What are the risk factors for a brain tumor?

A brief introduction to Brain Tumors

What is a Brain Tumor?

A Brain Tumor is a cancerous/non-cancerous muscle growth that starts forming abnormally inside the brain.

How are Brain tumors classified?

Depending on the growth, appearance, and ability to spread, brain tumors are divided into four grades ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Tumors that belong to Grade 1 are the least abnormal-looking, slowest growing, and rarely spread, while Grade 4 tumors are the fastest-growing abnormal tumors that can quickly spread to nearby areas of the mind.

Some symptoms that may appear in a person that has a brain tumor include speech difficulties, painful and frequent headaches, feeling of giddiness, weak memory, problems in walking, weakness, reduced vision, seizures, confusion, foggy thinking, and so on. These symptoms are generally worst after waking up or during the night and hence cause you trouble sleeping.

How is the diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumor made?

The diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination of vision, hearing ability, walking abilities, muscle strength, etc., followed by a neurological examination of memory, problem-solving, and thinking capabilities to determine whether a tumor is present. After this, an MRI or a CT scan is done to get an idea of the size and location of the tumor. A biopsy is also performed in which a part of the tumor is extracted to study its nature, cancerous or non-cancerous, and origin. Dr. Vikas Goswami, the best oncologist in Noida, will carry out the diagnosis accurately and comfortably.

After the diagnosis is made and doctors get a much better idea of the size, location, cancer or not cancer-causing nature, and other tumor properties, the required treatment is planned and performed. Treatment procedures usually involve surgery or the use of high-power beams, such as X-rays and medication, to control growth and reduce the tumor size. The surgical procedure that is done in most cases involves opening the skull and removing the tumor is known as a craniotomy.

The use of X-rays beams that can shrink the tumor or destroy it if the tumor is small in size is known as radiation therapy. The use of drugs to prevent the spreading of cancer cells to other parts or kill them is known as chemotherapy. Doctors can use any or a combination of these procedures to cure the tumor. The best oncologist in Noida, Dr. Vikas, will suggest the treatment procedures that best work for you.

Factors that increase risks for a brain tumor

The actual cause of brain tumors is not known, but some factors are believed to increase the risk of having certain types of tumors in some people more than others.

Gender of the person

People of one gender are more prone to tumors of a certain type than people of the opposite gender. For example, meningiomas are more common in females, whereas medulloblastomas develop mostly in males.

Age factor

Tumors can affect people of any age, from children to adults, but the chances are higher in older adults. As a person becomes old, their chance of developing brain cancer increases.

Being overweight

Certain groups of brain tumors, such as meningiomas, are found more commonly in people who are obese.

Exposure to chemicals

Exposure to chemicals like pesticides, rubber, and vinyl chloride, has been shown to increase the risk of developing brain cancer in people frequently exposed to them.

Genetic factors

Rarely do brain tumors have a chance of being passed on genetically. But this fraction is very low. People with hereditary conditions like neurofibromatosis(NF1 and NF2), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and VHL are sometimes linked with brain tumors.

Previous exposure to radiation

People previously exposed to radiation therapy, especially during childhood, have higher risks of developing brain tumors in later years.

Weak immune system

A weak immune system often leads to central nervous system(CNS) lymphoma.

Conclusion

Not all brain tumors are cancerous and life-threatening, but an early diagnosis can save you from any complications that may arise later if the tumor gets bigger and more severe. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a professional doctor as soon as you start facing symptoms.

Dr. Vikas Goswami is strongly recommended because he is the best oncologist in Noida. Treatment for brain tumors involves complicated surgeries and recovery that may take time. The best oncologist in Noida, Dr. Vikas will make sure you recover as quickly as possible to get back into your normal life. Brain tumors are curable, and one should not panic if diagnosed with one.