What Are Brain Tumors?

Tumors can grow in various parts of the body, including the brain. Sometimes, tumors develop into cancer, especially when not diagnosed earlier. Brain tumors range in size, with some growing bigger before they are detected. Also, some grow slowly while others grow in a short period. With that said, here are things to know about brain tumors.

Facts about Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are deadly, and here are facts about them;

• They are graded as grade I, grade II, grade III, and grade IV
• Brain tumors happen at any age
• The cause of brain tumors is unknown
• Depending on how the tumor behaves under the microscope, doctors group brain tumors by grade.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Symptoms of brain tumors vary from one person to another. Also, the size and location of the tumor determine the symptoms. General signs of brain tumors include;

• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pressure or headache in the morning
• Behavioral changes
• Feeling hungry
• Weight gain
• Severe headaches
• Speech problems
• Numbness of the arm or leg
• Losing sight, double vision, or blurry vision
• Confusion
• Hearing problems
• Dizziness
• Seizures

Types of Brain Tumors

Meningiomas: They are the most common brain tumors. A meningioma tumor grows around the spinal cord or brain membranes. Mostly, these tumors begin as benign, but they can also be malignant.

Gliomas: These are glial-like brain tumors. The most common gliomas include ependymoma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma. Like a meningioma tumor, these tumors can be benign or malignant.

Embryonal tumors: These tumors are most common in babies. The tumors form from embryonic cells after fetal development. The most common type is medulloblastoma, which grows in the cerebellum.

Choroid plexus tumors grow from the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are located in the ventricles and can be benign or malignant. It’s most common in younger children.

Pituitary tumors: Pituitary tumors grow in or around the pituitary glands. The most common type of pituitary tumor is craniopharyngioma.

Germ Cell Tumors: These cells start in the germ cells in the reproductive cells. Sometimes, they happen in the brain near the pituitary or pineal gland and are most common in kids.

Nerve Tumors: Nerve tumors grow in and around the nerves. It’s a benign tumor that happens in the main nerve between the brain and the year. The most common nerve tumor is an acoustic neuroma.

Important Things to Know About Meningiomas

Brain tumors can be life-threatening. While a meningioma tumor is the most common type of brain tumor, here are things to know about these tumors.

Meningioma Symptoms Depend on the Size and Location

The common symptoms of meningiomas are vision problems, headaches, and seizures. If these tumors grow to a larger size, they cause hydrocephalus, which limits the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. If this happens, it affects memory, smell, vision, and hearing.

Meningiomas Can Grow in Different Places

Meningiomas don’t only grow in the brain. Because they happen in the meninges between the spinal cord and the brain, they don’t develop from the brain. However, if meningiomas grow in the skull and affect the brain, the patient develops brain tumor symptoms.

Most Meningiomas Don’t Spread

Some brain tumors spread to other parts of the body. However, meningiomas are benign. Though they can grow to a big size without showing any symptoms, they rarely become malignant. This way, a patient can experience meningiomas symptoms many years after its growth.

Meningiomas Tumors Diagnosis is Mostly Incidental

Most neurological specialists discover meningiomas after requesting an MRI or a CT scan. They are incidental because most doctors could look into another problem only to find a meningioma. This is because these tumors can live longer in the body without showing any symptoms. Then, the experts request further tests to recommend the best treatment for the patient.

Meningioma Treatment Differ

If the meningioma is small, the doctor can recommend regular checkups to see how it becomes. However, if it causes certain symptoms, the doctor recommends immediate surgery to remove it. The most common procedure to remove the tumor is craniotomy. However, if the meningiomas grew deep into the skull, an experienced neurosurgeon must remove them.

What is the Survival Rate of Brain Tumors?

The survival rate of brain tumors depends on the tumor type and the patient’s age. According to the American Cancer Society, the basic cancer survival rates include;

• Meningioma – 84% for patients aged between 20 and 44 and 74% for those between 55 and 64
• Anaplastic astrocytoma – 58% for patients between 20 and 44 and 15% for those between 55 and 64
• Oligodendroglioma – 90% for patients between 20 and 44 and 82% for patients between 45 and 54
• Glioblastoma  – 22% for those between 22 and 44 and 6% for patients between 55 and 64

Can Lifestyle Prevent Brain Tumors

Though the cause of brain tumors isn’t known, a better lifestyle can prevent brain tumors. To live a better lifestyle, consider doing the following;

Eating a healthy diet: What you eat builds your body. Consider eating antioxidants because they reduce the chances of cancer in the body.

Exercise Regularly: Working out several hours a day helps to improve your mood, eliminate excess calories, and get your body in shape.

Limit Exposure to mobile phones: Cell phone radiation can increase the chances of brain cancer. Thus, most neurologists recommend people limit the time they spend with their phones every day.

Avoid stress: Excessive stress can lead to inflammation and abnormal multiplication of cells causing tumors or cancer. Eating a ketogenic diet reduces oxidative stress and prevents the growth of tumors.

Enough sleep: Adequate amount of sleep is crucial for your brain and overall health. Hence, ensure to get enough sleep every day.

Final Thoughts

Brain tumors affect people’s lifestyles, including close family members. If you feel any of the above symptoms, you need to visit a doctor immediately. Though the cause of brain tumors is unknown, people can prevent this deadly disease by eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding stress, and exercising regularly.