What you need to know about noncancerous brain tumors

When we hear the words "brain tumor," many of us immediately get scared, don't we? But the most important thing you need to know is that not all tumors that develop in the brain are cancerous. There are also types of tumors that are non-cancerous, meaning they don't spread to other parts of the body, but can grow in size and cause certain symptoms. Doctors call these 'benign tumors'. So today, let's talk about these non-cancerous brain tumors.

The most common type of meningioma is

This is the most common type of brain tumor. It accounts for about one-third of all brain tumors. They form in the protective coverings around our brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.

Women are twice as likely to develop this type of tumor as men. The following factors can also increase the risk:

• Exposure to very high radiation.
• If you have hereditary conditions such as `(Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1))` or `(type 2 (NF2))`.

Often, these tumors do not show symptoms until they are large. As the tumor grows, symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Personality changes and mental confusion
• Vision problems
• Difficulty speaking
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Muscle weakness

Schwannoma (neuronal tumor)

These tumors are named after the type of cell from which they arise: Schwann cells, which surround nerve cells.

The most common type of this type is called a vestibular schwannoma. Your doctor may also call this an acoustic neuroma. This affects the nerve that runs from our inner ear to the brain and controls the body's balance.

People with a hereditary disease called `(NF2)` are more likely to develop these tumors. Here too, women are at higher risk.

Main symptoms:

• Hearing loss
• Hearing a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Balance problems

Pituitary adenoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that controls hormones)

These tumors develop in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. This gland is the main center for hormone production and control of other glands in our body.

These are also common types of tumors. About one in five adults may have very small pituitary tumors. But most of these never grow large or cause problems.

People with the hereditary disease ``Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)`` are at increased risk of developing these.

Some pituitary tumors produce hormones. These are called 'functional tumors.' Symptoms depend on whether the tumor produces hormones, and if so, which hormones.

• Prolactin hormone: Women may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods. Men may experience breast enlargement.
• ACTH hormone: This causes symptoms of a condition called ``Cushing's disease''. For example, weight gain, easy bruising, and weakness.
• TSH hormone: Shows symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism), such as weight loss, irritability, and excessive sweating.

Other common symptoms:

• Headache
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Decreased sexual desire
• Infertility
• Behavioral changes
• Weight gain for no reason

Other types of non-cancerous tumors

There are several other types of nuts.

Hemangioblastoma

These develop in the blood vessels. They can develop in the brain, spinal cord, or retina of the eye. They are seen in people with a hereditary disease called ``Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.`` Symptoms can include numbness in the limbs, weakness, headaches, nausea, and difficulty walking.

Craniopharyngioma

These start in cells at the base of the brain, near the pituitary gland. They can be solid or fluid-filled sacs (cysts). They are most common in children between the ages of 5 and 14 and adults over the age of 45. They can cause symptoms such as obesity, excessive thirst, stunted growth in children, and vision changes.

Glioma

These arise from glial cells that support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. They are divided into several grades. Grades 1 and 2 are non-cancerous and grow slowly. Grades 3 and 4 are aggressive, fast-growing tumors.

How do doctors find out if these tumors are present?

Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, such as headaches and seizures. Then, to make a definitive diagnosis, they may do one or more of the following tests:

• CT Scan: A procedure that uses powerful X-rays to produce detailed images of the brain.
• MRI Scan: A procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce very clear images of the brain.
• Biopsy: A very small piece of tissue is taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope to see if there are cancer cells.
• Lumbar Puncture / Spinal Tap: This test is done to check for abnormal cells in the spinal fluid.
• Blood and urine tests: These help look for hormones or other substances released into the body by tumors.

What are the treatments for this?

The treatment method depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor.

• Small tumors: No treatment may be needed. Your doctor will often do a CT or MRI scan to monitor whether the tumor is getting bigger.
• Large tumors: Surgical removal is the main treatment. The surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy X-rays to shrink tumors. This treatment is used for tumors that cannot be completely removed by surgery or that have recurred after surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a specialized form of radiation therapy that targets the tumor directly, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Your doctor will help you choose the best treatment plan for you, discussing all your options with you. So don't make any decisions on your own. Always discuss them with your doctor.

Brain tumors, non-cancerous, brain tumor, meningioma, schwannoma, pituitary adenoma, glioma, brain tumor symptoms