Abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the central spinal canal is called brain tumor. Brain tumors can initiate anywhere from the brain cells, the membranes around the brain (known as meninges), nerves, or glands. Tumor causes inflammation, consequently placing pressure within the skull and compressing the brain tissues. Because of its insidious and infiltrative character in the intracranial cavity all such tumours are intrinsically serious and life-threatening.

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Understanding Brain Tumors : Types , Symptoms
and Treatment of Brain Tumors
What is Brain Tumors?
The human brain is the hub of the nervous system. The
function of the brain is to supervise and control the actions
and reactions of the body. It controls the bodily functions as
it obtains sensory information rapidly analyzes such data
Abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the central
spinal canal is called brain tumor. Brain tumors can initiate
anywhere from the brain cells, the membranes around the
brain (known as meninges), nerves, or glands. Tumor causes
inflammation, consequently placing pressure within the
skull and compressing the brain tissues. Because of its

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insidious and infiltrative character in the intracranial cavity all such tumours are intrinsically
serious and life-threatening.
Factors used to classify Brain tumors include the sites of the tumour, the type of tissues
involved. They can either be cancerous or non-cancerous. Different types of brain tumors
include:
· Acoustic neurinoma : Benign tumor occurring in the 8th cranial nerve (the acoustic nerve)
between the pons and the cerebellum. Possibly associated with neurofibromatosis. The term
"acoustic neuroma" is actually a misnomer since it this a primary intracranial tumor of the
myelin forming cells called "Schwann cells" (schwannoma).
· Astrocytomas : represent the most common type of glioma. They develop from the
supporting cells of the brain, which are star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes
· Oligodendroglioma : These are tumours that are made up of cells known as
oligodendrocytes, which produce the fatty covering of nerve cells: the myelin sheath. They are
usually slower-growing than astrocytic tumours.
· Ependymoma : Tumor arising from the ependymal cells found along the ventricles and
central canal of the spinal cord.
· Brain stem glioma : The tumor occurs in the lowest part of the brain. Brain stem gliomas
most often are diagnosed in young children and middle-aged adults
· Craniopharyngioma :This is a benign, congenital tumor. It is cystic and occurs primarily in
children and adolescents. Craniopharyngiomas occur in the sellar region. They often involve the
third ventricle, optic nerve, and pituitary gland. These are localized tumors that grow by
expansion. Malignancy and metastasis are unknown
· Medulloblastoma : This tumor usually arises in the cerebellum. It is the most common
brain tumor in children. It is sometimes called a primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
· Meningioma : Benign tumor arising from the meninges, the membranes covering the brain
and spinal cord. Meningiomas represent approximately 20% of all primary brain tumors and
occur most commonly in middle-aged women.
· Germ cell tumor of the brain : The tumor arises from a germ cell. Most germ cell tumors
that arise in the brain occur in people younger than 30. The most common type of germ cell tumor
of the brain is a germinoma.

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Types of Brain Tumors
Meningioma
A meningioma is a slow-growing tumor that
develops from the membrane that surrounds the
brain and spinal cord. These tumors are usually
benign but some may be malignant. However even
"benign" tumors can grow and constrict and affect
the brain, which may cause disability and may even
be life threatening. Because meningiomas grow
slowly, it may reach a relatively large size before it
causes symptoms. Other meningiomas grow rapidly
or have sudden growth spurts. Standard treatment is
to remove the tumor, the portion of the lining of the brain or spinal cord where it is attached and
any bone involved. Complete removal of the tumor is sometimes possible.
Pituitary Tumor
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that
regulates the body's balance of hormones. The most common treatment for pituitary tumors is
surgery. The decision to pursue surgical treatment depends on the type, location and size of
tumor, and the patient's age and overall health. Most of the time, pituitary tumors can be
removed through the nose and sinuses without an exernal incision. However, some tumors
cannot be removed this way and will require removal through the skull with an incision in the
scalp. Astrocytoma Tumors Astrocytoma tumors are the most common glioma, accounting for
about half of all primary brain and spinal cord tumors
Other symptoms for Brain Tumours can include:
· Headaches
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Difficulty speaking or remembering words
· Disturbed vision, hearing, smell or taste
· General irritability or a change in personality - this is sometimes noticed only by family or
friends

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How is Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
· Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. MRI is a technique that uses a magnetic field
and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. Sometimes a special dye is injected into
the bloodstream to make tumors appear different from healthy tissue (MR angiography).
· Computerized tomographies (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a sophisticated X-ray machine
linked to a computer to produce detailed, two-dimensional images of the brain. A CT scan can
be very helpful in certain types of tumors, especially ones close to or involving bone.
· Other brain scans. Other tests - such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), single-
photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET)
scanning - help doctors gauge brain tumor activity and blood flow.
· Angiogram. A special dye is injected into the arteries that feed the brain, making the blood
vessels visible on X-ray. This test helps locate blood vessels in and around a brain tumor.
· Biopsy - A biopsy involves removing a piece of the tumor for viewing under a microscope.
Oncologist needs to know the tumor type and grade to plan proper treatment.
What are the advances in radiation therapy of Brain
Tumours?
· 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) and Intensity Modulated
Radiation Therapy (IMRT):CT scan and MRI are used to delineate the tumour and
computers are used for radiation planning. Only the tumour and the high-risk region
surrounding the tumour is radiated, avoiding radiation to the normal structures in the brain.
· Stereotactic Radio-surgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT): Highly
precise immobilization and image guidance system is used for treatment of selected brain
tumours . Stereotactic radio-surgery delivering high-dose of radiation in single or a very few
sessions is performed in adults with tumours such as metastatic residual glioma, meningioma
and schwannoma. Novalis-Tx and Cyberknife are advanced machines to deliver such high-
precision therapy.
· High-definition Rapid Arc: This is the latest software advancement in radiation planning
technology. Radiation is delivered in continuous fashion moving the machine head and its small
components simultaneously around the patient's head targeting the tumour by infinite small
radiation beams.

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· Proton beam therapy: Proton therapy avoids spillage of radiation dose to the surrounding
brain. It is preferred in children as well as in patients with recurrent tumours who have received
radiation therapy earlier.
MostAdvanced Technology for Brain Tumours Treatment in India
· MRI Guided Brain Tumor Surgery - Advanced imaging technique now developed to
enable Neurosurgeons with intra-operative MRI to aid in the removal of complex and hard-to-
access brain tumors during surgery.
· Gamma Knife Radio Surgery in India - Gamma knife radio surgery is a non-invasive
procedure to treat benign and malignant brain tumors
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