Brain tumors can cause swelling and tissue damage by increasing the pressure inside the skull. A typical sign of a brain tumor is a severe, persistent headache. However, most headaches do not indicate a tumor or malignancy.
People should see a doctor if they notice a change in the frequency or severity of their headaches. Doctors can diagnose the underlying cause by looking at additional symptoms, including mood, eyesight, and energy levels.
In an exclusive conversation with Zee English, Dr. Ashish Gupta, Director, Department of Neurosurgery, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, explains what is the relation between stress, headache and the growth of brain tumour.
Brain tumors can be classified into two main types: benign and malignant. Malignant tumors can be further classified as primary, which originate within the brain, or secondary, which are metastatic and come from other parts of the body.
Furthermore, brain tumors can also be classified based on their location within the cranial cavity. They may be located in the anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, or posterior cranial fossa. Additionally, tumors can be on the right or left side of the brain and may be found in the eloquent area (associated with important brain functions) or the non-eloquent area.
Patients with brain tumors may have a variety of symptoms, including headache, vomiting, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, seizures or fits, visual and auditory difficulties, memory disturbances, urinary incontinence, and bowel incontinence. These symptoms can either appear acutely or develop slowly over time, leading to chronic manifestations.
Fortunately, surgical intervention is a viable and safe treatment option for brain tumors, which often leads to positive clinical outcomes. Advances in surgical techniques have greatly improved the success rates of these procedures.
Surgical armamentarium such as microscopes, endoscopes, navigation systems and intraoperative monitoring have played a significant role in increasing surgical precision and achieving better outcomes for patients.
With the aid of microscopes and endoscopes, surgeons can view and access the tumor with greater precision, reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Navigation systems provide real-time guidance during surgery, aiding in precise tumor resection. Additionally, intraoperative monitoring, such as quantitative sensory testing, allows surgeons to assess the functional integrity of the brain during the procedure, reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
Finally, brain tumors are classified as either benign or malignant, with malignant tumors further classified as primary or secondary. Their location, laterality, and involvement of eloquent or non-eloquent areas within the cranial cavity are essential considerations.
Patients may experience a range of symptoms, either acute or chronic. Significant advances have been seen in surgical intervention for brain tumors, which has improved clinical outcomes.
The use of advanced equipment and techniques, including microscopes, endoscopes, navigation systems, and intraoperative monitoring, has played an important role in successful surgery and improved patient outcomes.