- By Prerna Targhotra
- Fri, 07 Jun 2024 04:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World Brain Tumour Day 2024: A brain tumour is a condition when the tissue inside the brain starts to grow and creates a disturbance in the brain functioning of an individual at any age. There are two most common types of brain tumours: malignant and benign tumours. While malignant brain tumours are cancerous, benign brain tumours can be non-cancerous and less threatening.
According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in India, approximately 5–10 per 100,000 population in India are suffering from this condition. People must understand the symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Even though a lot of people know about brain tumours and some of the common symptoms, like headaches, seizures, and difficulty speaking or thinking, a large population in the country still has myths and misconceptions about brain tumours, which cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Kadam Nagpal, Head And Consultant - Neuroimmunology & Movement Disorders And Neurology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka shed light onto some common myths associated with brain tumours.
Myths About Brain Tumour
Myth 1: Every brain tumour is cancerous.
Fact: One-third of brain tumours are cancerous, and most non-cancerous tumours can be treated completely. Cancerous brain tumours are aggressive and spread rapidly.
Myth 2: Young people are not affected by brain tumours.
ALSO READ: 5 Important Teachings To Provide Your Teenage Daughter For Leading A Better Life
Fact: Brain tumours are the second most common cancer among children. It can occur at any age; even newborns have been diagnosed with brain tumours. Certain types of brain tumours affect individuals in specific age groups.
Myth 3: Brain tumours are always fatal.
Fact: Early detection, the right therapies, and advanced surgical procedures have led to an increase in the survival rate and quality of life of patients.
Myth 4: Headaches are the only symptom of brain tumours.
Fact: Headache is the most common symptom of a brain tumour, but there are various other symptoms like seizures, memory-related issues, changes in behaviour, vision, or hearing problems, depending on the type and size of the tumour.
Myth 5: Brain tumours are hereditary.
Fact: Certain genetic syndromes make an individual prone to brain tumours, but the majority of brain tumours are not directly hereditary. The complexity is caused by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
-1717759474698.jpg)
Myths About Brain Tumour (Image Credits: Canva)
Myth 6: Surgery is the only treatment available.
Fact: Treatment of brain tumours varies depending on their size, type, and location. There are various treatments included along with surgery, like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gamma knife, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Myth 7: Every patient faces the same signs and symptoms.
Fact: Every individual diagnosed with a brain tumour showcases different symptoms depending on the size, location, and grade. Some people do not develop symptoms, while others show symptoms that might worsen over time.
Treatment Of Brain Tumour
Treatment options vary depending on the size, type, and location of the tumour. Surgery is often the first treatment recommended by healthcare professionals. Radiation therapy is used to target and kill cancer cells, followed by surgery and chemotherapy, which inject drugs to get rid of cancer cells or stop their growth. Debunking myths and understanding the treatments available will encourage patients and their families to make the right decisions and reduce the fear surrounding the diagnosis of a brain tumour.