Everything You Need to Know About Brain Tumor Types and Its Treatment
A brain tumour is the abnormal growth of the cells inside or around the brain. Brain tumours can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Some of the tumours might grow faster and some may grow slowly. There are different types of brain tumours and the treatment for brain tumours varies based on the type, location, and size of the tumour.
Most of the brain tumours can be treated successfully. The treatment for brain tumours focuses on relieving the signs.
Types of Brain Tumours
As mentioned, brain tumours are of different types and some can be benign and some can be malignant. The brain tumours that start in the brain itself are called primary tumours. Primary tumours can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. On the other hand, tumours that are present as cancer in other parts of the body and spread to the brain are called secondary tumours or metastatic brain tumours.
The following are the common types of benign tumours:
- Chordomas: It is a slow-growing and rare type of tumour that develops in the base of the skull or lower back. In most cases, chordoma is a benign tumour.
- Craniopharyngiomas: These tumours develop near the pituitary gland. They appear as solid tumours or cysts. Removing them can be difficult as they are located near the critical structures deep in the brain.
- Gangliocytomas, gangliomas and anaplastic gangliogliomas: These are rare tumours that develop in the nerve cells.
- Glomus jugulare: These tumours are located under the skull base.
- Meningiomas: These are the common types of primary tumours that develop slowly. They develop in the meninges, the structures that protect your brain and spinal cord.
- Pituitary adenomas: These types of tumours grow slowly and they form in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing and controlling hormones. But Pituitary adenomas can lead to excess release of pituitary hormones.
- Pineocytomas: This tumour develops in the pineal gland, which is present deep inside the brain. It is difficult to reach these tumours and they cannot be removed.
- Schwannomas: Schwannomas tumours develop in the Schwann cells and are mostly seen in adults. These are the common benign tumours. Though schwannomas tumours are benign, they can cause complications if they grow and exert pressure on your brain.
The following are some of the common malignant brain tumours:
- Astrocytoma: This tumour develops in the star shaped glial cells called astrocytes. It is most commonly seen in adults and develops in the cerebrum.
- Ependymomas: Ependymomas tumours develop near the ventricles of your brain.
- Glioblastoma: These tumours also develop in the astrocytes and they grow faster. They can even spread to other tissues.
- Medulloblastomas: These tumours form in the cerebellum and are fast growing tumours. They are mostly seen in children.
- Oligodendroglioma: These are rare types of cancerous tumours that develop in the cells that produce myelin.
How is Brain Tumour Treated?
The treatment for brain tumours is based on your age, the size and type of tumour you have, and the number of tumours. The treatment focuses on removing the tumour as much as possible and relieving the signs. The following are the different treatment options:
- Surgery: Most of the non-cancerous tumours can be removed with surgery. Surgery is used when the tumours can be reached without causing any damage or injury to the vital areas of your brain.
- Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to minimize pressure inside the skull and to reduce the swelling.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy makes use of high-energy waves to shrink and treat brain tumours. It takes some time to show the effects of this treatment.
- Radiosurgery: This method of treatment uses a high dose of radiation to shrink and destroy the tumour.
- Brachytherapy: This involves placing radioactive seeds, ribbons, or capsules directly inside the body near the tumours. The seeds will release radiation to kill the cancer cells without damaging the nearby healthy tissues.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to remove tumours that cannot be reached with surgery. Chemotherapy drugs are injected through a vein. It is also used after surgery to prevent the remaining tumours from growing or to kill any leftover cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This makes use of your body’s immune system to fight against the cancer cells. It focuses on stimulating the immune system to work effectively.
Have Signs of Brain Tumour? Meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Today for Immediate Assistance
If you or your loved one have signs of brain tumour and looking for a doctor in Hyderabad, Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy can be your go-to place. Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy is one of the best neurosurgeons in Hyderabad with over 12 years of experience. He can treat any kind of brain and spine issues in men and women. He is an expert in minimally invasive brain surgeries and you can count on him. For more details, you can schedule your consultation today.