Recurrent headaches, vision problems, and unexplained seizures or paralysis in the arms and legs may be warning signs of a brain tumor.
A brain tumor refers to a tumor that develops in brain tissue or in the membranes surrounding the brain, as well as a tumor that has spread to the brain from cancer in another organ. It is broadly divided into benign and malignant types. Benign brain tumors usually grow relatively slowly and often have clear boundaries from surrounding tissue, but depending on where they occur, they can still cause serious neurological problems. Malignant brain tumors, on the other hand, grow quickly and tend to invade nearby normal brain tissue, making them difficult to treat.
In the end, not only the size of the tumor itself but also where it develops has a major impact on symptoms and treatment outcomes.
Even a small tumor can seriously affect daily life if it develops in an area responsible for important functions such as movement, speech, or vision.
The exact cause of brain tumors has not been clearly identified. Some genetic factors are known to play a role, but family history is not common. However, the number of diagnosed brain tumor cases is rising as the population ages.
The most common symptom is a headache. Caution is especially needed if severe headaches recur in the morning or are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Other possible symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, hearing loss, paralysis in the arms and legs, sensory abnormalities, gait problems, speech difficulties, personality changes, and memory decline. If an adult experiences a first seizure without any clear cause, brain tumor should also be considered.
Diagnosis is made through neurological examinations and imaging tests. MRI can relatively precisely show the tumor's location, size, and whether it has invaded surrounding tissue, making it important for both diagnosis and treatment planning. Depending on the case, CT, Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), and electroencephalography may also be performed, and a biopsy is used to determine the tumor type and whether it is malignant.
Treatment varies depending on the tumor type, location, size, and the patient's condition. The most basic treatment is surgery. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible to reduce intracranial pressure and relieve neurological symptoms. If needed, a tissue examination is also performed to identify the tumor type. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may then be added depending on the tumor's characteristics. In recent years, treatment has increasingly focused on minimizing damage to normal brain tissue, with the help of technologies such as surgical microscopes, endoscopes, and navigation systems that track the tumor's location in real time during surgery.
For some tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife may be used. This treatment concentrates high-energy radiation on the lesion without making a skin incision and is used for small tumors located in specific areas. In addition, when a tumor causes increased intracranial pressure or brain swelling, symptoms can be controlled with steroids or anticonvulsants.
Courtesy of Professor of Neurosurgery, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital
