.

Diagnosis involves imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, neurological exams, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the tumour type.

Survival rates vary depending on the tumour type, size, location, and response to treatment. Some types have high survival rates, while others are more challenging to treat.

While most brain tumours are not hereditary, some genetic conditions may increase the risk.

Eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and following medical advice can improve overall well-being.

There is no sure way to prevent brain tumours, but reducing exposure to radiation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may lower risk.