Dr. Dinesh Jaluka

1. Breathing deeply works against onset of tension and helps combat existing tension.sit or lie in comfortable position and take slow deep breaths through Nose.let the air fill from abdomen up then let it like deflating a balloon.slow exhalation helps feel more relaxed.
2. Combine relaxation exercises with favourite music
3. Get enough sleeps on a regular basis
4. Eat regular meals and stay hyderated
5. Quit smoking as it increases inflammation and can trigger Migraines

Brain tumours vary in shape and size and the same is the case with their symptoms. The location of the tumour affects the symptoms greatly. Just like in any other type of a malignant tumour, brain tumour has a rapid growth and proliferation of abnormal cells that may have its origin in affected site or areas adjacent to it. As per studies, every 2 in 1,00,000 people are said to be affected by brain tumour in India. However, it may come as a relief to some as not all brain tumors are cancerous or life threatening. Some are benign tumors and seldom pose any threat to the affected individual.

Types of Brain Tumor
Brain tumors may be primary or secondary.

1. Primary brain tumor: Here the abnormal mass of cells that originated in the brain do not metastasize to the other organs. Based on their location in the brain, the primary brain tumors may be of the following types.
   • Gliomas: One of the most common types of primary brain tumors, gliomas can have their origin in the spinal cord or the brain. Some of the common types of gliomas include Astrocytomas (originates in the cerebrum of the brain), Glioblastomas (these tumors form from the Astrocytes which form the supportive tissues of the brain), Ependymoma (these develop from the ependymal cells which are present within the CNS), Oligodendrogliomas (these tumors are found to arise from the oligodendrocytes).
   • Schwannomas: Also called as Acoustic neuromas, these primary brain tumors form on the nerves that play an important role in regulating the balance and hearing from the inner ear to the brain.
   • Meningiomas: These type of tumors are usually benign and have their origin in the meninges (membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain).
   • Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs): Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare malignant tumors that originate from the fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain.
   • Pituitary adenomas: As the name suggests, these tumors arise from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
   • Medulloblastomas: Common among the children, these malignant primary tumors develop in the brain (lower back) and gradually spread via the spinal fluid.
   • Other types of primary brain tumors include Craniopharyngiomas and the Germ cell tumors.
2. Secondary brain tumors: Unlike the primary brain tumors, these tumors have their origin in the other body parts and organs (mostly in the lungs, skin, colon, breast, and kidney) and then gradually metastasize to the brain. The secondary brain tumors are found to be more common.

Symptoms or warning signs associated with brain tumors:
Some of the signs and symptoms that may be indicative of a brain tumor include

1. People with brain tumors often get seizures (due to the irritation caused by the tumors in the brain).
2. A headache (mild to severe depending on the part of the brain affected by the tumor).
3. A person experiences numbness or a tingling sensation in the legs and arms.
4. There may be difficulties in walking or balancing.
5. A person finds it difficult to concentrate.
6. There may be some problems with hearing, speech or even vision.
7. A person may experience weakness restricted to only one part of the body.

The symptoms may not necessarily indicate a brain tumor but it is always wise not to neglect the symptoms either.

A tumor is an uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells. A brain tumor is thus an abnormal growth and multiplication of cells in the brain. The cell growth can also be in areas adjacent to the brain. The brain tumor may

1. Have its origin in the brain (Primary brain tumor), or
2. Its origin may be in some other parts or organs of the body, which gradually spreads to the brain (Secondary/metastatic brain tumor).

Not all brain tumors are harmful and life threatening.

Brain tumors that exist as noncancerous cell growths are known as Benign brain tumors. Benign brain tumors seldom pose any threat to life.

Brain tumors that are cancerous and, thus, harmful, are known as Malignant brain tumors.

Do not neglect any brain tumors (malignant or not). It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Types of Primary brain tumors:

Based on its cell of origin, primary brain tumors (benign as well as malignant) may be of the following types:

1. Meningiomas: Brain tumors that originate from the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord). Meningiomas are seldom malignant.
2. Acoustic Neuromas: A noncancerous cell growth that has its origin in the vestibulocochlear nerve (the eighth cranial nerve). This nerve connects the brain with the inner ear.
3. Gliomas: Here, the tumor has its origin in the brain and the spinal cord (glial cells). This type of brain tumors, in most cases (~80%), are malignant.
4. Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETs): Extremely rare, PNETs are malignant tumors that develop in the embryonic cells in the brain.
5. Medulloblastomas: Medulloblastomas is a malignant brain tumor that mostly affects children. It originates in the cerebellum (lower part of the brain).
6. Craniopharyngiomas: A benign brain tumor that has its origin near the pituitary gland (base of the brain). Craniopharyngiomas are common in children.

Probability of a secondary brain tumor are more in people who have had;

1. Kidney cancer
2. Breast cancer
3. Lung cancer
4. Colon cancer
5. Melanoma

Symptoms:

The symptoms of brain tumor include:

1. Chronic and regular headaches.
2. A change in the headache pattern.
3. Seizures.
4. A person may experience vision problems (Peripheral vision may be affected, double or blurred vision).
5. There may be difficulty in hearing.
6. Nausea and vomiting.
7. Behavioral and speech problems.
8. An arm or a leg may lose sensation.
9. A person has difficulty with balance.

Diagnosis and Treatment:
Though brain tumor can affect anyone and everyone, its chances are higher in

1. People who are more exposed to ionizing radiation. People having undergone a radiation therapy are equally vulnerable.
2. Children as well as older people.
3. People having a family history of brain tumors.

The diagnosis includes;

1. An imaging test like the MRI, CT scan and PET (Positron Emission Tomography).
2. Biopsy, whereby samples of the abnormal tissue is collected and examined.
3. Neurological examination.

Treatment:

1. Surgery is an effective treatment for brain tumors.

One can also opt for:

1. Radiations, whereby the abnormal tumor cells are destroyed using protons and x-rays (high-energy beams).
2. Chemotherapy: In this treatment, the tumor cells are destroyed using strong drugs (taken orally or intravenously).
3. Radiosurgery.
4. Targeted drug therapy: This treatment blocks the abnormalities that are characteristically present only in the cancer cells.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!