What is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor is a collection of abnormal cells within the skull. These cells can be benign or malignant. The increase in abnormal cell volume impairs brain activity. Good cells originate in the brain. Malignant cells spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

What Are the Factors Causing a Brain Tumor?

Many different factors play a role in tumor formation. This differs according to the regions where the tumor is seen. Genetic factors are a minor factor in tumor formation. Another factor is old age. The incidence of a brain tumor increases with increasing age. Racial characteristics are also seen to affect the formation of brain tumors. Brain tumors are more common in people living in the Caucasus region. It may also have something to do with geographical conditions. Chemical reactions are at the forefront of serious factors. Brain tumor formation is more common in people exposed to chemical substances due to work or private life. Another distinguishing factor is chickenpox. Studies indicate that brain tumor formation is less common in people who had this disease in childhood

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

Observed symptoms vary according to the structure and size of the tumor. Tumors that apply pressure directly to the brain create much more significant symptoms and damage. The main symptoms can be listed as follows;

• Severe headache
• blurred vision
• Perception problems
• Vomiting
• Loss of memory
• Difficulty in reading
• Difficulty in writing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shake
• loss of balance

How is Brain Tumor Diagnosed?

A serious physical and neurological examination should be performed to diagnose a brain tumor. The first of these is the examination of the pupil of the eye. The eye examination shows the condition of the cranial nerves exiting the brain. Then, memory and coordination tests that measure brain power are performed. After the physical tests, neurological tests are started. Here the CT test is done first. This test allows more specific ideas to be formed through x-ray images. Then, MR images of the patient are obtained. This test contains more precise information about the head area. MR test can be done in color if needed. Other tests that can be done are listed as follows;

• Biopsy: A piece of the tumor structure is taken. Thus, information about whether it is benign or malignant is obtained.
• X-ray: It is used to learn the damage caused by the tumor in the bone structure and blood.
• Angio: In this method, the dye released from the inguinal region reaches the artery in the brain. Thus, information about the tumor is obtained.

How Is A Brain Tumor Treated?

To treat malignant tumors, the amount and regions of spread should be determined. The findings are decisive in the choice of treatment to be applied. The main treatment methods are listed as follows;

• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• immunotherapy
• Surgical Operation (surgery)