Every year on the 8th of June, World Brain Tumor Day is observed to educate people about the disease and show our support to patients, their families, doctors, nurses, and scientists.
German Brain Tumor Association was the first one to acknowledge this day in 2000. Since that year, it has managed to make a spot internationally and now is celebrated worldwide to pay tribute to the tumor fighters and their loved ones.
The German Association is working on finding cures for the tumors in the brain. They invest an ample amount in neuro-oncology research and facilitate the information globally.
Let’s understand what Brain Tumor is?
Under a brain tumor, the cells grow at an abnormal rate forming a mass of cells in the brain. A brain tumor is treatable through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroid treatment, etc.
There are two types of brain tumor:
- The malignant or cancerous tumor
- It is known to increase in size rapidly and can spread directly through bloodstreams or lymphatics.
- It is usually fixed around the surroundings and is fatal if not treated in time.
- It occurs mainly after 40 years.
- Benign or non-cancerous tumor
- It grows slowly in size and never spreads, making it comparatively less fatal.
- It is smaller in size and does not invade the surroundings.
- It can occur at any age.
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Effortless vomiting
- Weakening vision
- Unconsciousness
- Deteriorating consciousness
- Neck stiffness
- Drowsiness, etc.
If your body indicates any of the above symptoms or any other changes, immediately contact a doctor to diagnose the tumor, and the treatment can start as soon as possible.
Causes
Although the fixed cause of cancer is not found, however, there are some reasons can cause tumor:
- Heredity
The majority of cancer patients have a family history of the disease.
- Smoking
It is the main reason for lung cancer.
- Trauma
The tumor sometimes develops at the part where an injury may have occurred.
- Diet
People who have a thiamine deficiency, i.e., eat food with low vitamin, are at risk of developing lung cancer.
- Radiation
Different types of radiation have carcinogens, which can be the reason for skin cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common option to treat cancer. However, the type of surgery a neurosurgeon might suggest depends upon the location of the tumor. If the tumor is at some sensitive spot, only a part of it will be removed, called partial removal. Otherwise, the neurosurgeon will remove the tumor wholly, known as resection or complete removal.
The surgery will help to provide a longer & better quality of life. The signs and symptoms will be reduced, and the ability to function, i.e., see, talk, think, will improve.
With the advancing technology, rapid research, and support of family, friends, caregivers, etc., we can get optimum results for the patients.
