The presence of a brain tumour does not automatically mean it is cancerous. Understanding that brain tumours can be either benign or malignant may help ease anxiety associated with diagnosis.
Your brain is the master control centre of your body that controls nearly all the major voluntary and involuntary functions. Given the organ’s significance, it’s no surprise that the very mention of a brain tumour can instil fear in anyone. Often, when people hear the term “brain tumour,” they immediately think of it as brain cancer. However, this is a common misconception. Not all brain tumours are cancerous, and understanding the difference is key to easing some of that fear. For clarity and reassurance, opting for online neurologist consultation is a wise step. Read on to learn more about brain tumours and whether every diagnosis leads to cancer.
What Is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour develops when abnormal cells grow within the brain. These tumours can form in various parts of the skull or brain, including the base of the brain, the protective covering, brainstem, nasal cavity, sinuses, and other regions. Over 120 different kinds of brain tumours exist, each originating from different tissues. Tumours can vary in size, with some being detected early due to noticeable symptoms, while others may grow larger before being discovered. If a tumour develops in a less active area of the brain, it may remain undetected for a longer time, allowing it to grow significantly before causing symptoms.
Are All Brain Tumours Cancerous?
All brain cancers are tumours, but not every brain tumour is cancerous. Consult a specialist to determine if you have a brain tumour and whether or not it is cancerous. Those in the city can easily schedule a consultation with the best neurologist in Bangalore via Apollo.
Noncancerous brain tumours are known as benign tumours. Benign brain tumours usually grow slowly, have clear boundaries, and rarely spread to other areas. However, they can still pose serious risks. These tumours can compress and damage parts of the brain, leading to significant impairment. When located in critical regions of the brain, benign tumours can even be life-threatening. In rare cases, a benign tumour can turn malignant. Common benign tumours include vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas.
Malignant brain tumours, on the other hand, are cancerous. They often grow quickly and invade surrounding healthy brain tissues. Brain cancer can be life-threatening due to its impact on essential brain functions. Examples of malignant tumours originating in or near the brain include chondrosarcomas, olfactory neuroblastomas, and medulloblastomas.
Brain Tumour Symptoms
Different areas of the brain control various functions, so the symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its location. For instance, a tumour in the cerebellum, located at the back of the head, may cause issues with balance, coordination, movement, and walking. If the tumour is near the optic pathway, which governs vision, changes in eyesight may occur. The size and growth rate of the tumour also influence the symptoms a person experiences. Common symptoms of brain tumours include:
- Headache
- Difficulty in speaking, thinking, or finding words
- Seizures or convulsions
- Personality or behaviour changes
- Loss of balance, unsteadiness, or dizziness
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body
- Vision changes
- Hearing loss
- Memory loss
- Confusion or disorientation
Keep in mind that brain tumours don’t always produce symptoms. In fact, the most common brain tumour in adults, meningioma, often grows so slowly that it may go undetected for a long time. Symptoms typically arise only when the tumour becomes large enough to disrupt healthy brain tissues.
Brain Tumour Treatment
The most common treatment for brain tumours is surgery. In some cases, surgical removal followed by monitoring may be the only necessary treatment. Common surgical methods include neuroendoscopy, laser ablation, craniotomy, and laser interstitial thermal therapy. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used to treat brain cancer by shrinking the tumour, slowing its growth, or preventing it from returning. Radiation treatments for brain tumours include stereotactic radiosurgery, external beam radiation therapy, and proton therapy. The success of treatment depends on several factors, including:
- Whether the tumour has spread within the brain or to other parts of the body
- The type, size, and location of the tumour
- Your age and overall health
- The impact of the tumour on your ability to function
- How long did symptoms persist before diagnosis?
- The expertise of your medical team
- Your treatment preferences
There is no fixed survival rate for brain tumour patients since outcomes vary based on individual circumstances. Your prognosis may evolve as you undergo treatments.
Conclusion
Not all brain tumours are cancerous, and understanding the difference between benign and malignant tumours can help ease fears. Benign tumours, though less aggressive, can still pose serious risks depending on their location, while malignant tumours tend to grow more rapidly and invade surrounding tissues. Early detection and the right treatment are crucial in managing both types. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, seeking expert advice through an online neurologist consultation is recommended. For those in the city, connecting with the best neurologist in Bangalore can provide clarity and personalised care tailored to your condition.