Brain cancer is a life-threatening condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the brain tissue. These cells can destroy normal brain tissue, damage vital functions, and result in severe complications and also lead to fatalities. Understanding the symptoms, treatment, and causes of brain cancer can help reduce fear surrounding the disease and provide important information for managing the condition. This article provides an overview of symptoms, treatment, and causes of the condition.
Causes of brain cancer
Brain cancer can develop for various reasons, and understanding its causes can help in prevention and early detection.
Age
A person’s risk of developing brain cancer increases with age. Most brain tumors are diagnosed in older adults.
Genetic factors
Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk of brain cancer.
Family history
Having a close family member with brain cancer can slightly increase the risk.
Exposure to radiation
The risk of brain cancer increases with high levels of radiation exposure, whether from prior treatments or occupational exposure.
Symptoms of brain cancer
Detecting brain cancer in its early stages can be challenging since symptoms may not be evident. The tumor, however, can cause pressure on surrounding tissue and lead to various symptoms as it grows. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain cancer, especially if you have a family history. The prevalent symptoms of brain cancer include:
Persistent headaches that worsen over time.
Nausea or vomiting.
Difficulty with balance and coordination.
Hearing problems.
Vision changes or loss.
Numbness in arms or legs.
Cognitive and personality changes, such as memory loss or mood swings.
Difficulty speaking or comprehending language.
Fatigue or drowsiness.
Treatment options for brain cancer
Brain cancer is a complex and challenging disease that requires comprehensive treatment. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help manage brain cancer and improve patients’ quality of life.
Brain surgery
Surgery is often the primary treatment for brain cancer. It involves removing as much of the tumor as possible to reduce its size and relieve pressure on the brain. According to the location and size of the tumor, open or minimally invasive surgery may be used.
Radiation therapy
It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing. It can be administered externally or internally, depending on the type and stage of the brain cancer. The use of this treatment option may be combined with other forms of treatment or used alone.
Chemotherapy
It involves using supplements to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Combined with other treatments, it can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy can help shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and slow down the progression of brain cancer.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a more specialized treatment focusing on specific genetic or molecular changes in cancer cells. In order to block the growth and spread of cancerous cells, supplements target these changes.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
The LITT procedure uses laser heat to destroy brain tumors in a minimally invasive manner. It is particularly useful for treating tumors in critical brain areas where traditional surgery may be risky. LITT offers precise and localized treatment, minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue.
