Brain Tumor Treatment
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or its surrounding tissues. It can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Brain tumors can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, vision problems, memory loss, difficulty in balance, and personality changes. These symptoms occur due to the pressure the tumor exerts on different parts of the brain.
Types of Brain Tumors:
- Primary Tumors: These originate in the brain itself.
- Secondary (Metastatic) Tumors: These spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
Diagnosis:
Brain tumors are diagnosed through neurological examinations, imaging tests like MRI and CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the type of tumor.
Treatment Options:
Surgery: The most common treatment involves surgically removing the tumor, depending on its location and size. In some cases, complete removal may not be possible, but partial removal can still relieve symptoms.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to target and destroy tumor cells. It is often used after surgery or when surgery is not an option.
Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill or shrink cancerous cells. It can be administered orally or through injections and is often combined with other treatments.
Targeted Therapy: This advanced treatment targets specific genetic mutations within the tumor cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Steroid Therapy: Steroids are often prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the brain.
Immunotherapy: This is a newer approach that helps boost the body’s immune system to fight off cancer cells.