Are you afraid of brain tumors? Let's talk about this simply.

Do you have a headache that comes and goes, and doesn't respond to regular medication? Or do you feel like you're losing your mind and slurring your words? You may be wondering, "Oh, do I have a brain tumor?" But don't worry. Most of the time, these symptoms can be caused by other, simpler causes. However, it's important to be aware of brain tumors. So today, we'll talk about everything in a very simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is a brain tumor?

Simply put, a brain tumor is a lump of abnormal cells that forms in or around our brain. Normally, cells in our body divide, grow, and eventually die in a controlled manner. But sometimes this process goes awry. Then the cells start dividing rapidly without control. This extra lump of cells that accumulates in this way is called a tumor.

These nuts can be mainly divided into two types.

1. Benign Tumors: These are not cancerous conditions.

2. Malignant Tumors: These are what we call Cancer.

To understand the exact difference between the two, see the table below.

Why do these brain tumors form? What are the risk factors?

In fact, it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a brain tumor. However, scientists believe that the condition is caused by damage to the genes (DNA) in our cells. Several causes of this genetic damage have been identified.

• Exposure to radiation: The risk of developing brain tumors later in life is higher, especially if you received high-dose radiation therapy to the head during childhood.
• Family history: People with families with certain rare genetic conditions (such as Neurofibromatosis) are at increased risk of developing brain tumors.
• Age: Brain tumors are most common in people between the ages of 65 and 79. However, they can develop at any age.
• Chickenpox: Surprisingly, some studies have found that people who have had chickenpox at some point in their lives have a lower risk of developing a type of brain cancer called glioma.

What are the main types of brain tumors?

There are over 150 types of brain tumors. They are named based on the type of cell from which the tumor begins. Let's talk about a few of the main types.

Benign tumors

• Meningioma: These are the most common type of benign tumor. They begin in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
• Schwannoma: These tumors, which start in the cells that cover nerves, can occur especially in the nerve that connects the ear and the brain (Acoustic Neuroma).
• Pituitary Adenoma: These tumors develop in the pituitary gland, which is located deep in the brain. Since this gland controls many of the hormones in our body, a tumor can disrupt hormonal function.
• Craniopharyngioma: This is also a type of tumor that develops from cells left over from the embryonic stage and usually occurs in children and middle-aged people.

Types of malignant tumors

• Glioma: This type accounts for about 78% of brain tumors. They start in the brain's supporting cells (glial cells).
• Astrocytoma: This is the most common type of glioma. The most dangerous and fastest-growing subtype of these is glioblastoma (GBM) .
• Ependymoma: Forms in the ventricles that produce cerebrospinal fluid.
• Medulloblastoma: These are common in children. They usually develop in the part of the brain that controls balance (the cerebellum).

What are the symptoms of these tumors?

The symptoms of a brain tumor depend on the location and size of the tumor . Because different parts of the brain control different functions in the body, the function of the tumor can be impaired.

Here are some common symptoms.

• Headache: A headache that is especially severe upon waking in the morning and that worsens over time.
• Seizures: The sudden onset of a seizure in someone who has never had a seizure before.
• Changes in personality or behavior: Sudden irritability, agitation, or memory loss.
• Weakness on one side of the body: Numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in an arm or leg.
• Difficulty speaking and understanding: slurring words, not being able to remember the right word.
• Vision problems: blurred vision, double vision.
• Hearing problems: Hearing loss or constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Balance problems: staggering when walking, dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea for no apparent reason, especially in the morning.

How is the diagnosis made?

When you see a doctor, he or she will first ask about your symptoms, family medical history, and perform a physical exam. Specifically, a neurological exam will be performed to check your balance, vision, and reflexes.

If a brain tumor is suspected, one or more of the following tests are recommended.

• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best and clearest scan method to detect brain tumors.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This is used when an MRI is not possible.
• Biopsy: When a tumor is removed during surgery, a small hole is made in the skull and a very small piece of tissue is taken from the tumor using a needle and examined under a microscope. Only after this test can we know exactly whether the tumor is benign or malignant, and what type it is.
• Lumbar Puncture: This test is done if there is any doubt that the tumor has spread to the membranes covering the brain.

What are the treatments available?

The treatment method is determined by considering many factors, such as the type of tumor, its size, location, and your overall health.

1. Surgery: Often the first treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. A neurosurgeon will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the brain.

2. Radiation Therapy: This involves using high-energy rays (X-rays, gamma rays) to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. Modern technologies like the `Gamma Knife` can minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

3. Chemotherapy: Giving the body drugs that kill cancer cells. These can be given as injections or pills.

4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These are modern treatments that target specific genetic changes in cancer cells or stimulate our own immune system to fight cancer.

In some cases, one or more of these treatments may need to be used together. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.