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Brain Tumor
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What Is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain. Sometimes, these tumors start in the brain itself, while in other cases, cancer cells spread there from other parts of the body. Whether cancer (malignant) or non-cancer (benign), brain tumors can interfere with how the brain works. Even benign tumors can be dangerous if they press on important areas of the brain, which is why they’re often treated with the same urgency as malignant ones.
Types and Common Locations of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors come in many types and are usually named after the kind of cell they develop from. Some of the most common types include gliomas, meningiomas, and neurogliomas. Tumors are also classified based on where they are found—inside the skull, on its surface, or in areas like the brainstem. The tumor’s type and location play a big role in how it affects the body and how it’s treated.
What Causes Brain Tumors—and Can They Be Prevented?
The exact causes of brain tumors aren’t fully understood, but scientists have identified several possible risk factors. These include genetic mutations, inherited medical conditions, exposure to radiation, and contact with certain chemicals.
Unfortunately, many of these factors are beyond our control, which means there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a brain tumor. Still, you can reduce your overall health risks by maintaining a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals, and get routine health check-ups. These habits won’t eliminate the risk, but they can support early detection and better health overall.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of a brain tumor can vary widely depending on the tumor’s size and location. Some common warning signs include: Persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, vision problems, seizures, difficulty speaking or thinking clearly, weakness in arms or legs, numbness or unusual sensations
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor promptly for evaluation. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor promptly for evaluation. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.
How Are Brain Tumors Treated?
Treatment plans for brain tumors depend on many factors, including the type of tumor, where it’s located, how big it is, and the patient’s overall health. The main treatment options include:
Surgery: Often the first step, surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In some cases, surrounding tissue may also need to be removed to ensure complete removal.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill tumor cells or stop them from growing.
Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs work to destroy tumor cells or prevent them from spreading. Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments to improve effectiveness.
Surgery: Often the first step, surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In some cases, surrounding tissue may also need to be removed to ensure complete removal.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill tumor cells or stop them from growing.
Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs work to destroy tumor cells or prevent them from spreading. Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatments to improve effectiveness.
What Is Proton Therapy for brain tumor — and Why Is It Different?
Proton therapy is a cutting-edge type of radiation therapy that uses proton beams instead of traditional X-rays to treat brain tumors. What makes it unique is its precision: doctors can control exactly how deep the proton beam goes and shape the dose to match the tumor’s size and location.
This means the radiation can hit the tumor hard while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue. As a result, proton therapy reduces the risk of side effects like nerve damage, hormone problems, or cognitive issues. Proton therapy is especially useful for treating tumors near sensitive areas of the brain, benign tumors that need precise care, and cases where the tumor has returned or radiation is needed after surgery. Its accuracy helps protect healthy tissue while effectively targeting the tumor.
Because of its accuracy and lower risk of side effects, proton therapy can improve treatment results and help patients maintain a better quality of life.
This means the radiation can hit the tumor hard while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue. As a result, proton therapy reduces the risk of side effects like nerve damage, hormone problems, or cognitive issues. Proton therapy is especially useful for treating tumors near sensitive areas of the brain, benign tumors that need precise care, and cases where the tumor has returned or radiation is needed after surgery. Its accuracy helps protect healthy tissue while effectively targeting the tumor.
Because of its accuracy and lower risk of side effects, proton therapy can improve treatment results and help patients maintain a better quality of life.
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