Brain cancers, in simple terms, refer as excessive multiplication of cancerous cells in Central nervous system (CNS) i.e., Brain, spinal cord and covering layers (meninges). Broadly, we divide brain cancers into Primary and Secondary. Primary type arise from within CNS structure and Secondary are spread to CNS from cancers arising elsewhere in the human body.
Primary Brain Cancers are categorised as per the cell of origin. Dr Imran Khan, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi discusses some important facts about these types.
Glioblastoma arises from special brain cells names glial cells. Glial cells help providing nutrition and support to brain cells. Tumors from glial cells are often aggressive. They can start in the brain or the spinal cord, then rapidly form finger-like projections, spread, and destroy the surrounding healthy brain tissues. The patient usually complains of severe headaches, seizures, body weakness, vomiting, double vision, forgetfulness etc.
Meningioma arises from coverings of nervous system (meninges) or the membranes that wrap around and protects the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), and only very rarely can turn malignant (cancerous) and become fatal to patients. Fortunately, meningioma grows very slowly that is how it remains undetected for years with non-resolving symptoms like headache, cognitive disabilities, etc.
Ependymoma arise from ependymal cells. These cells produce cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. Ependymoma presents as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness. Ependymoma of spine may present with back pain numbness, Sexual, urinary, or bowel problems.
Germ cell brain tumors are rare brain tumors that account for 2–3% of all primary intracranial tumors. They develop in the pineal or suprasellar region of the brain. These tumors can spread to other sites in the brain, spine, and cerebrospinal fluid. It is further classified into Germinoma and non-germinomatous germ cell tumors. NS GCTs occur more frequently in the Asian population and are present more commonly in males with significantly higher rates in the pineal location.
Medulloblastoma develops in cerebellum and is most common malignant in children. The presentation are morning headaches, double vision , difficulty in standing , Loss of appetite and behaviour changes.
CNS lymphomas arise from Lymph tissue of brain. It can be primary CNS lymphoma arises from (CNS) or secondary when ot spreads from lymphoma from elsewhere in the body. The usual presentation is confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, headaches, increased forgetfulness.
Schwannomas arise from Schwann cells. These cells surround and insulate cranial nerves. Schwannomas are slow growing tumors. The symptoms are hearing and balance or weakness, sensory loss, and bowel and bladder problems.
In general, brain cancers diagnosed are best detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In certain situations, Brain Biopsy is needed for knowing tumour types. Additional tests help us to know the ascertain familial risk.
Dr Khan shares the possible treatment options:
• Brain surgery to remove the tumor.
• Gamma Knife surgery is a painless, computer-guided form of radiation therapy. This treatment delivers highly focused beams of energy on tumors or lesions in your brain and upper spine.
• Radiation therapy: In this kind of treatment, high doses of X-rays either kill off brain tumor cells or cause the tumor to shrink.
• Chemotherapy: Anticancer medications used in this therapy destroy cancer cells in the brain and other parts of the body.
• Targeted therapy: medications target particular characteristics of cancer cells without endangering healthy cells.