Brain Cancers

Overview of Brain cancer

Brain cancer symptoms can vary significantly based on the tumor’s size, location, and growth rate. Common signs include –

• persistent headaches, often worsening in the morning or during physical activity, which may indicate increased intracranial pressure.
• Seizures can also occur, even among individuals with no previous history of convulsions, as brain cancer can disrupt normal electrical activity in the brain.
• Changes in speech, vision, or hearing should be noted, as these may result from tumors affecting related brain regions.
• Other symptoms may involve progressive numbness or weakness in limbs, difficulty with balance, and problems with memory, cognition, or concentration.
• Personality or behavioral changes can also emerge, reflecting alterations in thought processes or emotional control.

When to See a Specialist?

It is crucial to seek medical attention when experiencing any persistent or unusual neurological symptoms that do not have an apparent or temporary cause.

If frequent headaches, sudden neurological changes like seizures, or significant alterations in mood and behavior arise, promptly consulting a healthcare professional—particularly a neurologist—is recommended.

Early diagnosis can play a pivotal role in treatment effectiveness and improving overall outcomes. Given the complexities of brain cancer, specialists can provide comprehensive evaluations, including imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, to determine the presence and nature of potential tumors.

This timely intervention ensures the best possible management strategies are implemented, tailored to each individual’s specific needs and condition severity.

Diagnosing brain cancer involves a combination of several tests and diagnostic procedures that aim to accurately identify the nature, location, and extent of the cancer.

Tests & Diagnostic Procedures

To confirm the disease, a physician will typically begin with

• a neurological exam that assesses coordination, reflexes, muscle strength, vision, and hearing.
• Imaging tests remain integral to the diagnosis.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used, as it provides high-resolution images of the brain and can distinguish between different tissue types.
• A CT scan may also be employed to obtain a quick snapshot of brain structures.
• Additionally, a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can help highlight areas of increased metabolic activity, common in cancerous tissues.
• In some cases, a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken, is necessary for histological examination to determine the type of brain tumor and its grade.

Drawing Inferences for Diagnosis

Specialists use the results from these tests to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Radiologists will interpret imaging outcomes to identify any abnormal masses or lesions within the brain.

Neurosurgeons and oncologists then assess the clinical implications of these findings, along with the patient’s symptoms and history, to confirm a diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis often relies on the histopathological analysis of tumor tissue obtained via biopsy, helping to further classify the tumor type and guide treatment decisions.

Gold Standard Test

The gold standard test for diagnosing brain cancer is a biopsy, as it provides definitive histopathological evidence of cancer. This test is crucial because it allows for precise identification of the tumor type—critical for determining the most effective treatment plan.

Biopsy results offer detailed information about the cell types present, the rate of tumor growth, and potential responsiveness to various therapies, ensuring that treatment strategies are tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

Once diagnosed with brain cancer, the next steps typically involve a multidisciplinary approach to treatment planning.

Patients will usually have consultations with a team of specialists, including oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists, to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

In addition to medical interventions, supportive care measures, such as physical therapy, counseling, and nutritional support, are often recommended to enhance quality of life and manage symptoms.

Throughout treatment, ongoing monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential for assessing the response to treatment and adjusting the care plan as necessary.

Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for brain cancer, particularly if the tumor is accessible and can be removed without causing significant damage to surrounding brain tissues.

The primary goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function.

Advanced surgical techniques, such as awake craniotomies and stereotactic surgery, have improved the precision and outcomes of brain tumor surgeries.

In some cases, surgery may be followed by other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation to target any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously, and they work by targeting rapidly dividing cells. However, because they also affect healthy cells, chemotherapy can have significant side effects. It is often used in conjunction with surgery and radiation to maximize its effectiveness.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be employed after surgery to eradicate residual cancerous cells or used as the primary treatment when surgery is not an option.

Techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) allow for precise targeting of the tumor, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation therapy may also be paired with chemotherapy for better overall efficacy.

Gold Standard Treatment

The gold standard treatment for brain cancer varies depending on the specific type and location of the tumor. However, a combination of surgery, when feasible, followed by adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy, is often considered the gold standard approach.

This strategy is favoured because it addresses the tumor at multiple levels: physically removing it when possible and using systemic therapies to manage and prevent the spread of microscopic disease.

Whom to Consult for Treatment

For brain cancer treatment, patients should consult a team of specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach.

This team typically includes a neurosurgeon, who assesses the feasibility of surgical intervention; an oncologist, who oversees chemotherapy and monitors response to treatment; and a radiologist, who handles the planning and administration of radiation therapy.

Additionally, support from a multidisciplinary team involving nurses, occupational therapists, and nutritionists can aid in holistic care.

Prognosis of Treatment

The prognosis for brain cancer treatment largely depends on multiple factors, including the type and grade of the tumor, its size and location, and the patient’s overall health and age.

In many cases, early diagnosis and a multifaceted treatment strategy significantly improve the likelihood of positive outcomes.

While curing the disease may not always be possible, modern treatments can substantially increase survival rates and enhance quality of life by controlling symptoms and slowing tumor progression. Ongoing research and clinical trials offer new hopes for improving patient outcomes in the future.