A brain tumor diagnosis usually involves several steps, which can include a neurological examination, brain scan(s) and/or a biopsy. A neurological examination is a series of tests to measure the function of the patient's nervous system and physical and mental alertness. The doctor also examines the eyes to look for swelling caused by a tumor pressing on the nerve that connects the eye and brain.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a scanning device that uses magnetic fields and computers to capture images of the brain on film. The MRI detects signals emitted from normal and abnormal tissue, providing clear images of most tumors.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography) combines sophisticated x-ray and computer technology. CT can show a combination of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. CT images can determine some types of tumors, as well as help detect swelling, bleeding, and bone and tissue calcification.
- PET SCAN: The PET scan measures the brains activity and sends this information to a computer, which creates a live image. Doctors use PET scans to see the difference between scar tissue, recurring tumor cells, and necrosis (cells destroyed by radiation treatment).
- Biopsy :The removal of tissue to look for tumor cells is called a biopsy. A pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to check for abnormal cells. A biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes that may lead to cancer, and other conditions. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose a brain tumor.
Brain tumours can be primary or secondary. a primary tumour is a tumour
that starts in the brain. A secondary brain tumour is a tumour that has
spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body.
The brain is contained within the skull and has a fixed amount of space. If
a tumour grows in the brain it will often cause an increase in pressure within
the skull, which can cause symptoms to develop. An increase of pressure in the
skull is called raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The most common symptoms of
raised pressure within the brain are headaches, feeling sick (nausea) and being
sick (vomiting). Of course, many other things can cause headaches or feelings
of sickness.
Nothing can prepare one for being diagnosed with a brain tumor. But there are some things that might help you cope with it. Following are some suggestions for dealing with your diagnosis:
Nothing can prepare one for being diagnosed with a brain tumor. But there are some things that might help you cope with it. Following are some suggestions for dealing with your diagnosis:
- Prepare a notebook
- Get a second opinion
- Keep a diary
- Bring someone with you each time you see a physician
- Take notes during meetings with physicians
- Investigate clinical trials
- Take it one day at a time
- Surgery : Surgery is often the first treatment if the tumour can be removed without causing harm to the surrounding brain tissue. Treatment of brain cancer is usually complex. Most treatment plans involve several consulting doctors.The team of doctors includes neurosurgeons (surgical specialists in the brain and nervous system), oncologists, radiation oncologists (doctors who practice radiation therapy), and of course, your primary health-care provider. A patient's team may include a dietitian, a social worker, a physical therapist, and probably other specialists.
- Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy is not used to treat all brain tumours. It may be used for people with high-grade primary brain tumours, either as an initial treatment alongside radiotherapy, or where the tumour has come back. In this situation, chemotherapy is unlikely to be able to cure a brain tumour, but it can sometimes shrink a tumour down or slow its growth, which can reduce symptoms.
- Radiation therapy : Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to kills tumor cells, thereby stopping them from growing and multiplying.Radiation therapy may be used for people who cannot undergo surgery. In other cases, it is used after surgery to kill any tumor calls that may remain. Radiation therapy is a local therapy. This means that it affects only cells in its path. It does not harm cells elsewhere in the body or even elsewhere in the brain.
Brain Tumor is no more a scary health condition as modern technology and advanced surgical modalities now offer near perfect clinical outcomes and the patients can soon return to normal life after surgery.
Please
scan and email your medical reports to us at care@medworldindia.com and we
shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.
Call Us : +91-9811058159
Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com
