Brain Tumors – Overview, Common Types of Brain Tumors, Treatment Options

 Brain Tumors – Overview

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the brain (primary tumors) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumors).

Classification of Brain Tumors

1. Based on Origin

• Primary Brain Tumors – Originate in brain tissue.

• Secondary (Metastatic) Tumors – Spread from cancers elsewhere (lung, breast, etc.).

2. Based on Behavior

• Benign – Slow-growing, non-invasive (e.g., meningioma).

• Malignant – Fast-growing, invasive, and may recur (e.g., glioblastoma).

 Common Types of Brain Tumors

Type	Description	Origin
Gliomas	Arise from glial cells (supporting brain cells)	Brain
- Astrocytoma	From astrocytes	Brain
- Glioblastoma (GBM)	Aggressive, grade IV astrocytoma	Brain
Meningioma	Arises from meninges (brain lining)	Often benign
Pituitary Adenoma	Tumor of the pituitary gland	Hormone-related
Medulloblastoma	Common in children, in cerebellum	Malignant
Schwannoma	From nerve sheath (e.g., acoustic neuroma)	Often benign
Metastatic Tumors	Spread from other body cancers	Secondary

 

Malignant cancerous tumour

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on tumor size, location, and rate of growth:

• Persistent headache

• Seizures

• Nausea/vomiting

• Vision or hearing changes

• Weakness or paralysis

• Cognitive or personality changes

• Difficulty with balance or coordination

 Diagnosis

1. MRI Brain (most preferred imaging method)

2. CT Scan (especially in emergencies)

3. Biopsy (for definitive diagnosis)

4. MR Spectroscopy, DTI, Perfusion MRI (advanced imaging techniques)

5. Blood tests (rarely helpful directly)

Treatment Options

1. Surgery – Maximal safe removal of the tumor

2. Radiotherapy – Often used post-surgery

3. Chemotherapy – e.g., Temozolomide in glioblastoma

4. Targeted Therapy / Immunotherapy – For specific mutations

5. Supportive Care – Steroids for swelling, anti-epileptics for seizures

Prognosis

Depends on:

• Tumor type and grade

• Location and size

• Patient age and overall health

• Response to treatment