How are Brain Tumors Diagnosed? Step to Step Guide

Brain tumor is a medical condition in which rapid growth of unwanted cells occurs inside the brain or near it. These nearby regions include the nasal cavity, the protective lining of the brain, or the base of the skull.

Symptoms of the condition, such as seizures, vision issues, or chronic headaches, must be identified and tested early. Timely neurological testing and scans used for early diagnosis significantly enhance results and prevent major complications.

This article covers what brain tumors are and how they are diagnosed.

What is a Brain Tumor?

Brain tumors develop when unhealthy cells develop within the brain or surrounding areas. These cells have the potential to grow uncontrollably and tend to block nerves and tissues in the brain, which impairs normal brain function.

What are the Types of Brain Tumors?

Based on their location and the type of cells involved, brain tumors can be divided into various types. Broadly, brain tumors are of two main types:

1.Benign tumors (Non-Cancerous): They typically grow slowly and have distinct borders that rarely spread but are still dangerous, for example, meningiomas.

2.Malignant tumors (Cancerous): They grow rapidly and can severely impact brain functionality if prolonged, for example, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Based on their origin, brain tumors are also categorised as:

1.Primary Tumors: They originate inside the brain and can be near the Pituitary gland, or the membranes present in the brain.

2.Metastatic Tumors: These usually begin in various other parts of the body and spread to the brain through the bloodstream. They are usually cancerous and tend to invade or crowd brain tissue.

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What are the Causes of Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors happen when chromosomes in brain cells change their gene structure or DNA. The role of DNA is to instruct the cells present throughout the body when to grow, replicate, and die. So, altered DNA sequences tell the cells to multiply rapidly and continue to live longer than normal healthy cells. This leads to the formation of extra abnormal cells, resulting in overcrowding in the brain.

Many hereditary, environmental, and genetic factors can cause these DNA alterations. These include exposure to large amounts of X-ray radiation or inherited genetic mutations present at birth.

What are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

The common brain tumor symptoms include:

• Regular Headaches, which are worse in the morning
• Seizures
• Difficulty in physical activities
• Loss of hearing or numbness
• Confusion and Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Memory loss
• Weakness, loss of balance, or paralysis in some part of the body
• Behavioural and personality changes

How is a Brain tumor Diagnosed?

A brain tumor can be diagnosed through a series of tests and procedures. These include:

1.Neurological examination: This test is conducted to evaluate functions like reflexes, hearing, eye movements, and mental coordination. It checks for any changes and figures out the part of the brain that may be affected by a tumor.

2.CT scan: This imaging test detects issues inside the brain and surrounding area. If the results show a brain tumor, an MRI is performed next to confirm it.

3.Brain MRI: MRIs are used to obtain a detailed and clear view of the brain. An MRI scan confirms the presence of a brain tumor.

4.PET scan: In this test, a radioactive tracer is inserted into a vein in the brain, then it travels through the blood and attaches to tumor cells. It makes tumor cells stand out in the images taken by the PET machine.

5.Biopsy: If imaging scans confirm a tumor in the brain, then a biopsy is done. In this, a surgeon removes a sample of brain tumor tissue, identifies its type, and determines if it’s cancerous.

How to Prevent Brain Tumor?

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent brain tumors, adopting healthy lifestyle practices can lower their risk in the future.

Here are some recommendations:

1.Healthy Diet: Consume meals full of proteins, fibres, fruits, and green vegetables. Avoid ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugar.

2.Physical Exercise: Maintain physical and mental fitness through regular physical exercise to enhance cardiovascular fitness.

3.Environmental Protection: Avoid X-ray radiation and limit exposure to chemicals and other toxins. Eliminate the consumption of harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco.

Though complete prevention of brain tumors isn’t always achievable, the patient’s prognosis and overall outlook may change as they receive proper treatments. However, for that, an early diagnosis is crucial.

If one experiences symptoms of a brain tumor, they must consult their healthcare provider and book a CT scan or MRI scan with Dr Lal PathLabs for effective diagnosis.

Download the Dr Lal PathLabs App today for easy test bookings.

FAQ’s

1. What Does a Brain Tumor Feel Like?

Brain tumors can lead to symptoms like chronic headaches or numbness. However, the particular sensations may differ depending on their location and size.

2. How to Detect a Brain Tumor at Home?

One cannot detect a brain tumor at home. However, signs like seizures, chronic headaches, or vision changes could indicate an issue. See a physician if these happen.