Brain cancer or brain tumor is a condition in which abnormal cells grow in the brain, forming a tumor that can affect any part of the brain. Brain tumors can be small or large. Sometimes, early symptoms of brain tumor may be difficult to recognize, and hence, timely treatment may not be received. In this context, Dr. Mukund Prasad of Medanta Super Specialty Hospital explains how the early symptoms of brain tumor can be identified so that the problem does not become more serious. Here’s what doctors had to say about brain tumors.
What is brain tumor?
Dr. Mukund Prasad, Director of Neurosurgery and HOD of Jai Prabha Medanta Super Specialty Hospital, Patna, explained what brain tumor is. This video has been shared from the official YouTube channel of Medanta Hospital. Dr. Mukund Prasad told that brain tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells start growing in a part of the brain. These are cells that grow uncontrollably in any part of the brain.
What are the symptoms of brain tumor?
Epileptic seizures – Dr. Mukund Prasad told that there are many symptoms of brain tumor. Some symptoms include epileptic seizures. If a person has epilepsy for the first time after the age of 25, it could be a symptom of a brain tumor. Therefore, if you have epilepsy for the first time after the age of 25, you must get a scan done to find out whether it is a brain tumor or not.
Headache and vomiting – Another main symptom of brain tumor is frequent and sudden headache. If the headache is accompanied by vomiting, difficulty walking or hearing, sudden headache in the morning, headache when coughing or sneezing, blurred vision, or headache while sleeping, these may be symptoms of brain tumor. Numbness of the body – If one side of the body becomes numb or there is unconsciousness, then these can be symptoms of brain tumor. Doctors say that these symptoms should not be ignored.
What is the treatment for brain tumor?
Brain tumor surgery has become easier due to the development of new diagnostic techniques. An MRI scan shows the location of the tumor in the brain, which brain functions it is affecting (such as speech or motor skills), and how far it has spread in that area. This information helps decide what type of surgery is needed. During surgery, the brain tumor and surrounding cells are removed without damaging other parts of the brain. Neuromonitoring is used during this procedure.
Brain tumors can also be treated with awake craniotomy. In this procedure, brain surgery is performed while the patient is awake. During surgery, the patient is asked questions to make sure he or she is not experiencing any problems. The patient’s responses could alert doctors if they are approaching the wrong part of the brain, allowing them to avoid performing surgery on that area.
When is the patient discharged after brain tumor surgery?
Doctors say there has been a lot of advancement in technology, and if the surgery is done successfully, the patient is usually discharged 2 to 3 days after the procedure.