When we hear the words 'brain tumor', many of us feel a great sense of fear and shock, right? That's very normal. But not everything we hear and think is true. Are all tumors that develop in the brain cancerous? What exactly is brain cancer? Today, let's put aside our fears and doubts about this and talk about it very simply, in a way that you can understand, as if we were talking to a friend.
Are 'brain tumor' and 'brain cancer' two different things?
Yes, this is the most important thing we need to understand first. A brain tumor is a small or large lump that forms when brain cells grow abnormally and out of control. But not all of these tumors are cancerous.
Simply put, there are two main types of brain tumors.
| Tumor Type | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Benign Tumors | These are not cancers. These cells do not spread aggressively. That is, they do not travel to other parts of the body. But because they are located inside the brain, as this tumor grows, it can push out the healthy brain parts around it. So even these can cause problems. |
| Malignant Tumors | This is what we call 'cancer'. These cells are very aggressive. They grow rapidly and spread, destroying the healthy cells around them. Also, these cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the brain or other organs in the body. |
So, do you understand? Not every brain tumor is cancer. But no matter what type of tumor it is, it is essential to seek medical advice because it is located in a sensitive area like the brain.
Are there types of brain cancer based on how they form?
Yes, we are talking about two main types depending on where the cancer starts.
1. Primary Brain Tumors
Think of it this way, the problem starts "at home." That's how it is with this one. This type of cancer starts with a cell in the brain. The brain is made up of many different types of cells. This type of cancer develops when one of these cells changes abnormally and starts dividing uncontrollably.
Examples of this are those called `Gliomas`, `Meningiomas`, `Medulloblastomas`. These names are often given according to the part of the brain or the type of cell in which the cancer develops. There is no need to think deeply about these and confuse your mind. Your doctor will explain this to you.
2. Cancer that spreads to the brain from another location (Metastatic Brain Cancer)
This is actually the most common type of brain cancer. What happens here is that cancer cells that have started elsewhere in the body (for example, lungs, breasts, kidneys) travel through the blood to the brain and start growing there. In medicine, we call this `Metastasis`. Simply put, it's as if the problem started in "another city", but a branch of it has started in "this city".
How does a doctor accurately diagnose this condition?
If you have symptoms such as a persistent severe headache, unexplained seizures, vision changes, or difficulty walking, the first thing you should do is see a doctor immediately.
Then, the doctor follows these steps:
1. Initial examination: First, you will be asked about your symptoms and a basic physical exam of the nervous system will be performed.
2. Scans: Next, you will need to do some special tests to look inside the brain.
- CT Scan: This is a test that provides a more detailed 3D image than an X-ray. Sometimes, a special dye is injected into a vein to make this scan. This allows the problem areas in the brain to be seen more clearly.
- MRI Scan: If the CT scan suspects a brain tumor, the doctor may recommend an MRI scan, which can provide clearer, more detailed images.
3. Referral to a specialist: If the scans confirm cancer, you will be referred to an oncologist or, if possible, a neuro-oncologist.
4. Biopsy: This is the final and most definitive confirmation. This involves taking a very small piece of tissue from the tumor and examining it under a microscope. This can be done in two ways.
- Surgery: If the tumor is easily accessible, doctors will open the skull and remove all or part of the tumor. The removed part is sent for testing.
- By needle (Stereotactic Biopsy): If the tumor can be reached without surgery, a very small hole is made in the skull, and through it, a needle is guided through the skull with the help of a computer to the location of the brain tumor, and a cell sample is obtained.
The tissue sample obtained in this way is examined by a pathologist to determine exactly whether it is cancer or not, and what type it is.
Can you travel with brain cancer?
This is a problem that many people have. Being told you have cancer doesn't mean you have to stop living. With proper planning, you can travel, have fun, and participate in activities. But you should definitely talk to your doctor about these things first.
- Driving: Whether you can drive depends on your symptoms (e.g., vision problems, seizures) and the location of the cancer in your brain. You should ask your doctor for permission to do this.
- Air travel: You can usually travel by air about 3 months after treatment. However, be sure to ask your doctor. Because the pressure changes inside the plane can cause headaches or swelling of the brain.
- Treatment and documentation: If you miss a treatment because of your trip, talk to your doctor about whether it can be rescheduled. Also, bring a letter from your doctor that details your condition, medications, and any devices (ports or implants) you have. This is very important at the airport.
- Take care of your health:
- Carry your medication in your carry-on bag. Large bags (checked luggage) can get lost.
- Protect yourself from germs. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Cancer treatments can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so use sunscreen.
- Maintain your body's energy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep small snacks nearby.
- If you feel tired, take a break. Never be shy about asking for help with a wheelchair in a place like the airport.
Take-Home Message
- Not everything called a 'brain tumor' is 'cancer'. There are also benign tumors.
- There are two main types of brain cancer: Primary (cancer that starts in the brain) and Metastatic (cancer that spreads to the brain from elsewhere in the body).
- If you have symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, or balance problems, see a doctor without wasting time.
- Tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and biopsy are essential for an accurate diagnosis.
- Even if you are diagnosed with cancer, you can manage your life with proper medical advice and treatment, and with your doctor's approval, you can engage in many normal activities.
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