What is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor is a condition that occurs when the cells in the brain’s own tissue undergo uncontrolled growth or when cancer cells from another part of the body reach the brain through the bloodstream and spread to this area.

 

Brain tumors cause symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, speech disorders, weakness in the arm and/or leg, and vision problems. Factors such as genetic inheritance, radiation exposure, and being of Caucasian descent, among others, can trigger the formation of brain tumors. Some limited studies have shown that cellphone usage may also cause brain tumors. This disease is seen in 3 to 5 people per 100,000 in the general population, and it is more common in men than in women. Brain tumors can occur at any age but are more common in children under the age of 10 and individuals over the age of 70. The diagnosis of a brain tumor can be quickly made through neurological examination and radiological tests. Before discussing the types of brain tumors, it is important to answer the question, "What is a brain tumor?"

What is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor can develop in two different ways depending on its cause. In cases defined as primary brain tumors, the tumor occurs when the brain's own cells multiply uncontrollably. Secondary brain tumors, on the other hand, are caused by cancer cells from other parts of the body, such as the colon, pancreas, kidneys, and lungs, entering the bloodstream and spreading to the brain. In other words, secondary brain tumors develop due to metastasis. In both types of brain tumors, the tumor begins to grow, and due to the rigid structure of the skull, it presses on the brain. This pressure increases intracranial pressure, leading to neurological and epileptic (seizure) issues. In addition to this, primary brain tumors are classified as either benign or malignant. Benign brain tumors, also known as non-cancerous tumors, do not originate from brain cells. These tumors grow very slowly and can be easily separated from brain tissue, which means recovery after surgical intervention is fast. Additionally, benign brain tumors rarely recur. However, if benign tumors are not surgically removed, they can grow over time and press on the brain, leading to many problems. Moreover, benign tumors also have the potential to turn into malignant tumors over time. Malignant brain tumors, known as cancerous tumors in medical terminology, grow much faster than benign tumors and are more likely to damage brain tissue. Malignant tumors, which are in close contact with brain tissue, are more difficult to remove through surgery. In other words, the tissue where malignant tumors develop is brain tissue itself, and any tissue removed during surgery can cause loss of brain function. Unlike benign tumors, malignant brain tumors have a high chance of recurrence. All secondary brain tumors are considered malignant.

What are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

The skull, which protects the brain from external factors, is not anatomically suited for expansion. Initially, the tumor is in the form of a lesion, but as brain tumors progress, the tumor begins to directly press on the brain due to the rigid structure of the skull. Brain tumors often grow silently without causing symptoms until they reach a certain size. As the tumor grows, pressure on the brain tissue and intracranial pressure increases. Depending on the area of the brain where the tumor is located, brain functions are affected, and symptoms of brain tumors emerge. Some common symptoms of brain tumors include:

Headache: The first symptom that arises as the tumor grows and increases intracranial pressure is a headache. The headache caused by a brain tumor is extremely severe, and even though the person takes pain relievers, the headache does not lessen. As the tumor grows, the frequency and severity of the headache increase. The headache often intensifies at night and can persist when the person wakes up in the morning. Actions such as bending over or coughing, which increase intracranial pressure, can exacerbate the headache.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting accompany headaches in the presence of a brain tumor. Vomiting, which often occurs in the morning, may also be accompanied by hiccups.

Numbness: Numbness develops depending on the size of the tumor. This condition, which occurs due to increased pressure on the brain tissue, leads to an increased need for sleep. In children, a reduction in headache intensity and vomiting may be observed.

Visual and Speech Disorders: Various visual disturbances, such as double vision, shifting shapes, blurred vision, and vision loss, may occur, along with speech disorders such as difficulty moving the tongue, inability to recall words, pronunciation problems, slurred speech, and difficulty understanding spoken language.

Seizures: Due to pressure on brain tissue, brain functions may be impaired, leading to symptoms such as twitching in the arms and legs or whole-body shaking. Short-term loss of consciousness can also occur.

Balance Problems: A person with a brain tumor may have difficulty maintaining balance. Basic skills such as standing up and walking may become challenging.

Personality Changes: Depending on the location of the tumor, personality changes may occur. A normally calm person may become irritable and angry. Consciousness changes and forgetfulness are commonly seen.

What Causes a Brain Tumor?

The exact cause of brain tumors is not fully understood today. However, it is known that genetics, or family history, is directly related to some types of brain tumors. There are several risk factors that trigger the formation of brain tumors. Race is one of the main risk factors. Brain tumors are more commonly seen in individuals of the white race. Age is also related to brain tumors. Although brain tumors can occur at any age, they are more frequently seen in children under the age of 10 and adults over the age of 70. Additionally, exposure to radiation, certain hormones, and chemicals are also risk factors for the development of brain tumors.

How Does a Brain Tumor Form?

A brain tumor forms when cells in the brain multiply uncontrollably. Cancer cells live much longer than healthy cells. The mass of cells that grows as a result of this uncontrolled proliferation is referred to as a tumor. Additionally, many types of cancer in the body can metastasize to the brain. In other words, a cancer originating in a different part of the body can mix with the bloodstream over time and reach the brain, which can lead to the formation of a brain tumor.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Tumors

The patient's medical history plays a crucial role in diagnosing brain tumors. After taking the patient's history, the doctor evaluates the patient through a neurological examination. Then, diagnostic imaging methods such as CT scans and MRIs are used to confirm the diagnosis. These imaging techniques help detect the presence of the tumor, and provide information about its size and location. In some cases, a brain biopsy may be necessary to finalize the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment process is determined. Surgical removal of benign tumors is essential. For malignant tumors, the treatment process is supported by radiation therapy and chemotherapy after surgical intervention. The complete surgical removal of the tumor is important in the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors. Nowadays, successful surgeries with minimal risk can be performed in hybrid operating rooms.