A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding structures. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous), growing slowly and not spreading to other parts of the body, or malignant (cancerous), which tend to grow aggressively and may invade nearby brain tissue. Both types can affect vital brain functions depending on their size and location.
Who is at High Risk from This Disease?
Specific individuals are more vulnerable to developing brain tumours:
- Children and elderly people (age-related risks)
- Those with a genetic predisposition or inherited conditions
- People with a family history of brain tumours
- Individuals exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation.
- Patients with weakened immune systems (due to medical conditions or treatments)
Types of Brain Tumours
Here are mention the type of Brain tumours can be classified as:
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- Primary tumours: Originate in the brain.
- Gliomas
- Astrocytoma
- Glioblastoma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Ependymoma
- Meningiomas
- Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
- Craniopharyngioma
- Pituitary tumours (Pituitary Adenomas)
- Secondary (metastatic) tumours: Spread to the brain from cancers in other parts of the body.
- Benign tumours: Non-cancerous but may still cause symptoms by pressing on brain structures.
- Pilocytic Astrocytoma (Grade 1)
- Meningioma (Most are Grade 1)
- Pituitary Adenoma
- Schwannoma / Acoustic Neuroma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Ganglioglioma
- Subependymoma
- Malignant tumours: Cancerous and fast-growing.
- Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (Grade 4)
- Medulloblastoma (Grade 4)
- Anaplastic Meningioma (Grade 3)
- Diffuse Midline Glioma (Grade 4)
- Primary CNS Lymphoma
- Choroid Plexus Carcinoma
- Tumors Most Common in Children (Pediatric)
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- Medulloblastomas
- Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Symptoms of Brain Tumour
Symptoms vary based on tumour size, location, and growth rate. Here are mention the Symptoms of brain tumour:
- Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing difficulties
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Memory loss and cognitive decline
- Personality or behavioural changes
Causes of Brain Tumour
The exact cause is not always clear, but risk factors include:
- Genetic mutations affecting cell growth
- Family history of tumours or inherited syndromes
- Long-term exposure to radiation
- Possible environmental or lifestyle influences
Diagnosis/Tests of Brain Tumour
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Tests may include:
- Neurological examination (to check reflexes, vision, hearing, coordination)
- Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan, PET scan
- Biopsy (tissue sample to confirm tumour type)
- EEG (to evaluate seizure activity)
- Blood and hormonal tests (if pituitary gland involvement is suspected)
Treatment of Brain Tumour
The treatment of a brain tumour depends on several factors, including the type of tumour, its size, location in the brain, and the overall health of the patient. At Venkateshwar Hospitals, treatment plans are customised to ensure both effective tumour control and the patient’s quality of life.
1. Surgical Options
- Craniotomy (open brain surgery): In this procedure, a part of the skull is removed to access and remove the tumour. It is one of the most common treatments for accessible tumours.
- Minimally invasive neurosurgery: Advanced techniques allow surgeons to remove or reduce tumours using microscopes and endoscopes. This results in smaller incisions, faster recovery, reduced pain, and a lower risk of complications.
2. Radiation Therapy
- External beam radiation therapy: High-energy rays are directed at the tumour from outside the body to destroy cancer cells while sparing as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife): An exact, non-invasive procedure that delivers focused radiation to the tumour, making it suitable for small or hard-to-reach brain tumours.
3. Chemotherapy
- Anti-cancer medicines are given either orally or intravenously to kill tumour cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance outcomes.
4. Targeted Drug Therapy
- Specialised medicines designed to attack specific genetic or molecular changes in tumour cells, leaving most normal cells unharmed. This approach reduces side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
5. Supportive Care
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Helps patients regain strength, mobility, and independence after treatment.
- Palliative care: Focuses on relieving symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or fatigue, and improving the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
Complications of Brain Tumour
Potential complications include:
- Neurological deficits (speech, movement, or memory impairment)
- Seizures
- Tumour recurrence after treatment
- Side effects of therapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss
Prevention of Brain Tumour
While brain tumours cannot be prevented entirely, specific measures may help reduce the risk or support early detection:
- Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure unless it is medically necessary.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing your weight effectively.
- Seek genetic counselling if there is a known family history or inherited condition that increases the risk.
- Undergo regular medical check-ups if you are at higher risk due to a family history or other predisposing factors.
Why Choose Venkateshwar Hospitals for Brain Tumour Treatment in Delhi?
Venkateshwar Hospitals offers world-class neuro-oncology care with:
- Expert specialists: Highly experienced neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists with global exposure
- Advanced technology: MRI, PET-CT, intraoperative navigation, Gamma Knife, and CyberKnife facilities
- Multidisciplinary care: Team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and rehabilitation experts
- Comprehensive support: Psychological counselling, rehabilitation, and nutrition guidance
- Patient-centric approach: Personalised treatment plans with affordable packages
- Accessibility: Centrally located in Delhi, serving both Indian and international patients
Prognosis, Recovery and Follow-Up Care
The prognosis of a brain tumour varies greatly depending on the type of tumour, its size, location in the brain, and the stage at which it is diagnosed. In many cases, early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve recovery chances and long-term survival.
Recovery does not end with surgery or treatment; it continues long after. Many patients benefit from rehabilitation programmes, which may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counselling to help them regain strength, mobility, communication skills, and emotional well-being.
Continuous follow-up care is essential. Regular check-ups, MRI or CT scans, and neurological assessments allow doctors to monitor progress, detect any recurrence, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
In addition, adopting healthy lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol, can support overall recovery and improve quality of life.
