Every year, brain tumors affect over 250,000 people worldwide. It’s easy to believe that a brain tumor is deadly, after all it happens in the brain of all places. But it’s not entirely true. Some tumors are non-cancerous, while some are. A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. This growth doesn’t usually seem like a big deal at first, but since the brain controls everything we do; like thinking, breathing, and even walking, any disruption can cause serious consequences. This article will be focused on the difference between cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors, their symptoms and their causes.
Types of Brain Tumor
Primary Brain Tumors
Primary Brain Tumors are a type of brain tumor that starts right in the brain tissue itself. They’re not typically as a result of cancer that’s elsewhere in the body, they develop directly in the cells of the brain. There are different types of primary brain tumors, which depends on the kind of brain cells they affect. For example:
Gliomas: These are some of the most common primary brain tumors which grow from the glial cells. The glial cells support and protect brain neurons. These cells have subtypes: astrocytoma, ependymoma, and oligodendroglioma.
Astrocytomas develop from star-shaped cells called astrocytes and can range from slow-growing to very aggressive. Ependymomas grow in the lining of the brain’s fluid-filled spaces known as the ventricles. This type of growth blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Lastly the oligodendrogliomas are rare and firm in cells that make a protective covering for the nerves.
Meningiomas: These tumors grow in thin layers of tissues called the meninges, that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Most meningiomas are slow-growing and non-cancerous. Regardless, they can still press on the brain, and this pressure can lead to symptoms.
Secondary Brain Tumors (Metastatic)
Secondary brain tumors don’t start in the brain. Instead, they occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain. This happens because the cancer cells travel from the cancerous site through the bloodstream and settle in the brain tissue. These tumors are always cancerous because they come from an already existing cancer in the body. Common cancers that spread to the brain include:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
Symptoms of Brain Tumor
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Blurred or double vision
- Hearing issues
- Weakness
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory problems
- Clumsiness
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Unusual behavior
Causes of Brain Tumor
The cause of brain tumors is not always known. Unlike some diseases that have clear triggers, brain tumors are often a mystery. But over the years, researchers were able to identify some risk factors that might make someone more likely to develop a tumor in the brain.
Age: Brain Tumor can happen to anyone, but certain types of tumors are more common at specific ages. For example, some tumors are more likely to occur in young children, while others affect older adults. As we age, the chances of developing a tumor in Braun increase, but it’s not guaranteed.
Family history: If someone in your family has had a brain tumor, your chances of developing one might be slightly higher than those who don’t have a trace of a tumor in their lineage. This is because certain genetic traits can be passed down from parent to child, which increases your risk. But don’t worry, it’s rare for most brain tumors to run in families.
Exposure to radiation: Radiation exposure, especially to the head, can increase your chances of developing brain tumors. This might happen if someone has been treated with radiation for another condition or has been exposed to high levels of radiation in their environment. Everyday exposure like using your phone or being around electronics, isn’t linked to brain tumors, so that’s not a concern.
Genetic conditions: There are genetic disorders that can make people more prone to brain tumors. For instance, conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis can increase the risk.
Even though these factors might increase the risk of a brain tumor, having one or more of them doesn’t mean someone will definitely get a tumor. Some people with brain tumors don’t always have any of these factors.
Summary
Not all brain tumors are deadly. Some are non-cancerous and can be treated, while others can be cancerous. Even though the exact causes aren’t always clear, some factors like age and genetics, play a role in developing brain tumors.
