Tag: #worldbraintumorday

WORLD BRAIN TUMOR DAY

Every year World Tumor Day is observed on 8 June. World Brain Tumor Day was first marked by Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe, a Non-Profit, German Brain Tumor Association. Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe declared the World Brain Tumor Day in the year 2000 to spread the awareness about the brain tumor among the people and tribute to all brain tumor patients and their families.

What is a Brain tumor?
Unnecessary growth of cells that are either within or around the structure of the brain is known as a Brain tumor. This abnormal collection of cells in your brain or central nervous system can disrupt brain function. Brain tumors are mainly of two types:

  • Malignant Tumors
  • Benign Tumor

Malignant primary brain tumors are cancerous and Benign brain tumors are non-cancerous.

Symptoms of Brain Tumor


•Changes in personality and behavior
•Double vision and blurred vision
•Severe headache
•Memory loss and confusion
•Nausea and vomiting
•Drowsiness
•Sleep problems
•seizures

Causes of Brain tumor

Age- with increase age risk of a brain tumor increases.

Chemical exposure- Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that may find in a work environment can increase your risk for brain cancer. 


Exposure to ionizing radiation- People who have been exposed to high-radiation cancer therapies or radiation from nuclear fallout are on the increased risk of brain tumors.

Frequent use of cellphones: the radiofrequency energy from cellphones is capable of causing brain tumors.

Family History- brain tumors may be genetically inherited. If your family member is diagnosed with a brain tumor than consult your doctor immediately.

History behind World brain Tumor day:June 8

June 8 2020 is also observed as World Brain Tumor Day apart from World Ocean Day which was intiated by a non profit organization in Germany called Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe in German.

They are providing facilities for scientists and health professionals to develop efficient treatment of Brain tumor. They also provide support to the Brain tumor patients and their families.

Apart from the tribute given, This day is also observed as international day to provide awareness about the disorder and spread information on it.

A Tumor is basically the abnormal growth of cells. This can be broadly decided into two Benign (non-cancerous) and Malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumor can be again divided into primary originating from Brain Or spine where as secondary are those cancer that spread from elsewhere in the body to the Brain. This secondary is more common than primary.

Causes and major risk factors:

The exact cause of brain cancer is unknown. However, factors that can increase your risk of brain cancer include exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation and a family history of brain cancer.

Cancer in other part of the body is also a risk factor. Major cancers that spread to Brain are:

  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Melanoma

Other factors are:

  • increased age
  • long-term smoking
  • exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer
  • working with elements that can cause cancer, such as lead, plastic, rubber, petroleum, and some textiles
  • having an Epstein-Barr virus infection, or mononucleosis

Symptoms

Symptoms that arises due to increased pressure inside the skull. They are:

Severe head ache associated with nausea and vomiting, blurring or dimmed vision, excessive sleepiness, loss of memory, seizures.

Symptoms that are arise due to location of tumor. They are:

Weakiness of one side of body, hearing loss, visual blindness, facial deviation, slurring of speech.

Diagnosis method

CT scan or MRI scanning of the brain. Further diagnosis can be done by PET scan or angiography.

Treatment

Surgery is the main treatment. Modern micro surgical methods and aids such as neuro navigation and intra op imaging have made surgery safe and effective.

Other modalities such as Gamma knife/stereotaxis radiosurgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination

Prognosis

Brain tumor is considered as incurable disease but if given proper treatment it gives good outcome and patients are able to go to their normal lives.

Conclusion

Brain tumor can give good outcome when diagnosed and treated early. It may lead to severe mental, physical and financial burden to the patient and family. One should consult the best doctor and get adequate treatment. More public awareness need to be given to reduce panic.