Brain tumor.
Often we ignore headache as mere fatigue or stress, but do you know that these seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes be a sign of a serious and fatal disease like brain tumor? If they are not identified on time, it can prove fatal. To raise awareness about brain tumor and dispel the myths related to it, neurology expert Dr. Vern Velho has shared important information related to it.
What is brain tumor and why does it occur?
Definition: According to Dr. Velho, brain tumor is formed when brain cells start growing abnormally and rapidly. These cells replace normal cells and form a ‘space occupying region’ (SOL) in the brain.
Main reasons: The biggest cause of brain tumor is mutation in genes. Apart from this, there may be some other reasons also, research on which is still going on.
- Family (genetic) causes: If there is a gene defect in the family, it can also be passed from parent to child.
- Radiation exposure: Excessive exposure to radiation.
- Chemicals: People who work with pesticides or petroleum chemicals are at increased risk if they do not wear proper protection (masks, gloves).
- Weak Immunity: The risk of tumor also increases when the body’s immunity decreases.
Main symptoms of brain tumor
These symptoms should never be ignored and if such symptoms appear, a doctor should be immediately consulted:
- Severe and persistent headache: This headache is so severe that the patient is unable to bear it and it continues to increase.
- Vomiting with headache: If the headache is severe in the morning and then vomiting occurs, it means that the pressure in the brain is increasing. This is a serious warning.
- Seizures/Fits: Sometimes the patient gets sudden shocks, he becomes unconscious and comes back to consciousness after 5 minutes.
- behavior modification: There may be changes in the patient’s behavior and way of speaking.
- Loss of vision (weakness): Decreased eyesight.
- Weakness in arms and legs: Feeling weakness in any part of the body.
- Special attention in children: If the child complains of frequent headaches, complains of weak eyesight, or does not have the desire to eat and is sitting lethargic, then a checkup should be done immediately.
Treatment procedures and new techniques
- The types of treatment for brain tumors depend on whether the tumor is benign (slow-growing, noncancerous) or malignant (fast-growing, cancerous).
- Diagnosis: The first and most important step is to make diagnosis through CT Scan and MRI.
treatment options
- Surgery: This is often the first and most important step, especially for benign tumors that can be completely cured with surgery.
- Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: These may be necessary after operation for malignant (cancerous) tumors.
- Targeted Therapy: It is also used in the treatment of cancerous tumors.
- New and safe technologies: Now technology has become very advanced in neurosurgery, surgery has become safe:
- High-Advanced Microscope: To magnify and view even the smallest areas.
- Navigation System: It includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotic technology, which help in finding the exact location of the tumor and remove the tumor without harming the normal cells.
Recovery, family support and doctor’s message
- Recovery time: After a normal operation, the stitches are removed in 10 to 15 days and the patient has to rest at home for 1-2 months. Complex tumors may take longer.
- Chances of being cured: Benign tumors, if detected on time, are completely curable. Treatment of malignant tumors takes a long time.
- Role of family: Family support is most important. In a disease like brain tumor, the patient needs a lot of emotional support from the family.
doctor’s message
- Have courage and be aware.
- Good doctor, family support and right treatment, these three things are very important.
- After treatment, it is very important to follow-up with the doctor throughout your life, so that the disease does not recur.