Every year 8th of June is marked as World Brain Tumour Day. This is an international movement to create awareness regarding brain tumours and express support for patients and caregivers living with this life-changing diagnosis. The day highlights the issues, research developments, and necessity of early diagnosis and treatment.

What is a Brain Tumour

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of brain or central spinal canal cells. It may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). No matter what type, brain tumours may interfere with brain function by compressing adjacent tissues, changing the blood flow, or by elevating the pressure within the skull.

What are the different Types of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours are differentiated according to their type of cell origin and whether they are primary (which start in the brain) or secondary/metastatic (which spread from elsewhere in the body). Examples:

• Gliomas (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas)
• Meningiomas
• Pituitary tumours
• Medulloblastomas (more frequent in children)
• Schwannomas
• Metastatic brain tumours (from cancers such as lung, breast, or melanoma)

Symptoms to check Out For

Brain tumour signs and symptoms differ depending on the tumour's location, size, and rate of growth. Some of the possible signs are:

• Persistent headaches (usually occurring in the morning)
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision or hearing impairment
• Memory loss or confusion
• Changes in behaviour or personality
• Problem with balance or coordination
• A problem with speaking
• Weakness or numbness of muscles

These symptoms are usually confused with conditions that are not as serious, so it is important to seek early medical advice if they are persistent or worsening.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors

Although the causes of brain tumours are not yet fully decoded, some risk factors can make it more probable for one to develop:

• Genetic mutations
• Ionizing radiation exposure
• Family history of brain tumours
• Age (some are more prevalent in certain age groups)
• Compromised immune system
• Some inherited syndromes (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis)

Brain tumours can also develop in people with no known risk factors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a brain tumour usually requires a combination of medical history, neurological examination, and imaging technology. Usual methods of diagnosis are:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Most frequently used to identify brain abnormalities.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – Useful in emergency cases or if MRI is not feasible.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) – To assess tumour activity.
• Biopsy – A portion of the tumour tissue is analyzed to ascertain the type and grade.

Early detection is a major factor in the success of treatment. Most cases are found late because symptoms are nonspecific or go unnoticed.

Treatment

Treatment for brain tumours depends on various circumstances such as tumour type, size, location, grade, and the general health of the patient. Typical methods of treatment are:

1. Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumor is usually the initial measure, particularly for tumors that are accessible. The aim is to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible safely without interfering with brain function.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams are directed at killing tumour cells. This can be employed after surgery or if surgery is impossible. Sophisticated methods such as stereotactic radiosurgery deliver precisely aimed beams with very little damage to normal tissue.

3. Chemotherapy

Drugs kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be taken orally or injected and may be combined with other treatments.

4. Targeted Therapy

Some tumours contain genetic mutations that targeted drugs can target, providing a more tailored treatment plan with fewer side effects.

5. Immunotherapy

While still in trial phases for brain tumours, immunotherapy works to enhance the body's immune system to combat cancer cells.

6. Supportive Care

Medication for controlling symptoms like swelling, pain, or seizures, and physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counseling are part of it.

How Brain Tumour not only affects the health but the mental state of a person is afected too

Diagnosis of a brain tumour is not only a medical experience; it's an emotional one too. Patients usually experience:

• Future anxiety
• Physical impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• Mental and emotional health concerns
• Economic cost of treatment

How Awareness can save lives

World Brain Tumour Day is a strong reminder of the importance of greater awareness, education, and research. It's a time to:

• Encourage early diagnosis and regular check-ups
• Make individuals aware of the seriousness of neurological symptoms
• Emphasize progress in treatments for brain tumours
• Illestfre the courage of survivors and the support of caregivers
• Push for additional funding and research

Research and Innovation

The recent decade has witnessed tremendous advancements in research on brain tumours:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tumour identification and examination
• Genomic testing for individualized treatment
• Minimally invasive surgical methods
• Future drugs developed through clinical trials
• Real-time intraoperative imaging for more precise surgery

Brain Tumors are still one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat because of the intricate nature of the brain and how difficult it is to penetrate the blood-brain barrier with medication. Sustained investment in research is essential for optimizing survival rates as well as treatment success.

Conclusion

8th June, World Tumour day, is not just a normal day or any day that we just post over social media and forget about it the very next moment, it is a day celebrated to spread awareness, to let people know how prevention is always better than cure and how early detection can save a Life. It is very necessary to prioritize Weekly check-ups and be more attentive and responsible towards own health.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.