How To Combat Brain Tumor

Brain tumor can be life threatening and should be taken seriously. It can be defined as the growth of abnormal cells in the brain.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors are distinguished into two categories - the primary (benign) and the secondary (malignant). In case of primary brain tumor, a small tumor initiates in the brain and can be both cancerous and non-cancerous. This type of tumor grows slowly and is therefore easier to remove. Though the benign tumors does not invade the surrounding areas, but can exert pressure on the sensitive areas of the brain.

Secondary brain tumor actually results from cancer that begins elsewhere and spreads to the brain. This type of brain tumor is difficult to treat and is usually fatal. Most often lungs and breast cancer spreads to the brain.

Various Signs and Symptoms

Rate of growth, size and location determines the symptoms of brain tumor. The different signs and symptoms of the disease are:

Different types of vision problems like blurred vision, or loss of peripheral vision, or double vision.
Frequent and severe headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Hormonal disorders
Personality or behavioral changes
Gradual loss of sensation
Hearing problems
Changes in personality or behavior
Speech difficulties

It is considered that direct exposure to radiation and certain chemicals can lead to brain tumors. Again, frequent use of cell phone causes tumors as the electro magnetic fields can have direct effect on the brain. Those below 8 years of age and above 65 are prone to this deadly disease.

Those who are suffering from brain tumor can seek advice from oncologist, or neurosurgeon, or neurologist, or radiologist.

Treatment

Treatment for brain tumor includes surgery, or radiation, or chemotherapy. By means of surgery a major part of the tumor can be removed which are affecting the surrounding tissues. Radiation is a scissor-less process through which the tumors can be obviated using high-energy radiation on the affected part. In case of chemotherapy, drugs are used to reduce the spread of cancerous cells.

Since tumors develop in those parts of the brain that control thinking, motor speech, speech and vision, rehabilitation plays a major role in aiding patient's recovery. Rehabilitation entails different kinds of therapies. Vocational therapy enables the patient to get back to work after illness. If a person has lost his cognitive abilities then the cognitive rehabilitation can help him cope with this challenging situation.

The advanced technologies used today are very efficient and effective. The sophisticated technique of Stereotactic Localization uses MRI scan to detect the exact location of the tumor. Lasers and ultra sounds are used to eliminate the brain tumors. The stereo tactic radio surgery treatment focuses radiation beams on to the tumor to either eliminate it or reduce it to a smaller size. Other treatments includes drug delivering implants, Gene therapy and many more.

It is advisable to seek the help of specialist or experts or doctors before taking any decisive decision. Nowadays the clinical trials are very effective in treatment of brain tumor, as they render patients to have direct access to innovative experimental treatments.