World Brain Tumor Day is observed every year on 8 June to raise awareness about brain tumors and provide support to individuals and families affected by the condition. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding tissue. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can arise from different types of brain cells or from cells that have spread from other parts of the body.
World Brain Tumor Day aims to educate people about the signs and symptoms of brain tumour, the importance of early detection and the treatment options available. It also focuses on reducing the stigma associated with brain tumors and supporting patients and their families through their journey.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, Senior Director – Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, explains the different types of brain tumors and their impact on health.
World Brain Tumor Day: Types of brain tumors
Dr. Gupta explains that brain tumors are mainly of two types, benign and malignant.
benign brain tumor
A benign brain tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the brain that is noncancerous and has not spread to other parts of the body. Although benign tumors do not invade surrounding tissue, they can cause health problems by pressing on nearby structures in the brain.
Symptoms of Benign Brain Tumor
Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor but may include headache, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes.
malignant brain tumor
A malignant brain tumor refers to the cancerous growth of cells in the brain that have the potential to invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Malignant brain tumors can arise from a variety of cell types in the brain and are characterized by their aggressive nature. A malignant brain tumor can be further classified into primary arising within the brain or metastatic secondary arising from some other part of the body.
symptoms of malignant brain tumor
Symptoms may include persistent headache, seizures, cognitive changes, speech difficulties, and motor impairment.
“Brain tumors can also be classified on the basis of location. Whether it is anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa, whether it is on the right side or on the left, it is in the eloquent area or the known eloquent area,” said Dr Gupta.
World Brain Tumor Day 2023: How can tumors affect health?
Dr Gupta shared that, patients present with headache, vomiting, weakness of limbs, loss of consciousness, seizures or fits, difficulty in seeing objects, difficulty in hearing, loss of consciousness, memory disturbances, urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence Can All symptoms can be either acute or chronic, which takes time.
World Brain Tumor Day 2023: Precautionary measures to protect yourself from brain tumor
Dr Gupta shared that “There are no precautionary or preventive measures to protect yourself from brain tumour. But yes, if you feel any symptoms or any signs please consult your neurosurgeon as soon as possible, every minute counts Keeps. And don’t hesitate to get a CT scan or MRI of the brain if any symptoms appear. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Surgery for brain tumors is very possible and safe with good clinical results. Microscope, Endoscope Surgical armamentarium like , Navigation, CUSA, Intra-operative Now Monitoring have really helped in better outcomes and successful surgeries.