Brain Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells in the brain that grows uncontrollably. Tumors in the brain can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but both types may cause serious complications because the skull limits space for expansion. As a result, even a small tumor can increase pressure within the brain and affect vital functions.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are generally divided into two categories:

1. Primary brain tumors – These originate in the brain itself or in nearby tissues such as the meninges, cranial nerves, or pituitary gland. Common examples include gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and medulloblastomas.
2. Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors – These are more common and occur when cancer spreads to the brain from another organ, such as the lungs, breasts, kidneys, or skin.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of brain tumors is still not fully understood. Genetic mutations play a major role, allowing cells to grow and divide abnormally. Certain inherited genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis, increase the risk. Additional risk factors include prolonged exposure to radiation and a family history of brain cancer. However, in many patients, no clear cause can be identified.

Symptoms

Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on the tumor’s type, size, and location. Common signs include:

• Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning.
• Nausea and vomiting without obvious cause.
• Seizures, even in people with no history of epilepsy.
• Problems with vision, hearing, or speech.
• Difficulty with balance, movement, or coordination.
• Changes in memory, personality, or concentration.
• Weakness or numbness in parts of the body.

Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, diagnosis often requires specialized tests.

Diagnosis

Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans are the primary tools for identifying brain tumors. In some cases, a biopsy is performed to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Additional tests, such as PET scans and neurological examinations, may help guide treatment planning.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, size, grade, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common approaches include:

• Surgery – When possible, surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment. Advanced techniques now allow safer removal with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
• Radiation therapy – Used to destroy remaining tumor cells after surgery or when surgery is not possible.
• Chemotherapy and targeted therapy – Drugs that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Supportive care – Medications to reduce swelling, control seizures, and relieve symptoms.

The outlook for brain tumor patients varies widely. Some benign tumors can be cured with surgery, while aggressive malignant tumors may require long-term treatment. Early detection and advances in neurosurgery, radiation, and targeted therapies have significantly improved survival and quality of life.

Author:

Prof. Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman
Senior Consultant & Coordinator

Neurosurgery

Evercare Hospital Dhaka