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Recognizing Brain Tumour Symptoms: Early Signs To Watch For

Neurosurgery is a subspeciality of neuro medicine that deals with the diagnosis, non-surgical, and medical management of neurological illnesses and their repercussions. Neurologists, who specialise in neuro medicine, sometimes work alongside neurosurgeons on patients.

Neurosurgeons perform operations on the nerves in the limbs or extremities, the brain, or the spine. They treat patients of all ages, from elderly people who may have had a stroke, for example, to babies with congenital neurological disorders (birth defects). Treatment for nerve damage, neuroblastoma, central nervous system infections, and neurodegenerative illnesses is also provided by neurosurgeons.

A neurosurgeon can specialise in several areas; some of these include spine surgery, neurovascular surgery, neuro-oncology, paediatric neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, pain treatment, and nerve trauma.

Brain tumours are neoplasms that develop within the cranial cavity or on its enclosing structures. Brain tissues may form brain tumour masses, and brain neoplasms may occur near brain tissue as well. There are neural tracts, the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, and the membranes that line the brain’s surface.

Brain tissue can give rise to brain tumours. We refer to these as primary brain tumours. Cancer can occasionally go from other regions of the body to the brain. These tumours are known as metastatic brain tumours or secondary brain tumours.

Brain tumours can range in size from tiny to large. Certain brain tumours are discovered at relatively small sizes because they immediately generate symptoms. Some brain tumours enlarge significantly before they are found. The brain is divided into regions that are more and less active. A brain tumour may not manifest symptoms immediately if it originates in a less active area of the brain. Before the tumour is discovered, the size of the brain tumour may increase significantly.

Your treatment options will depend on the type, location, and size of your brain tumour. Radiation therapy and surgery are standard therapies.

The size and location of a brain tumour define its indications and symptoms. Tumour grade, another term for the rate at which the brain tumour is growing, may also have an impact on symptoms.

The following are some common indications and symptoms of brain tumours:

• Head pressure or headache is worse if it is the first thing in the morning.
• Headaches that occur more frequently.
• Headaches that are occasionally referred to as migraines or tension headaches.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Eye issues include double vision, fuzzy vision, and vision loss on the sides of your field of vision.
• Losing the ability to move or feel in one arm or leg.
• Having trouble staying balanced.
• Speech issues.
• Uncertainty in routine affairs.
• Memory issues.
• Having problems adhering to basic instructions.
• A shift in attitude or personality.
• Episodes, particularly in the absence of prior seizure history.
• Difficulties hearing.
• Vertigo is another name for dizziness or the sensation that the world is spinning.
• Experiencing extreme hunger and weight gain.

• Age: The risk of developing brain tumours increases with age, with most brain tumours occurring at or after 80.
• Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation from high-dose radiation therapy, CT scans, or X-rays of the head can increase the risk of developing brain tumour.

• Genetic Conditions: Some genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis type 2, and Turner syndrome, can increase the risk of developing brain tumour.
• Immune System Disorders: A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing lymphomas that affect the brain and spinal cord.

Neurosurgery is needed when serious problems affect the brain, spine, or nerves, and cannot be treated with medicines or less invasive treatments. Conditions like brain tumours, serious head injuries, or problems with blood vessels in the brain can put a person’s life at risk or cause permanent damage if not treated with surgery. For example, a brain tumour might press on important parts of the brain, causing symptoms like headaches, seizures, or difficulty moving, which need surgery to remove or reduce the tumour.

Neurosurgery can also help improve a person’s quality of life. Conditions like epilepsy, which causes seizures, or spinal problems that cause pain or make it hard to move, may be treated through surgery when other treatments don’t work. Although neurosurgery is complex and comes with risks, it is often the best way to address serious problems and give patients a chance to live a healthier, better life.

• In case of refractory neurological symptoms – the patient should be referred to a neurosurgeon in need of surgical treatment.
• Chronic back or neck pain that is the following to both the arms and the legs, may be a sign of a spinal herniated disc or spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis compressed nerves that require surgical intervention.
• Intense headaches accompanied by visual, speech, or sensory disturbances could signal serious issues like tumours, aneurysms, or brain bleeding, needing urgent surgical intervention.
• Sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, unbalanced coordination, and unexplained seizures are symptoms that should prompt consultation with a neurosurgeon.
• These symptoms may suggest central nervous system damage from conditions like nerve injuries, cranial trauma, or spinal diseases.
• Individuals diagnosed with brain tumours, cerebrovascular diseases, or structural abnormalities of the nervous system should consult a neurosurgeon.

Brain tumours can take many different forms. The sort of cells that compose the tumour specifies the type of brain tumour. Specific laboratory studies on the tumour cells can provide cell-specific information. This information is used by your healthcare team to determine the sort of brain tumour you have.

In general, specific categories of brain tumours tend to be non-cancerous. They are called benign or noncancerous brain tumours. Generally speaking, certain categories of brain tumours tend to be malignant.

1. Astrocytoma
2. Glioblastoma
3. Oligodendroglioma
4. Ependymoma
5. Meningioma
6. Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
7. Pituitary Adenoma
8. Medulloblastoma
9. Craniopharyngioma
10. Primary CNS Lymphoma
11. Pineocytoma
12. Pineoblastoma
13. Choroid Plexus Tumour
14. Hemangioblastoma
15. Ganglioglioma
16. Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumour (DNET)
17. Arachnoid Cyst
18. Metastatic Brain Tumours

Surgery might be required for those who have severe or progressive symptoms, but in a few cases, non-surgical treatments can be an option. Brain tumour surgery also depends on the type, size, grade, and location of the tumour.

A group of specialists might be involved, suggesting to you what they think is the best treatment option for you keeping in consideration your health and age but the end choice will be yours.

Brain tumour is often the first line of treatment for brain tumours because it can : 

• Remove the tumour: 

Surgery can completely remove benign or low-grade tumours, or partially remove tumours near sensitive areas.

• Relieve pressure: 

Surgery can reduce pressure in the skull, which can improve function and reduce symptoms.

• Provide a biopsy: 

A biopsy is a surgical procedure that removes a small sample of the tumour for examination. This can help confirm the diagnosis.

Your doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits of each surgical procedure before prescribing one. Being capable of having your doctor remove all or only a portion of your tumour is one benefit of surgery. 

Adjunctive therapies, like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, can be used in conjunction with surgery. For instance, if your tumour is really big, your doctor might remove a portion of it and then use Gamma Knife radiosurgery to be sure there are no tumour cells left. Following surgery, radiation therapy is always used to treat some forms of brain tumours.

The additional benefit of having a brain tumour surgically removed is that the tumour is less likely to return after it has been removed entirely. This is one benefit of brain tumour surgery, though it depends on the type of brain tumour and whether it can be eliminated with surgery.

The course of treatment for a brain tumour varies depending on whether the tumour is malignant or benign (also known as not cancerous). The kind, size, grade, and location of the brain tumour all affect the available treatment options. Among the options are radiation therapy, radiosurgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery. Your medical staff takes your preferences and general health into account when deciding on a course of therapy.

There may not be an immediate need for treatment. If the tumour in your brain is tiny, noncancerous, and without symptoms, you may not require immediate treatment. Small benign brain tumours may never grow at all, or they may grow so slowly that they never cause any issues. To monitor the growth of brain tumours, you may get brain MRI scans several times a year. You may require therapy if the brain tumour grows more quickly than anticipated or if you experience symptoms.

• Surgery: The most typical course of treatment is surgery, which can include laser ablation, neuroendoscopy, craniotomy, or laser interstitial thermal therapy.
• Radiation therapy: May aid in tumour reduction, growth inhibition, or return prevention. Proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and external beam radiation therapy are examples of radiation treatments.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy medications can be injected into brain tissue in the form of a gel wafer that gradually degrades.
• Steroids: These may aid in lowering fluid accumulation surrounding the tumour, which may result in internal skull pressure and oedema. Steroids can be injected into a muscle, taken orally, or administered intravenously.
• Fields that cure tumours: An alternative course of treatment
• Clinical examinations: Clinical trials are being used to assess novel therapeutic approaches.

• Pre-surgery tests and consultation: The medical team will first evaluate your health and your tumour, and you will meet with your neurosurgeon to discuss the procedure.
• Medication: There is a possibility of you needing medication such as steroids, stomach protectants, or anti-seizure medications. 

• Skin preparation: You might be asked to clean your body with an antiseptic cleanser a week before your surgery.

• Imaging tests: You might undergo some tests such as CT scans, MRIs or angiograms.

• Fasting: You might be instructed to stop eating solid foods 24 hours before your surgery.
• Hair care: It is suggested that you wash your hair a day before your surgery and avoid using any gels, oils, or sprays.

• Take medication: You might take acetaminophen for minor discomfort, or your doctor might recommend stronger pain relievers. 
• Avoid strenuous activity: You should avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling more than 10 lbs for four weeks. You should also avoid strenuous activities like working out or running. 
• Avoid driving: You shouldn’t drive until your doctor says it’s okay. 
• Avoid risky activities: You should avoid activities that increase the risk of head trauma, like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and contact sports, for 8 to 10 weeks. 
• Avoid alcohol: You should avoid alcohol if you take anti-seizure medications. 
• Stay in the hospital: You’ll likely spend a night after your surgery in the hospital.
• Avoid straining: For the first few days, your healthcare team will help you avoid straining, which can increase pressure in the skull.
• Move gently: You should move your arms and legs while in bed to keep your body active and prevent blood clots.
• Talk to your nurse or medical social worker: They can help you organise community services, like visits from an occupational therapist or public health nurse.

The cost of brain tumour surgery in India can cost around INR 1,50,000 to 7,50,000 depending on factors like size, location, type, and grade of the tumour. The type of surgery and the hospital also matter.

Brain tumour surgery can have side effects and complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Infections
• Blood clots
• Swelling
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Seizures 
• Infertility
• Migraine attacks

In conclusion, while a brain tumour diagnosis may feel overwhelming, it is important to understand that not all tumours are life-threatening. Many benign brain tumours can be safely monitored for years without needing immediate treatment. Even with malignant tumours, there are advanced treatment options available, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, that offer hope for recovery. With a dedicated healthcare team, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists, patients receive personalised care and guidance throughout their treatment journey, improving the chances of a positive outcome.

World-class care is offered to you at Sahyadri Hospital by highly skilled physicians and specialists from the Brain Tumour Program. Members of your team could be:

• Neuro-oncologists.
• Neuroradiologists.
• Neuropathologists.
• Neurosurgeons.
• Medical oncologists.
• Radiation oncologists.
• Neurologists.
• Rehabilitation specialists.
• Other specialists, as needed.

At Sahyadri Hospital, procedures that could take months to complete elsewhere can usually be completed in a few days.

• How long does a brain tumour take to develop?

Many brain tumours take time to develop, particularly benign tumours. Instead of being surgically removed right away, some benign tumours can be safely monitored by a medical team for months or even years. However, many malignant tumours are more aggressive, develop more quickly, and probably require immediate treatment.

• Can brain tumours spread?

While such cases are rare, cells from malignant brain tumours can move, or metastasize, to the spine. We offer treatment for such cancers.

• How frequently does a headache occur during a tumour?

Some people with a brain tumour never experience headaches, while others have headaches daily.