May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, so, in recognition of its pivotal role in raising awareness among everyone, the Egyptian Cancer Society lists the early warning signs of these tumors. Reem Emad, Professor of Radiation Therapy and Consultant in Radiosurgery
Common Symptoms of Brain Cancer:
– Severe, persistent headaches, especially upon waking in the morning or worsening with exertion
– Visual or auditory problems such as blurred or double vision, or sudden hearing loss
– Partial loss of sensation or ability to move in the hands or feet
– Difficulty with balance or walking due to severe dizziness or frequent stumbling
– Sudden seizures (especially in individuals with no prior history of epilepsy) or noticeable changes in personality or memory
These symptoms may appear as the tumor grows in the brain or as intracranial pressure increases, and they should be monitored and not ignored. Risk Factors Associated with Brain Cancer:
The primary cause of most brain tumors remains unknown, but several factors increase the likelihood of developing them, including:
– Age: The risk of brain tumors increases with age.
– Family history and genetic syndromes: Having family members with brain tumors or rare genetic syndromes increases the risk. While most brain tumors are not hereditary, the presence of these risk factors necessitates regular screening. Regular follow-up with specialists is essential. Consulting a doctor if you notice any persistent or unusual symptoms is crucial. Early detection of a small brain tumor reduces the need for major surgeries and intensive treatments. Knowing the warning signs and early diagnosis also helps avoid permanent symptoms and maintain quality of life. Therefore, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if headaches become more frequent or if unusual symptoms appear, even if they seem minor. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Treatment of Brain Cancer:
Medical methods for treating brain cancer vary depending on the patient’s condition and the tumor’s characteristics.
Here is a brief overview of the most common treatment options:
Traditional Surgery: The surgeon opens part of the skull to remove the tumor.
Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Radiation Surgery: In this method, the head is not opened, and powerful radiation beams are precisely directed at the tumor.
The radiation focuses only on the cancerous cells, causing the tumor to gradually shrink with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This technique does not require surgery or general anesthesia and often requires only one treatment session.
External Radiation Therapy: This is the most common type of radiation therapy for brain tumors. Brain
In this treatment, a high-energy beam of radiation is directed from an external device at the tumor. The device moves around the patient to precisely target the beam from multiple angles.
The treatment is administered in several daily sessions (five times a week) for a few weeks, allowing healthy tissue time to recover between sessions. Each of the above methods is used in specific circumstances, and the specialist determines the most suitable method for the patient based on the size and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health.
