Are you aware of Brain Cancer? Let's talk about it simply.

The word 'brain tumor' brings great fear to our minds. And rightly so. But are all brain tumors cancerous? Many people are unnecessarily afraid because they don't know much about this condition. So today, let's put aside our fears and doubts and talk simply and honestly about what brain cancer is, what its types are, and how it is diagnosed.

What exactly is brain cancer?

Simply put, brain cancer is a tumor that develops when cells in the brain grow abnormally and out of control. But even though we often call it a "brain tumor," not all tumors that develop in the brain are cancerous. Here, we need to understand two main types.

Malignant Tumors: We use the word 'cancer' for these types of tumors. They are very aggressive. That means they grow quickly and can spread, damaging the healthy parts of the brain around them. Like a weed. Also, these cancer cells can sometimes travel outside the brain to other parts of the body.

Benign Tumors: These types of tumors do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Therefore, they are not as serious as cancerous tumors. However, they are not without risk. Because, when this tumor grows inside the brain, it can press on important parts of the brain nearby. Therefore, various symptoms may appear.

Let's understand this difference a little more clearly.

How are brain cancers classified?

Brain cancer can be divided into two main types.

1. Primary Brain Cancers

These are cancers that start in the brain itself . Our brain is made up of many different types of cells. When one type of cell suddenly changes and starts dividing abnormally, many of those cells join together to form a tumor. Tumors that start in the brain in this way are called primary brain tumors.

Some examples of this are `(Gliomas)`, `(Meningiomas)`, `(Pituitary adenomas)`. Don't be scared by these complicated names. These names are given according to the part of the brain or the type of cell in which the cancer develops.

2. Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Cancer

This is actually the most common type of brain cancer. What happens here is that cancer cells that have started somewhere else in the body (for example, in the lungs, breast, or skin) travel through the bloodstream to the brain and grow there. In medicine, we call this process `(Metastasis)`. Simply put, it is the spread of cancer from another location to the brain.

What are the causes of brain cancer?

It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of brain cancer, but research has shown a link between several factors.

• Genetic factors that come from heredity
• Exposure to high levels of radiation to the head
• Certain infections, such as HIV
• Smoking
• Certain environmental toxins

But remember, for many patients, no cause can be found. So don't worry and think, "Is this something I did wrong?"

How is the diagnosis made?

If you have symptoms related to brain cancer (such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes), you should first see your doctor . He or she will examine you and refer you for further tests if necessary.

1. Scans:

• CT Scan: This is a more detailed, three-dimensional image than an X-ray. It is often done by injecting a special dye into the body. This can help to clearly see if there is something like a tumor.
• MRI Scan: If a CT scan shows a problem, an MRI scan is often done next, as MRI can provide a clearer, more detailed image of brain tissue.

2. Referral to specialists:

If the scan confirms that there is a tumor, you will be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancer, an oncologist. If possible, it is best to see a neuro-oncologist who specializes in brain tumors.

3. Biopsy test:

This is the only way to confirm 100% whether it is cancer or not . What is done here is to take a very small piece of tissue from the suspicious tumor and examine it under a microscope. For this, there is a specialist doctor called a `(Pathologist)`.

• Through surgery: Most often, this sample is taken during surgery that involves opening the skull. If possible, doctors try to remove the entire tumor during the surgery.
• Through a needle: Sometimes, without surgery, a very small hole is made in the skull and a needle is passed through to take a sample of the tumor. This technique is called a ``Stereotactic biopsy''.

Can you travel with cancer?

Being diagnosed with brain cancer can feel like your life has come to a standstill. But it doesn't have to be that way. Taking a trip, doing something that brings you joy, is great for your mental health. But before you go on a trip, there are a few things you should consider.

• Driving: Your doctor will tell you whether you can drive or not, based on the location of your cancer and whether you have any symptoms, such as seizures.
• Air travel: You can usually travel by air about 3 months after treatment. But be sure to ask your doctor before you go. Because the pressure changes on the plane can cause conditions like headaches or brain swelling.
• Treatment: If you miss a treatment due to your trip, talk to your doctor about it and reschedule.
• Doctor's letter: Be sure to carry a doctor's letter detailing your condition and the treatment you are receiving. This is especially important during airport security checks.

Brain Cancer, Brain Tumor, Cancer Symptoms, CT scan, MRI, Biopsy, Malignant, Benign, Metastasis, Cancer Treatment