What is a brain tumor? What are the types of brain tumors?

Brain tumors are lesions that occur as a result of the aggressive growth and multiplication of cells in the brain. Although we can define it simply in this way, it is actually a very complex health problem. For example, to the question “What are the types of brain tumors?”, we can answer that there are more than 120 types of brain tumors.

Brain tumors are distinguished from one another based on the cells from which they originate and whether or not they are cancerous. In this way, approximately 150 different types of brain and central nervous system tumors have been identified. However, in general terms, brain tumors can be divided into two categories based on whether they are benign or malignant. These types do not behave, grow, or multiply at the same rate. Therefore, each type requires a specific treatment approach.

Another distinction made in brain tumor types is based on where the tumor originates. Primary brain tumors develop directly from brain tissue, while secondary brain tumors, or metastatic tumors, spread from other parts of the body.

What is a benign brain tumor?

Benign brain tumors, also known as non-cancerous brain tumors, are tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors usually grow slowly and do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. However, they can still cause serious health problems because they occupy a certain space in the brain and can put pressure on surrounding brain tissue.

The main types of benign brain tumors are listed below:

Chordomas
Craniopharyngiomas
Gangliocytomas, gangliomas, and anaplastic gangliogliomas
Glomus jugulare
Meningiomas
Pineocytomas
Pituitary adenomas
Schwannomas

The treatment of benign brain tumors typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. The prognosis for recovery after treatment is generally better compared to malignant brain tumors. However, the risk may vary depending on the exact location of the tumor within the brain.

What are malignant brain tumors?

Unlike benign tumors, malignant brain tumors grow at an abnormal rate and tend to spread. Malignant brain tumors include primary brain cancers such as glioblastomas, as well as secondary tumors that have spread from cancers in other parts of the body, such as lung or breast cancer.

Treatment for malignant tumors is more complex and may involve a combination of surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy methods to control tumor growth and manage symptoms.

Astrocytoma
Ependymomas
Glioblastoma (GBM)
Oligodendroglioma
Medulloblastoma

What causes brain tumors?

Brain tumors occur when certain DNA changes occur in brain cells, causing them to behave in ways such as growing and spreading more rapidly. While these DNA changes in cells are the cause of tumor formation in the brain, it is not yet fully understood what initially causes these DNA changes in the first place.

However, some factors may increase a person’s risk of developing a brain tumor. These include genetic conditions, exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, and a family history of brain tumors. However, in most cases, a definitive cause cannot be identified. Scientists continue to conduct studies examining environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors to better understand why brain tumors develop.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

The symptoms of a brain tumor can vary greatly depending on the size, type, and location of the tumor in the brain. However, we can generally mention symptoms such as increased pressure in the skull or disruption of normal brain functions (headaches, balance and coordination problems, etc.).

The most common symptoms of brain tumors are as follows:

Persistent headache: These headaches are usually more severe in the morning or when lying down.
Nausea and vomiting: Especially nausea and vomiting accompanied by headache.
Vision problems: Problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
Personality or behavior changes: Confusion, memory problems, or mood changes.
Seizures: New seizures in someone who has never had them before, epileptic attacks.
Weakness or numbness: Feeling weak and numb, especially on one side of the body.

The symptoms listed above may also be present in other health conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

To diagnose a brain tumor, doctors typically begin by listening to the patient’s medical history and gathering preliminary information about their overall health. They then perform a neurological examination to assess the patient’s neurological functions. In the next stage, the doctor may request imaging tests if they deem it necessary. Imaging tests are very important for confirming the presence of a tumor and understanding its characteristics.

The imaging techniques and tests used to diagnose brain tumors can be listed as follows:

Computed Tomography (CT) scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Gadolinium-enhanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Advanced MRI
Functional MRI (fMRI)
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
Perfusion MRI
Hemosiderin imaging
Diagnostic angiogram
Myelogram
Lumbar puncture (collection of cerebrospinal fluid)
Biopsy

Can brain tumors be treated?

Brain tumors can be treated. However, factors such as the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the person’s overall health and age, are also taken into account during treatment.

Benign brain tumors are tumors that can be completely removed through surgery. These tumors do not usually reappear after being removed through surgery. Multiple treatment methods may be required to control the growth of malignant tumors and manage symptoms. In such malignant tumors, the outcome may vary depending on how quickly or slowly the tumor develops and how it responds to treatment.

How is a brain tumor treated?

Surgery is usually the preferred method of treatment for brain tumors to alleviate the patient’s symptoms. However, in cases where surgery is not appropriate, or following surgical intervention, other methods may also be included in the treatment process:

Surgery: To remove the tumor as safely as possible.
Radiotherapy: High-energy rays are used to destroy tumor cells or shrink the tumor.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
Targeted therapy: In some types of tumors, drugs can target specific cancer cell mechanisms.

The treatment approach should include the most effective and safest options for each individual, based on their specific condition.

How is brain tumor surgery performed?

Craniotomy is a commonly used method for removing brain tumors. In this method, the surgeon makes an opening in the skull to access the tumor and removes a specific part of the bone. Once the surgeon reaches the area where the tumor is located, they work very carefully to remove the tumor without damaging the healthy tissue around it.

Depending on the location of the tumor, advanced techniques such as intraoperative MRI, neuronavigation systems, or awake brain surgery (where the patient remains awake during part of the procedure) may be used to improve precision and outcomes. After the surgery, the previously removed bone fragment is replaced, and the scalp is closed with sutures or surgical skin staples to complete the surgery.

What are the risks of brain tumor surgery?

Like any major surgery, brain tumor surgery carries risks. These risks can vary depending on the location of the tumor and the person’s health. Risks associated with brain tumor surgery may include:

Infection: Risk of infection in the brain or surgical area.
Bleeding: It may occur during or after surgery.
Neurological problems: Such as weakness, difficulty speaking, memory problems, or vision changes.
Seizures: Surgery can sometimes trigger various seizures.
Swelling in the brain: Additional treatment or medication may be required.

The surgeon and healthcare team will take all precautions before surgery to minimize these risks. However, it is not possible to completely eliminate these risks. For this reason, the surgeon or the surgeon’s team will explain these risks in detail to the patient or their relatives during the consultation before surgery.

What is the recovery process after brain tumor surgery?

The recovery process after brain tumor surgery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery and the individual’s condition. In general, the recovery process includes the following:

Hospital stay: The patient usually needs to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week to monitor for complications and to allow for quick intervention if a complication arises.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation methods such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be necessary to regain lost functions after surgery.
Follow-up appointments: You should see your doctor at intervals recommended by your doctor to monitor your recovery and plan further treatment if necessary.
Gradual return to activities: Depending on the effects of the surgery, it may take weeks or even months to return to normal daily activities.

Emotional support and counseling are also often helpful during this recovery period.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a brain tumor?

The life expectancy of a person with a brain tumor depends largely on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the person’s age and overall health.

In benign tumors, recurrence is not usually expected after removal. This can mean that the person will live a long, healthy life.

In malignant brain tumors, survival rates vary. For example, in glioblastomas, the average survival time is approximately 12-18 months despite treatment. However, better outcomes may be achieved in other malignant tumors.

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, survival rates for many people with brain tumors are improving, and their quality of life is also improving.