What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that develop within the brain. Regardless of whether it is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), the presence of abnormal growth in the brain can disrupt normal brain function. Because the brain is housed within a rigid skull, any form of tumor can increase pressure on the brain, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to serious and life-threatening complications.
Types of Brain Tumors
There are more than 150 identified types of brain tumors. These tumors are generally categorized into:
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Glial tumors: Arising from glial cells, which support nerve cells.
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Non-glial tumors: Developing on or within brain structures.
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Benign tumors: Non-cancerous.
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Malignant tumors: Cancerous and often aggressive.
In some cases, brain tumors can also form in the spinal cord or spinal column.
Common types of benign brain tumors include:
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Meningiomas: The most common type of slow-growing brain tumors that form in the meninges—the protective layer covering the brain and spinal cord. While typically benign, some meningiomas may become malignant.
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Chordomas: Rare, slow-growing tumors located at the base of the skull and spine. These are usually non-cancerous.
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Craniopharyngiomas: Tumors that develop near the pituitary gland. Due to their proximity to critical brain structures, they are difficult to remove surgically.
Malignant brain tumors (cancerous) include:
Approximately 78% of malignant brain tumors are gliomas, which originate in glial cells. Key examples include:
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Astrocytomas: The most common gliomas, forming in star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. These typically occur in the cerebrum.
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Glioblastomas: Highly aggressive and rapidly growing tumors that also originate in astrocytes.
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Ependymomas: These tumors develop near the brain’s ventricles from ependymal or radial glial cells.
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Medulloblastomas: Fast-growing cancerous tumors that form at the base of the skull. These are most often seen in children.
How Serious Are Brain Tumors?
Whether benign or malignant, brain tumors can lead to severe health issues due to the limited space within the skull. Tumors growing in vital areas of the brain can impair crucial functions and cause significant symptoms such as:
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Weakness and fatigue
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Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
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Cognitive challenges, including trouble understanding or thinking
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Partial or complete vision loss
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Memory impairment
Brain tumors can also:
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Cause internal bleeding within the brain
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Destroy surrounding healthy brain tissue
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Lead to fluid accumulation (hydrocephalus)
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Increase pressure inside the skull and affect surrounding areas
Doctors typically diagnose brain tumors using neurological examinations and imaging tests like MRIs. Since tumors often do not present symptoms in their early stages, regular health checkups are vital. You can opt for preventive health screening packages, such as Thyrocare’s full body checkup or the Aarogyam test, to get a detailed overview of your health status.
