A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain or near it. It can happen in the brain tissue. Brain tumours also can happen near the brain tissue. Nearby locations include nerves, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland and the membranes that cover the surface of the brain.
Brain tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors that vary significantly in incidence by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
More than 150 different brain tumors have been documented, but the two main groups of brain tumors are called malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous).
They commonly affect people aged 40 and older, although they are also diagnosed in children. Age is a risk factor for brain tumors. The older you get, the higher the risk. Being overweight or obese may also slightly increase your risk. If you have had radiotherapy treatment before, your risk may also be slightly increased.
Signs and symptoms: Headache or pressure in the head that is worse in the morning, headache that occurs more often and seems more severe, nausea or vomiting, eye problems, balance problems, feeling very tired, feeling dizzy, vomiting, feeling hungry, and gaining weight.
In addition, confusion in everyday matters, memory problems, and personality or behavior changes are common in this case.
Investigations: In general, the diagnosis of a brain tumor usually begins with MRIs and CT scans. Once MRI shows that there is a tumor in the brain, the most common way to determine the type of brain tumor is to look at the results of a tissue sample after a biopsy or surgery.
Treatment: Brain tumors are treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Our doctors are also studying a vaccine to treat a recurrent central nervous system cancer that occurs primarily in the brain, known as glioma. Different methods can be used depending on your needs.
Prevention: getting enough sleep, eating a diet rich in anti-cancer nutrients, limiting cell phone exposure, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, etc.
Make an appointment with brain tumor specialists with expertise in neurosurgery, and radiation oncology if you have persistent signs and symptoms that concern you.
Prof Dr Haradhan Deb Nath,
Neurosurgery, BSMMU;
Chamber: Labaid Specialized
Hospital (2nd floor), Dhanmondi
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 01711-354120
