A guide to understanding brain tumours from the best neurologist in India

A brain tumour is a mass or growth that develops in any area of the brain as a result of the uncontrollable cell division that is usually triggered by changes in their DNA. Brain tumours can be malignant or benign. While the former is very aggressive and life-threatening, the latter may not be that dangerous. There are more than 150 different types of brain tumours that can affect people of any age group and gender, however, there is not much awareness about the same. In this article, we have elaborated on the various different types of brain tumours with the help of the experts from the leading brain tumour hospital in Delhi.

About brain tumour

Also known as an intracranial tumour, a brain tumour is an abnormal lump or growth formed by the abnormal multiplication of cells and tissues in the brain that accumulate over time to form a solid mass. Brain tumours can be of various different types which are broadly classified under 2 categories – cancerous and non-cancerous. The tumours usually vary depending upon their location, size and rate at which they grow. These can induce symptoms like

• Persistent headaches that worsen over time
• Nausea and vomiting
• Problems with vision and hearing
• Gradual loss of movement in the limbs
• Inability to maintain balance
• Changes in personality
• Behavioural changes
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness 

·Tr Treatment for a brain tumour is offered at all the best hospitals in India. This varies from one patient to another depending upon their age, overall health evaluation and proper assessment of the tumour.

Malignant and benign brain tumours

Malignant brain tumours are cancerous in nature. These are quite aggressive and grow at a very fast pace. Malignant brain tumours are classified into 4 grades depending upon the extent to which they have spread. These are usually recurrent and tend to grow back. Malignant brain tumours are usually secondary cancers, i.e. they metastasize to the brain from some other part of the body.

Benign brain tumours, on the other hand, are non-cancerous in nature and progress at a comparatively slower rate. These are localized and do not metastasize to other areas of the body. The tumours are not recurrent and have very rare to completely no chances of coming back. There are not-life threatening as such, however, if the tumour continues to grow, it can give rise to serious complications or even disrupt the blood supply to the brain.

Different types of malignant brain tumours

• Astrocytomas – These are very common and account for nearly 50 per cent of all brain and spinal cord tumours. These originate from the astrocytes and usually develop in the cerebrum. Although Astrocytomas can develop in people of all age groups, these are more likely to affect adults. 
• Ependymomas – These are a result of neoplastic transformation of the ependymal cells that line the ventricular system. These have a prevalence of around 3 per cent among all brain tumours.  
• Glioblastoma multiforme – GBM is quite invasive in nature and tend to progress at a very fast pace. These are made up of a variety of cells and are most likely to affect women, especially those lying in the age group of 50 to 70 years.
• Medulloblastomas – These develop in the cerebellum and are most likely to affect children. These are high-grade tumours but respond well to therapies like radiation and chemotherapy.
• Oligodendrogliomas – These originate from the cells that make up the myelin. These are more common in adults as compared to children. 

Different types of benign brain tumours

• Chordomas – These usually develop in the base of the skull or lower region of the spine and are quite prevalent in elderlies lying in the age group of 50 to 60 years. Chordomas can strain the surrounding neural tissues and hence need to be addressed as soon as possible.
• Craniopharyngiomas – These originate from the pituitary gland and can be quite difficult to treat owing to their complex location, deep within the brain.
• Meningiomas – These account for 10 to 15 per cent of all brain neoplasms that originate from the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.
• Pineocytomas – These are benign lesions that originate from the pineal cells. These progress at an extremely slow rate.
• Pituitary adenomas - These develop in the pituitary and usually affect people lying in the age group of 30 to 40 years. 

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Created on Nov 19th 2020 00:48. Viewed 386 times.

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