Brain tumour

Brain tumour refers to a collection of abnormal cells that grow in or around the brain. Tumours can directly destroy brain cells. They can also indirectly damage cells by pushing on other parts of the brain and causing inflammation or fluid buildup. Brain tumours can be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behaviour.

Types of Brain Tumours

There are many types of brain tumours. Some common types include:

• Gliomas: These tumours begin in the brain or spinal cord and include glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
• Meningiomas: A meningioma is a tumour that arises from the meninges, the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord.
• Pituitary adenomas: These are mostly benign tumours that develop in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
• Medulloblastomas: These are the most common cancerous brain tumours in children. A medulloblastoma starts in the lower back part of the brain and tends to spread through the spinal fluid.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a brain tumour can vary depending on the tumour's size, type, and location. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, weakness in one part of the body, and changes in personality, mood, mental capacity, and concentration.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a brain tumour usually involves a neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in some cases, a biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a brain tumour can vary greatly depending on the type of tumour, its location, whether it can be removed, and the patient's overall health.

See Also

• Cancer
• Neurology
• Oncology