When abnormal brain cells start dividing uncontrollably and develop into a mass or tumor, brain cancer develops. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells don't die instead; they multiply rapidly and start to cause issues with critical brain functions including speech, movement, memory, and behavior.
Primary brain tumors and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors are the two primary types of brain cancer. We will go into more detail about both kinds later. Although even a small tumor can cause major problems, brain cancer is a complex illness. This is because there isn't sufficient space for the brain to grow because the skull is a closed structure. Neurological symptoms can arise from the pressure a developing tumor positions on the brain.
Improving survival and maintaining quality of life depends mostly on early detection and specific therapy.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of brain cancer is still unknown. However, based on many research studies, various risk factors play major role in its development.Here are the following risk factors include:
1. Genetic Mutations
Changes in DNA due to any reason can lead to abnormal cell growth. Mutations in tumor-suppressor genes or oncogenes may higher the risk of development of cancer in brain tissues.
2. Family History
Having close family members with brain tumors marginally raises the risk, although hereditary brain cancers are uncommon. Conditions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turcot syndrome, or neurofibromatosis may increase the likelihood of tumor formation.
3. Exposure to Radiation
High levels of ionizing radiation exposure. It can damage brain cells and increase the probability of cancers, whether it is from prior cancer treatments or continuous work exposure.
4. A weakened immune system
Certain forms of brain lymphomas are more common in those with HIV/AIDS or those getting long-term immunosuppressive medicines post organ transplants.
5. Gender and Age
Even though it may develop at any age, brain tumors are more common in older people. Certain forms are more common in children, such as medulloblastomas.
6. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
The risk may rise with continuous exposure to hazardous chemicals, solvents, or pesticides. However, there isn't sufficient evidence that electromagnetic fields or mobile phone use are associated with brain tumors.
Common Symptoms of Brain Cancer
The size, type, & location of the tumor all determine the symptoms of brain cancer. Each of the body's systems are controlled by the brain, so any disturbance can result in visible changes.
Common Symptoms of Brain Cancer:
● Chronic headaches that get worse in the morning or when you move
● Vomiting and nausea that are usually unrelated to food
● Double vision or blurred vision
● loss of balance or coordination
● Seizures (particularly in those who do not have a history of epilepsy)
● numbness or weakness in a specific part of the body
● Difficulty in speaking or understanding
● Confusion, memory issues, or personality changes
● Sleepiness or fatigue
Consult a neurologist or oncologist immediately if these symptoms worsen or continue. The result of treatment can be greatly affected by early diagnosis.
Type of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are grouped according to the cell type they originate from. Whether they’re malignant (cancerous) or benign (non‑cancerous). Tumors that arise directly in the brain are called primary while those that have migrated from other type of cancers are termed as secondary or metastatic. Knowing the tumor type helps doctors to determine the suitable treatment strategy.
1. Primary Brain Tumors
Whether benign or cancerous they all take root in the brain’s tissue.
a. Gliomas : a group of tumors derived from cells
The most common forms of primary brain tumor is gliomas. They arise from glial cells, which protect and nourish neurons.
Gliomas consist of:
Astrocytomas: Originates from astrocyte cells. they can be highly aggressive (Grade IV, also known as glioblastoma multiforme) or slow-growing (Grade I).
Oligodendrogliomas: Tumors that arise from oligodendrocytes and can spread throughout the brain. They typically grow slowly.
Ependymomas: These tumors can block fluid pathways. Arise, from the ependymal lining of the spinal cord or the brain’s ventricles.
b. Meningiomas
The meninges, they are the membranes that sheath the brain and spinal cord are where these tumors originate. Although most meningiomas are benign they can still cause problems when they press against brain tissue they may produce severe symptoms.
c. Pituitary gland adenomas
When tumors arise in the pitutary gland they disturb hormone regulation off balance often manifesting as mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles or weight gain.
d. Medulloblastomas
Fast‑growing neoplasms often present in patients. They commonly arise in the cerebellum the brain region tasked with preserving stability and fine‑tuning motor coordination.
e. Schwannomas ( benign nerve‑sheath tumors)
Schwann cells, which serve as sheaths, for neurons can cause tumors known as Schwannomas. The frequent type, the vestibular schwannoma also called a neuroma. It typically interferes with hearing and balance.
2. Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors
Secondary brain neoplasms arise when cancers of the lung, breast, kidney or cutaneous melanoma spread to the brain. They commonly mean advanced malignancy and are more common than primary brain tumors in adults. The therapeutic goal is to manage symptoms and slow down tumor growth by using radiation, targeted agents or surgical surgery.
Brain Cancer Stage, Grade, and Survival
When compared with different kinds of cancer, brain tumors are graded instead of being staged. The grade tells the number of tumor cells with the most unusual structure and probably the highest growth rate.
Grades of Brain Tumors:
● Grade I: It grows very slowly and in most cases can be removed by surgery.
● Grade II: After treatment, the cells may return and look even more abnormal.
● Grade III: Cancerous and still growing actively.
● Glioblastoma multiforme is a grade IV tumor, which is extremely aggressive.
Prognosis and Survival
The chances of recovery is determined by the number of factors such as the tumor's grade and location, the patient's age, general condition, and response to treatment. The survival period may be prolonged to a great extent by the use of combination therapies and the patient being diagnosed at an early stage. For instance, a Grade IV glioblastoma is very difficult to cure but can respond well to the latest treatments like temozolomide and targeted drugs, whereas Grade I meningiomas are characterized by high survival rates.
How Brain Cancer is Diagnosed
The process of figuring out brain cancer involves examining the nervous system, using high-tech imaging, and looking at a sample of the tissue not only to know if there is a tumor, but also to find out what kind of tumor it is, its grade, and even its molecular features.
Diagnosing right and on time is of great help in creating a treatment plan adapted to the individual and in making the patient’s condition better.
1. Medical History and Physical Examination
The diagnosis of brain cancer begins with the collection of information regarding the patient’s medical history and symptoms. After that, a neurological examination is performed to check the functioning of reflexes, coordination, balance, vision, and hearing. Sometimes even slight abnormalities in these functions may lead to the detection of the tumor location.
2. Imaging Tests
Without the use of imaging, tumors of the brain may remain undiscovered. Through these procedures, doctors get to see the exact site, the extent, and the properties of the tumor. In addition, it makes the doctor’s work in planning the surgery or the therapy more efficient.
a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is the method that detects brain tumors most effectively, and it is also the one that is most often used. The technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of brain tissue. Also, there are different types of MRI:
● Contrast-enhanced MRI
● Functional MRI (fMRI)
● Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
b. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans use several X-rays to depict the brain from various angles. They are a good alternative in the case of MRI in patients with metal implants.
c. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
By exposing fast glucose-consuming cells, a PET scan reveals a cancerous mass as opposed to a benign one.
d. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
MRS derives biochemical information from the brain.
e. Angiography
Cerebral angiography is carried out when the tumor is located close to the major blood vessels.
3. Biopsy
Biopsy is definitely the final stage of a diagnosis. The operation entails taking a tiny tissue portion of the tumor for the laboratory studies. The test result helps to know the tumor type, grade and other details in the tumor.
4. Molecular and Genetic Testing
Essential tests recognize changes or biomarkers that influence the treatment:
● MGMT promoter methylation
● IDH1/IDH2 mutations
● EGFR amplification
● 1p/19q co-deletion
5. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
The method is to take a small volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the laboratory studies.
6. Neurological and Cognitive Tests
Neuropsychological testing helps to understand the patient's memory, language, reasoning, and emotional health.
7. Multidisciplinary Case Review
Treatment Options for Brain Cancer
The treatment for each individual patient is personalized and usually involve a multi-modal method by which the treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and advanced therapies are combined.
1. Surgery
The primary goal of surgery is to remove the tumor mass as much as possible without causing damage to the vital brain tissues.
Different Surgical Techniques Essentially are:
● Craniotomy: A surgical procedure for removing the tumor.
● Awake Brain Surgery: Helps to avoid damage to the brain areas responsible for speech or movement, and in such cases, the patient is awake during surgery.
● Minimally Invasive Surgery: Helps in lessening complications by making use of the image-guided technology.
After surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is usually given to kill the remaining cancer cells.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that specifically attack cancer cells that divide rapidly. These drugs may be given in different ways, that is, by mouth, injection into a vein, and injection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Most Common Brain Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs Are:
● Bendamustine
● Cisplatin
● Oxaliplatin
● Temozolomide
● Cytarabine
● Methotrexate
● Gemcitabine
● Etoposide
● Irinotecan
● Doxorubicin
Out of these, the one that is the standard treatment for glioblastoma is Temozolomide. Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin intercalate the DNA strands thus preventing replication whereas Methotrexate inhibits cell division.
3. Radiation Therapy
After a surgery, radiation therapy is used to target the remnants of tumor cells.
The Most Common Techniques Are:
● External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) : is the traditional method for the tumors that are large in size.
● Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) : provides the concentration of beam to very small volume of tissue.
● Proton Beam Therapy : is more friendly to the surrounding tissues of the tumor.
Medications Usually Together with Radiation Therapy:
● Cisplatin
● Erlotinib
● Everolimus
● Gefitinib
By using these drugs, radiation damage is increased and tumor growth pathways are also targeted.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy mainly serves to kill cancer cells by targeting the molecules that are employed by these cells for their growth without causing damage to the normal cells of the body. Most Common Targeted Drugs are Bevacizumab, Trastuzumab, Cetuximab, and Rituximab.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps to boost the body's defenses system against cancer. For persistent and severe brain tumors, it is an effective treatment option.
Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, & Nivolumab are common immunotherapy medications that used to treat various types of cancer.
These drugs are also known as checkpoint inhibitors as they help immune cells to recognize and attack tumor cells that were previously undetectable.
6. Supportive Care
Improving overall health and comfort of the patient during treatment is the primary aim of supportive or palliative care.
It can include:
● Use of steroids to decrease swelling in the brain
● Painkillers to reduce headache
● Use of anticonvulsants to stop seizures
● Rehabilitation via physical therapy, speech, and occupational
● Emotional support and nutritional guidance for patients and caregivers
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
Living a healthy life can help reduce overall risk and improve brain health. Although brain cancer cannot always be prevented:
● Minimize radiation exposure by avoiding unnecessary head CT or X-rays unless they are essential.
● Avoid harmful chemicals by limiting your exposure to industrial poisons, solvents, and pesticides.
● Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and omega-3-rich seafood and stay away from processed & fried foods.
● To boosting Immunity and blood flow perform at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.
● Get proper sleep because brain repairs and functions better after 7 to 8 hours of good sleep.
● Quit smoking and Limit alcohol consumption. As both can weaken immunity and increase the risk of cancer.
● To reduce stress practice yoga, meditation, or breathing techniques regularly.
● Regular health check up can significantly improve the chance of early detection.
Conclusion
Brain cancer is one of the most hard tumors to treat even after major developments in modern science. Although patients now have more hope than ever due to accurate diagnosis, innovative surgical methods, potent chemotherapy medications, & innovative immunotherapies.
The most effective outcomes can be achieved by an integrated approach that includes radiologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, and healing experts.
Always discuss with your healthcare professional for availability of genuine and effective medications like Bendamustine, Cisplatin, Temozolomide, Bevacizumab, Pembrolizumab, and others.
Get trustworthy brain cancer medications online from Magicine Pharma, your trusted global supplier of affordable oncology medications. We offer our services in various countries, like Canada, Japan, Russia, China, the USA, England, and many more.
FAQs
1. Is there a complete cure for brain cancer?
While some low-grade cancers can be treated for many years, others are incurable. Tumor types and early detection are essential for survival.
2. Is there any earliest sign or symptom of brain cancer?
Early warning signs include persistent or severe headaches, blurred eyesight, or unexplained seizures.
3. How long can someone with brain cancer survive?
Tumor grade impacts survival. While aggressive tumors require continuous therapy, individuals with slow-growing tumors live for decades.
4. Are all brain tumors cancerous?
No. Some brain tumors are benign also but they can still affect on surrounding area of brain and cause symptoms.
5. Does brain cancer run in families?
Most cases of brain cancer happen at random. Although multiple genetic variations can slightly raise the risk.
References
1. Ostrom, Q. T. et al. (2018). Adult glioma incidence and survival by race or ethnicity in the United States. JAMA Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2018.1789
2. National Cancer Institute (2024). Brain and spinal cord tumors in adults.https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain
3. American Cancer Society (2023). Tests for brain and spinal cord tumors in adults.https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
4. Cancer Research UK (2023). Tests to diagnose a brain tumour.https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/brain-tumours/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose
5. Weller, M. et al. (2021). EANO guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas. The Lancet Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00427-8
