What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Adults? : BRAIN TUMOR TREATMENT IN INDIA

Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested.

Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly.

A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. Often, they don't respond to the usual headache remedies. Keep in mind that most headaches are unrelated to brain tumors.

Other symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Changes in speech or hearing

·         Changes in vision

·         Balance problems

·         Problems with walking

·         Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

·         Problems with memory

·         Personality changes

·         Inability to concentrate

·         Weakness in one part of the body

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. Don't assume you have a brain tumor just because you experience some of them. Check with your doctor.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

To diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:

·      Imaging studies such as a CT(CAT) scan or MRI to see detailed images of the brain

·     Angiogram or MRA, which involve the use of dye and X-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormal blood vessels

The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

HOW TO TREAT BRAIN TUMORS

• Tumors near the surface of the brain may be surgically removed. In many cases, however, it is only possible to remove a portion of a tumor, since taking it all out would cause unacceptable amounts of brain damage. Still, removing even part of it may afford a period of improvement by relieving pressure within the cranium.
• Tumors deep within the brain may be treated with microsurgery, laser surgery, or radiation therapy.
• For malignant primary tumors, surgery may be followed with radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery may also be preceded by radiation.
• Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of brain tissue, anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures, and pain relievers.

Treatment for brain tumors is based on many factors, such as:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• The type, location, and size of the tumor
• How likely the tumor is to spread or recur
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Treatment for these symptoms may include:

• Antiseizure/Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
• Steroids
• Surgery

Often, low-grade tumors (grade I and II), which are not aggressive, are treated with watchful monitoring or surgery alone. Though all tumors are monitored with repeat scans, grade II tumors are watched more closely after surgery and over time to make sure there is no recurrence.

Higher grade tumors (grade III and IV), which are malignant and can grow quickly, are more difficult to remove and require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial if one is available. Microscopic tumor cells can remain after surgery and will eventually grow back. All treatments, therefore, are intended to prolong and improve life for as long as possible.

Additional treatment options for high-grade tumors include:

• Radiation therapy: X-rays and other forms of radiation can destroy tumor cells or delay tumor growth.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It can be taken orally or intravenously.
• Targeted therapy: The focus on a specific element of a cell, such as molecules or pathways required for cell growth, in order to use them as a target
  
  
  

Brain Tumors That Cause Epilepsy : Best Neurosurgery Hospital in India

Brain Tumors That Cause Epilepsy

Some brain tumors can cause seizures over many years without causing any other symptoms. These tumors are generally very slow growing, benign tumors. The goals of surgery in such a situation are to cure both the epilepsy and the tumor. As it turns out, these goals have an extremely high likelihood of success.


Glial Tumors

Astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas arise from cells in the brain called glia. These cells surround the neurons and support their metabolic and physiologic functions. Glial tumors come in two varieties, fast-growing and slow-growing.

Fast-growing glial tumors often come to the patient's attention because of a neurological symptom, such as weakness or loss of vision. This type of tumor may also cause seizures, but because of the onset of the neurological symptoms, the tumor is generally discovered early on, perhaps after only one or two seizures. Faster-growing tumors, called anaplastic astrocytomas or glioblastomas, often come back after surgery.

Patients who have had multiple seizures for 3 years or more generally have the slow-growing type of tumor. Slow-growing glial tumors represent as many as 70% of tumors that cause epilepsy in the general population. These tumors are more common in adults with epilepsy; they may not be seen on a CT scan if the tumor is very small. Experience has shown that a complete surgical removal of these tumors can lead to excellent seizure control with a good chance of a cure. As a rule, the longer the patient has had seizures, the slower the growth rate of the tumor, and the greater the chance for a cure. Depending on the type of surgery performed, as many as 80-90% of patients stop having seizures after surgery. A recurrence of seizures, even many years after the surgery, may indicate a re-growth of the tumor. For this reason, patients with glial tumors should have an MRI scan on a yearly basis to ensure that their tumor has not returned.

Glioneuronal tumors

Gangliogliomas and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT) are tumors composed of a combination of glial cells and neuronal cells. They are more common in children and are often found in the temporal lobe of the brain. The most common symptom of these tumors is partial seizures, which are often present for several years before the diagnosis is made. These tumors may not appear on CT scan, which contributes to the delay in diagnosis. Gangliogliomas and DNTs are extremely benign tumors and are generally cured with surgery. As opposed to the glial tumors described above, the goal of surgery for glioneuronal tumors is predominantly seizure-control. These tumors are often located next to areas of cortical dysplasia (areas of the brain's cortex that contain tissue abnormalities). Cortical dysplasia occurs as a result of abnormal neuronal development that can cause hyperexcitability in a population of neurons. This area of hyperexcitable neurons is the site of origin of the adjacent seizures. Surgery that removes the tumor tissue but not the adjacent areas of abnormal cortical tissue may not cure the seizures. For this reason, the surgical treatment of epilepsy caused by presumed glioneuronal tumors often requires the use of a technique called electrocorticography.

Electrocorticography
Epileptic seizures in patients with brain tumors do not originate in the tumors themselves, but from the area of the brain next to the tumor. Electrocorticography, or ECoG, is currently the most sensitive method for localizing the area in the brain where the epilepsy starts. This technique must be performed by a neurosurgeon, preferably an epilepsy surgeon. A grid or strip of electrodes is placed on the surface of the brain. Occasionally, a depth electrode can also be placed deep into the brain to record from structures that are difficult to reach with grids and strips. Electrical recordings are then made directly from the brain in the operating room. The surgeon can also leave the electrodes in contact with the brain and thereby monitor the patient for several days in the hospital until a few seizures occur. The recordings are interpreted by a neurologist with the knowledge and experience in distinguishing between normal and abnormal cortical activity.

The use of ECoG in the treatment of low-grade tumors that cause epilepsy is controversial. Some surgeons do not feel that ECoG is necessary to treat epilepsy caused by tumors. It has been demonstrated that removal of the tumor without EcoG guidance can cure epilepsy in as many as 60% of patients. There is mounting evidence, however, that the use of ECoG may help the surgeon cure as many as 80-90% of patients. ECoG allows the surgeon to identify the site of onset of the epilepsy, usually adjacent to the tumor, and remove this area as well. These areas of brain that initiate epilepsy can be normal tissue or, as in glioneuronal tumors, may be areas of cortical dysplasia. Extensive 'mapping' of the brain may also be performed in order to ensure that these epilepsy-producing areas of the brain are not important for other functions such as movement, language, or memory.


Tumors Located in the Temporal Lobe

The temporal lobe is a unique part of the brain. Structures called the "hippocampus" and "amygdala" on one side of the temporal lobe, are important for memory and emotion while structures on the other side, called the "neocortex, are important for language. For reasons that are not well-understood, the hippocampus and amygdala have a very high likelihood of producing seizures, even if the tumor is not contained in these structures. In many circumstances, the greatest chance of curing the seizures will require removal of the hippocampus and amygdala in addition to the tumor. This is a controversial idea since the hippocampus and amygdala may appear to be normal. For this reason, epilepsy doctors have tried to identify which patients would be helped the most if the hippocampus and amygdala were removed.

Probably the most important factor in making the decision to remove these tissues is whether the hippocampus is working and how its removal would affect the patient. This decision requires the aid of a neuropsychologist who can perform a number of psychological tests, including a Wada test. The Wada test uses a drug to put the hippocampus 'to sleep' for a few minutes to simulate the effects of the proposed surgery and thereby helps to predict the effect of the surgery on the patient. It appears that if someone has had seizures for many years, has had seizures since a very young age, has a tumor located very close to the hippocampus, or has evidence that the hippocampus is not functioning, the chance of curing seizures with surgery is much greater if the hippocampus and amygdala are removed in addition to the tumor. Microscopic analysis of the tissue removed at surgery under the above-mentioned circumstances often shows that the hippocampus is, in fact, abnormal.


Closing Thoughts

Tumors that cause epilepsy are some of the most benign tumors found in the brain. The majority can be cured with surgery. In addition, epilepsy caused by tumors has the highest rate of cure after surgery, assuming the proper procedure is performed with ECoG, neuropsychological testing, Wada testing and stimulation mapping. In some cases of temporal lobe epilepsy, removal of the hippocampus may be necessary. For this reason, patients with epilepsy who learn that they may have a brain tumor must realize that this is not necessarily bad news. The prognosis is generally excellent.

What's the difference between benign and malignant brain tumours? Latest and Advanced Treatment options for Brain Tumor in India

Brain tumours in adults

In a brain tumour, cells grow abnormally, but this doesn’t mean a tumour is cancerous.

Although brain tumours in adults can be caused by cancer, benign tumours are possible. These may be due to medical conditions or may have no obvious cause.

Primary brain tumours emerge from the various cells that make up the brain and central nervous system and are named based on the kind of cell they first form in. The most common types of adult brain tumours are gliomas, the commonest type of which is called an astrocytoma. These tumours form from cells called astrocytes, which are cells that help support the nerve cells.

The second most common types of adult brain tumours are meningiomas. These form in the meninges, the thin layer of tissue that lines the brain and spinal cord and can grow from a number of different kinds of brain and spinal cord cells.

What's the difference between benign and malignant brain tumours?

Benign brain tumours are non-cancerous. Malignant primary brain tumours are cancers that originate in the brain. They typically grow faster than benign tumours and aggressively invade surrounding tissue. Although brain cancer rarely spreads to other organs, it will spread to other parts of the brain and central nervous system.

Benign brain tumours usually have clearly defined borders and are not usually deeply rooted in brain tissue. This makes them easier to surgically remove, assuming they are in an area of the brain that can be safely operated on. However, even after they've been removed they can still come back, though benign tumours are less likely than malignant ones to recur.

Although benign tumours in other parts of the body can cause problems, they are not generally considered to be a major health problem or to be life threatening. However, even a benign brain tumour can be a serious health problem. Brain tumours damage the cells around them by causing inflammation and putting increased pressure on the tissue under and around it as well as inside the skull.

What are the symptoms of a braintumour in adults?

Symptoms of brain tumours vary according to the type of tumour and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumour lies affects the way it's manifested.

Some tumours have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumours may have symptoms that develop slowly.

A common initial symptom of a brain tumour is headaches, but a lot of things besides a brain tumour can cause headaches. However, brain tumour headaches may be described as worse in the morning and then better after a couple of hours. Often they occur when a person is sleeping and will cause the person to wake up. The headache may be accompanied by vomiting and may get worse when the person changes position, coughs or exercises. The headaches also typically don't respond well to the usual headache remedies.

Other common symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Changes in speech or hearing

·         Changes in vision

·         Balance problems

·         Problems with walking

·         Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

·         Problems with memory

·         Personality changes

·         Inability to concentrate

·         Weakness in one part of the body

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. You shouldn't assume you have a brain tumour just because you experience some of them. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.

How are brain tumours diagnosed?

The doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical examination, including a neurological examination. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumour, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:

·         Scanning tests such as a CT (CAT) scan or MRI to see detailed images of the brain.

·         Angiogram, which involves the use of dye and X-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of blockage.

·         Spinal tap/Lumbar puncture, which examines fluid taken from the spinal cord.

The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumour is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumour or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to see if there is any cancer present.

Brain Tumor Treatment at World Best Cancer Hospitals in India

• Surgery : Surgery is often the first treatment if the tumour can be removed without causing harm to the surrounding brain tissue. Treatment of brain cancer is usually complex. Most treatment plans involve several consulting doctors.The team of doctors includes neurosurgeons (surgical specialists in the brain and nervous system), oncologists, radiation oncologists (doctors who practice radiation therapy), and of course, your primary health-care provider. A patient's team may include a dietitian, a social worker, a physical therapist, and probably other specialists.
• Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy is not used to treat all brain tumours. It may be used for people with high-grade primary brain tumours, either as an initial treatment alongside radiotherapy, or where the tumour has come back. In this situation, chemotherapy is unlikely to be able to cure a brain tumour, but it can sometimes shrink a tumour down or slow its growth, which can reduce symptoms.
• Radiation therapy : Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to kills tumor cells, thereby stopping them from growing and multiplying.Radiation therapy may be used for people who cannot undergo surgery. In other cases, it is used after surgery to kill any tumor calls that may remain. Radiation therapy is a local therapy. This means that it affects only cells in its path. It does not harm cells elsewhere in the body or even elsewhere in the brain
  
  Latest and Advanced Treatment options for Brain Tumor in India

Brain Tumor is no more a scary health condition as modern technology and advanced surgical modalities now offer near perfect clinical outcomes and the patients can soon return to normal life after surgery.

Brain Suite - Intra-operative MR Navigation Microsurgery

Trans-Nasal Endoscopic Removal of brain Tumor through the nose

Stereotactic Radiosurgery - Gamma Knife & Novalis TX

Tumor Embolization using Neuro Interventional Radiology

CyberKnife Radiosurgery

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Adults? : Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health.

Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested.

Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly.

A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. Often, they don't respond to the usual headache remedies. Keep in mind that most headaches are unrelated to brain tumors.

Other symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Changes in speech or hearing

·         Changes in vision

·         Balance problems

·         Problems with walking

·         Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

·         Problems with memory

·         Personality changes

·         Inability to concentrate

·         Weakness in one part of the body

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions. Don't assume you have a brain tumor just because you experience some of them. Check with your doctor.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

To diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests:

·      Imaging studies such as a CT(CAT) scan or MRI to see detailed images of the brain

·     Angiogram or MRA, which involve the use of dye and X-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormal blood vessels

The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

HOW TO TREAT BRAIN TUMORS

• Tumors near the surface of the brain may be surgically removed. In many cases, however, it is only possible to remove a portion of a tumor, since taking it all out would cause unacceptable amounts of brain damage. Still, removing even part of it may afford a period of improvement by relieving pressure within the cranium.
• Tumors deep within the brain may be treated with microsurgery, laser surgery, or radiation therapy.
• For malignant primary tumors, surgery may be followed with radiation or chemotherapy. Surgery may also be preceded by radiation.
• Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling of brain tissue, anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures, and pain relievers.

Treatment for brain tumors is based on many factors, such as:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• The type, location, and size of the tumor
• How likely the tumor is to spread or recur
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Treatment for these symptoms may include:

• Antiseizure/Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
• Steroids
• Surgery

Often, low-grade tumors (grade I and II), which are not aggressive, are treated with watchful monitoring or surgery alone. Though all tumors are monitored with repeat scans, grade II tumors are watched more closely after surgery and over time to make sure there is no recurrence.

Higher grade tumors (grade III and IV), which are malignant and can grow quickly, are more difficult to remove and require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial if one is available. Microscopic tumor cells can remain after surgery and will eventually grow back. All treatments, therefore, are intended to prolong and improve life for as long as possible.

Additional treatment options for high-grade tumors include:

• Radiation therapy: X-rays and other forms of radiation can destroy tumor cells or delay tumor growth.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. It can be taken orally or intravenously.
• Targeted therapy: The focus on a specific element of a cell, such as molecules or pathways required for cell growth, in order to use them as a target.