A brain tumor is the growth of abnormal cells in your brain. When the cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, it requires immediate medical intervention. 

Our brain is enclosed in a skull, which is rigid. Hence, when the brain grows abnormally in the restricted space, it creates problems. These can be cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign). 

The benign brain tumors aren’t aggressive. These don’t spread to other parts or tissues. On the contrary, the malignant grows rapidly and quickly invade surrounding tissue. 

When we hear about a brain tumor diagnosis, the first thing that comes to our mind is that it’s lethal. Fortunately, though, that’s not always the situation. All types of brain tumors aren’t the same. The symptoms might be alike, but their impact varies. 

What is Brain Tumor?

The brain is an organ that encompasses nerve cells and supportive tissues. Overall, it’s divided into three parts:

• Brain stem
• Cerebellum
• Cerebrum

Each of these parts controls different activities. A tumor is a mass of uncharacteristic cells developing in your brain. It can be life-threatening and requires attention depending on its size, type, and location. 

Medical studies have verified that brain tumors can occur at any age. However, it’s more common in adults. Its exact cause is unknown. Yet, the studies indicate different risk factors. 

The brain tumors are classified according to the grading system, which includes:

• Grade I – In this grade, the tissues are benign and grow slowly. 
• Grade II – The tissues are malignant as the cells look slightly different from the normal cells. 
• Grade III – At this stage, the cells in the tissues look very different. In Grade III, the abnormal cells grow actively. 
• Grade IV – The malignant tissue has cells that are typically abnormal and develop exponentially. 

The higher the grade, the more abnormal cells appear. 

Types of Brain Tumor

According to medical research, more than 150 diverse types of brain tumors have been recognized. All these are classified into two main groups, primary and metastatic. 

• Primary Brain Tumors 

The primary brain tumors occur in your brain. They develop due to:

• Glands
• Brain cells
• Nerve cells
• Meninges – the membranes that cover your brain. 

Some of the common brain tumors include:

• Ependymomas
• Pituitary tumors
• Lymphomas
• Meningiomas
• Pineal gland tumors
• Germ cell tumors

• Metastatic Brain Tumors

Secondary brain tumors are common and form the majority of brain tumors. These can arise anywhere in the body and migrate to the brain. These are malignant and majorly occur due to:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Kidney cancer

These are cancerous, and unlike benign tumors, these spread easily. Investigation shows that metastatic tumors closely affect one in four patients with cancer. It makes more than 150,000 people a year. 

Among these, about 40% of people with lung cancer will progress metastatic brain tumors. Gliomas are the most dominant kind of adult brain tumor. They account for 78% of malignant tumors. 

Brain Tumor Symptoms

The indications of a brain tumor can be either general or specific. The general signs happen due to the increased stress caused by the tumor in the brain or spinal cord. These include:

• Headaches – these get severe and worsen with activities or in the early morning. 
• Seizures – people experience different types of seizures. For instance, convulsions are motor seizures that result in sudden involuntary movements in the muscles. Additionally, myoclonic, tonic-clonic, complex partial, and sensory outbreaks are reported. 
• Memory and personality alterations – people with tumors often report memory loss, speech issues, and other personality issues. 

Additionally, here are some more generic symptoms: 

• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty in walking and performing routine tasks 

Contrarily, specific indications occur when a particular part of the brain is not working well due to a tumor. These include:

• Pressure near the tumor 
• Constant headache
• Changes in judgment
• Weak muscles
• Sluggishness
• Paralysis 
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Complete or partial loss of vision 
• Inability to look upward.
• Varied perception of pressure or touch
• A difference in speech and hearing condition

Causes of Brain Tumor 

Primarily, brain tumors originate in the brain or the tissues close to it. For instance, it might occur in the meninges (membrane), pituitary gland, cranial nerves, and pineal gland. 

As changes occur in the DNA of cells, tumors develop. The mutations lead to the multiplication, growth, and division of cells. As these cells grow, the healthy cells die, and a mass of abnormal cells develops. 

In adults, secondary brain tumors are more common—for example, meningiomas, gliomas, pituitary adenomas, and germ cell tumors. These result from different types of cancers that start in any part of the body. It spreads. Hence, secondary tumor is common in people who have a history of cancer. 

When discussing cases of pediatric brain tumors, the cause is unknown. These are typically in the primary type category. However, errors in DNA mutations are identified as one of the major causes. 

In children, you can find medulloblastoma or ependymoma. These are very rare and often involve a genetic component.

Risk Factors for a Brain Tumor 

According to research, the causes of the primary tumor aren’t clear yet. However, some studies have highlighted the following as risk factors for a brain tumor:

• Age 

Some types of brain tumors grow with age. 

• Family History 

Around 5 to 10% of the cancers are inherited genetically. However, it’s rare to inherit brain tumors. 

• Race 

According to medical sciences, brain tumors exist more commonly among Caucasians and African-Americans. 

• Exposure to Chemicals

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Research stated that exposure to some substances results in brain tumors. In addition, these chemicals might be found in certain types of work environments. Hence, workplaces need to keep a check on the possibility of tumor-causing chemicals. 

• Radiation Exposure

The ionizing emissions also upsurge the risk of brain tumors. A person can be exposed to radiation during health therapies. Or, they might be exposed to radiation from nuclear fallout. Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear power plant mishaps are examples of radiation experiences. 

Brain Tumor Diagnosis 

The diagnosis of a brain tumor begins with a detailed neurological analysis. Then, it involves the doctors testing your cranial nerves. These originate in your brain. 

The doctors use an ophthalmoscope to look inside your eyes. The instrument helps doctors in examining how the pupils react to light. It further helps look for any swelling on the optic nerve—an intensification in the compression inside the skull consequences in modifications in the optic nerves. 

Moreover, the doctors focus on examining the following:

• Memory
• Coordination
• Muscle strength
• Capability to do mathematical calculations

For a confirmed diagnosis, doctors suggest their patients go through some diagnostic imaging services. These are listed below:

• CT Scan

A CT scan of the head helps in detecting brain tumors. It includes a detailed scan of the body. The doctors use these reports to examine blood vessels and other structures. 

• MRI Scan

The brain MRI scan includes using a specific dye. However, an MRI scan does not involve radiation, which makes it a safer diagnostic test. Also, it provides a more detailed assessment of the structures of the brain. Overall, it is beneficial for tumor detection. 

• X-ray 

A skull x-ray also helps in detecting the formation of brain tumors. It helps in identifying any fracture or crack in the skull bones caused by cancer. Additionally, it helps in determining the calcium deposits contained within a tumor. 

There are various MRI centers in Elizabeth, NJ, where you can schedule an MRI of the brain. We have an excellent team of professional radiologists that facilitate you through the process. 

In many cases, a biopsy or spinal tap is beneficial for the confirmation and diagnosis. The NJ Imaging Centers are using advanced techniques and technology for diagnostic tests. 

Brain Tumor Treatment 

The treatment of a brain tumor depends on the category, location, and extent of the tumor. Additionally, the neurologists consider your overall health and age. 

The treatments options include:

• A surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Along with the treatment, patients require supportive care before, during, and after treatment. It benefits in reducing brain tumor symptoms. Also, it contributes to enhancing the quality of life. 

Final Thoughts 

The bottom line is that a brain tumor results from the occurrence and progression of abnormal cells in your brain. According to medical investigations, different types of brain tumors have been known. As stated above, it can be either benign or malignant. 

The treatment of a brain tumor relies on its size and location. Also, how quickly it grows varies greatly. The diagnostic imaging tests help in detecting the tumor. Additionally, the assessment allows doctors to plan the treatments accordingly. 

In the case of malignant brain tumors, surgery becomes necessary. Contrarily, the failure to identify brain tumors can affect the overall functioning of your nervous system.