Tumor cells formed in the brain are cancerous cells that grow rapidly and with uncontrolled division. The tumor that forms in the brain is called primary brain tumor. But when the cancer cells come from other parts of the body and form a tumor in the brain, it is known as secondary brain tumors. The secondary brain tumors are more common than primary tumors form in the brain. Brain tumors can be of many different types. The most common types are Gliomas (that form in the supporting cells in the brain) and non-gliomas (that form in the non-supporting cells of the brain). Brain tumors represent itself in the form of symptoms. But these symptoms are according to the size of tumor, location of the tumor and rate of growth of the tumor. Brain tumors also change the behavior and personality of the patient suffering from it. But it is not always due to this cause. There may be other reasons for the symptoms that are appearing in the individual patient. The treatment plan is not the same for each individual patient. The multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers which includes neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists determine the suitable treatment according to the condition of each patient and the general health.
Types of Brain Tumor Treatment
There are many types of treatment for brain tumors. The selection of a particular treatment is based on the condition of the tumor. Sometimes a combination of treatments is used to treat the patient. Some of these treatments are:
- Radiation therapy
- Target drug therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Alternating electric field therapy
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high energy X-rays to kill the tumor. These beams of rays directly target the cells in the tumor without causing harm to healthy tissues in the surrounding. Radiation therapy can be:
- External beam radiation therapy: In this, the beam of rays is coming from the machine outside the body and directs the rays on the tumor through the skin.
- Internal beam radiation therapy: In this, the radioactive material is used to implant inside the tumor. The radioactive material emits rays to kill the tumor cells.
Target Drug Therapy
In this type of treatment, the medications are used to kill specific genes and proteins that are essential for the growth of tumors. In this way, drugs limit the growth of tumor cells formed in the brain. Target drug therapy is the latest technology in the treatment of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to limit the growth of tumor cells by preventing the division and making more cells in the tumor. It is usually used in combination treatment after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells if present. Chemotherapy is usually used in the aggressive type of cancers either alone or with other treatments.
Surgery
Surgery is the standard treatment for brain tumors in the early stages. It usually involves the removal of a tumor from the brain with some healthy tissue to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Sometimes, surgery is not an option due to the area involved where the vital structures are present or where it is impossible to reach.
Alternating Electric Field Therapy
In this treatment, a portable device is used to fit in the brain that limits the growth of tumor cells by interfering. It uses electrodes that use an electric field to perform its function. This treatment is successful and provides long term effects like chemotherapy.
Diagnosis of Brain Tumor Treatment
Some Diagnosis of Brain Tumor
CT Scan
In this, brain tumors are located by the use of X-rays. The CT scan even determines the exact location of the tumor form in the brain.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic and radio waves to create a picture of the inside of the brain. This test can give clear images of the brain. It helps to determine the size, location, and the nature of the tumor formed in the brain.
Biopsy
The tissue extracts from the tumor as a sample and is examined in the laboratory to check the presence of tumor cells. It is a confirmed diagnostic test for brain tumors
Additional Tests
PET scan is used to scan the inside of the brain. In addition, spinal tap is used in which the fluid in the brain is tested for any tumor cell presence.
Cost of Brain Tumor Treatment in India
The cost of brain tumor treatment in India ranges from USD 3600 to USD 4400. However, it may depend on the type of treatment option for each individual patient. Some of the different treatments and their cost are described below:
Cost of different treatments for brain tumor in India
- Chemotherapy 1000 USD 1200 USD
- Brain Tumor Surgery 2400 USD 3200 USD
- Radiotherapy 2520 USD 3360 USD
- Radiosurgery for Brain Tumor 3720 USD 4960 USD
Symptoms & Risk Factors of Brain Tumor Treatment
General Symptoms
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Jerks/ spasm
- Loss of control to body
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bluish skin
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Change in smell and vision senses
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Memory loss
- Activity limitations
Specific Symptoms According to Location of Brain Tumor
- Pressure on the site of tumor
- Difficulty in using hand for task
- Muscle weakness and paralysis
- Temporary loss of vision
- Difficulty in understanding
- Difficult in talking or swallowing
- Facial muscles paralysis
- Change in behavior
- Inability to recognize things and people.
Risk Factors of Brain Tumor
Age
Brain tumors can be developed at any age but it is more common in adults and children.
Gender
Brain tumors are more likely to be developed in male population. But some specific types of brain tumors are mostly found in women.
Family History
A close family member who is diagnosed with a brain tumor can be the major risk factor to develop a brain tumor.
Exposure to Radiation
Exposure to high radiations like radiation therapy for head or neck cancers may increase the risk of brain tumors. Or the exposure to radiation in the workplaces can also be the risk factor of developing brain tumors.
Head Injuries
There is a positive correlation between some specific types of brain tumors and the history of trauma. In recent studies, it has been shown that the brain tumor of non-supporting cells can develop after a head injury.
06/03/2024
