Brain tumors are often perceived as more daunting than other cancers, as a healthy life is impossible without a healthy brain. The brain controls all body functions, including movement, sensation, memory, and cognition. A tumor in the brain can disrupt any of these functions, potentially causing significant neurological deficits such as paralysis, seizures, or cognitive impairment. However, with today’s advanced technology and the expertise of the Acıbadem neurosurgery team, many types of brain tumors can be treated safely and effectively.
What is Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of the brain’s own cells multiplying uncontrollably. These are called primary brain tumors. Such tumors can develop in any part of the brain or skull, including the protective lining, skull base, brainstem, sinuses, nasal cavity, and other areas. Additionally, a tumor from another part of the body may spread to the brain. These are known as metastatic brain tumors.
What Causes of Brain Tumor?
What causes brain tumors is not fully understood. However, some potential risk factors include aging, a family history of cancer or brain disorders, a stressful lifestyle, exposure to radiation, and poor nutrition. While these factors do not directly cause tumor formation, they may create conditions in the brain that increase the risk of tumors.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumor?
Brain tumor symptoms can vary from person to person. Different regions of the brain are responsible for functions such as speaking, hearing, moving, seeing, and memory. Generally, the symptoms of a tumor depend on the area in which it is located. Size is also an important factor that can influence the signs. The most common brain tumors symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness
- Visual problems
- Speech and understanding problems
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Balance issues
- Personality changes
Types of Brain Tumors?
Brain tumors are generally classified into two categories: primary brain tumors, which originate from the brain’s own cells, and secondary brain tumors, which occur when cancer cells from other parts of the body, such as the lung, breast, colon, or kidney, spread to the brain. More than 120 specific types of brain tumors are known, with common examples including meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, medulloblastomas, and astrocytomas.
There are some types of brain tumors in adults that are more common, such as meningiomas and schwannomas. On the other hand, some types of brain tumors in children, like medulloblastomas and ependymomas, are more common.
How are Brain Tumor Diagnosed?
Brain MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing brain tumors. It helps identify the presence, location, and size of the tumor. In some cases, a definitive diagnosis requires a stereotactic biopsy, a surgical procedure in which a sample is taken from the suspected lesion in the brain. The biopsy results reveal the exact type of the lesion and guide the brain tumor treatment plan. Brain tumors genetic structure is crucial in formulating an effective treatment strategy. Based on the type of the tumor, the most optimal medicine is chosen for treatment.
How are Brain Tumor Treatment?
There are several brain tumor treatment options available. Surgery is often the first approach. Tumor resection surgery involves the removal of a cancerous or benign tumor. This procedure can relieve pain, restore neurological function and stability, and improve quality of life. For patients with benign tumors, surgery alone is often sufficient to eliminate the tumor and improve their condition. However, for malignant tumors, surgery may not be a complete solution. It can still be beneficial by removing the tumor either fully or partially, but additional treatments such as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy are typically required after surgery. At Acıbadem, we not only perform conventional surgery but also offer Gamma Knife radiosurgery as an advanced, non-invasive treatment option for certain brain tumors. Thanks to Gamma Knife, some specific tumors can be completely treated without surgery.
What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose a Brain Tumor?
Brain MRI is considered the primary tool for diagnosing brain tumors, as it provides detailed information on the lesion’s presence, location, and size within the brain. However, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through a biopsy.
Brain Tumor Treatment in Turkey
Neurosurgery has a long and rich history in Türkiye. Over 80 years ago, brain tumor resection surgeries were first performed in the country, and today, these procedures are carried out with world-class standards. Acıbadem is home to one of the leading neurological oncology clinics in Türkiye, known for its pioneering neurosurgeons and the use of advanced technologies. Acıbadem Neurosurgery Clinic is not only a leader in Türkiye but also globally, earning a highly respected reputation. Our team members have been honored with numerous titles, responsibilities, and awards by prestigious neurosurgery societies worldwide. Professor Necmettin Pamir was elected president of the World Academy of Neurological Surgery. He has also been honored with the Gold Medal by the Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica and the Award for Exceptional Service by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies for his remarkable contributions to the neurosurgery. Professor Memet Özek, who leads the pediatric neurosurgery clinic at Acıbadem, is the first Turkish neurosurgeon to serve as president of the European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery.
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
The most significant symptom of a brain tumor is a constant and severe headache. However, a headache caused by a brain tumor differs from a normal headache. The patient may describe the pain using phrases such as, ‘Explosive,’ ‘It wakes me up at night,’ ‘The worst headache I’ve ever experienced,’ ‘A pain I’ve never felt before,’ ‘This is the first time it has happened,’ or ‘It hurts constantly.’ Since intracranial pressure increases during activities such as coughing or sneezing, the headache may intensify. The patient may also experience vomiting and other functional issues alongside the headache. If these symptoms occur, the patient should consult a neurosurgeon or neurologist and, if necessary, undergo a brain MRI.
Why Acıbadem for Brain Tumor Treatment?
Acıbadem Neurosurgery team is closely focused on adults and children with all types of brain tumors and other nervous system tumors. Acıbadem neurosurgeons have an unmatched experience treating every kind of brain tumor. We are dedicated to providing every cancer patient with the highest quality care. No matter which treatments and technology a patient requires, our center is outfitted with the specialized equipment necessary to provide for patients. Advanced technologies we use in neurological operations include:
- Intraoperative MRI creates real-time images of the brain during surgery. It enables surgeons to approach a more complete removal of some brain tumors located near critical structures deep in the brain.
- Neuroendoscopy allows surgery to be performed through a smaller incision, enabling quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
- Gamma Knife is a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery instrument that involves no scalpel or incision and is used to treat brain tumors and other brain diseases.
- Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator helps to remove brain tumors without adversely affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Neuronavigation provides precise surgical guidance to aid in the accurate resection of brain tumors. It determines the localization and delineation of the extent of lesions within the brain or spinal cord.
- Neuromonitoring system monitors the nerves of the patient during all surgical procedures to avoid the risk of neurological injury.
FAQ
Who do Brain Tumors Affect?
Brain tumors can affect a wide range of patients. Although they are more common in older adults, brain tumors are also prevalent in children, being the second most common type of tumor in childhood. Brain tumors can occur in both men and women. The incidence of malignant brain tumors is 55% in men and 45% in women, whereas benign brain tumors are more frequent in women, with an incidence rate of 64% compared to 36% in men. Risk factors for brain tumors include smoking, radiation exposure, and a family history of brain tumors.
How Common are Brain Tumor?
Brain tumors account for only 2% of all tumors, but some cases can be highly risky and complicated, making them the 10th most common cause of cancer-related deaths.
How Serious are Brain Tumor?
All brain tumor surgeries require patience, precision, and sensitivity. Every brain tumor should be regarded as serious and treated accordingly. Understanding the tumor type is also crucial. While some tumors can be completely removed through surgery, others may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
What is the Survival Rate for Brain Tumor?
The survival rate for brain tumors varies depending on the type of tumor. For benign brain tumors, such as meningiomas and ependymomas, survival rates exceed 90%. However, for malignant brain tumors, like glioblastomas, the survival rate can be much lower, around 20%.
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