Brain Tumors: Classifications, Symptoms, Therapies, Prognosis, and Further Insights
Brain tumors can be a complex and challenging health issue, but understanding them can help individuals make informed decisions about their health. This article aims to provide a clear overview of brain tumors, their types, symptoms, and treatment options.
Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can originate from various types of cells in the brain. The most common types include:
- Astrocytomas: These tumors grow from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. Grade 1 astrocytomas (pilocytic astrocytomas) tend to grow slowly and develop most often in children and teens. Grade 2 astrocytomas (low grade astrocytomas or diffuse astrocytomas) grow slowly and affect people in their 20s to 50s. Grade 3 astrocytomas (anaplastic astrocytomas) are more common in people in their 30s to 50s and grow faster and more aggressively than lower grade tumors. The most aggressive type, grade 4 astrocytomas (glioblastomas), are the most common primary brain tumor in adults and have a 5-year survival rate of around 6.8%.
- Ependymomas: These rare tumors account for less than 2% of primary brain tumors and are more common in children. In adults, they make up only a small fraction of brain tumors.
- Oligodendrogliomas: These tumors develop from oligodendrocytes and are defined as either grade 2 or grade 3.
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
The most common symptom of a brain tumor is headaches, which occur in 35% of people with brain tumors. Other common symptoms may include seizures, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, depression, anxiety, mood swings, memory issues, personality changes, changes in appetite or thirst, weakness, difficulty balancing, trouble walking, worsening vision, and speech problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If an individual experiences neurological symptoms, headaches, or unexplained fatigue, they should visit their doctor as soon as possible to confirm or rule out a brain tumor. A doctor may use imaging scans or a biopsy to diagnose glioma. Imaging scans such as MRI, CT, and PET scans can help detect a tumor. If the scan is inconclusive, a biopsy may be recommended.
Treatment for brain tumors varies depending on the type, location, and grade of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Standard treatments for brain tumors include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Surgery may be used to remove the whole tumor or a significant amount of cancerous tissue. Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to treat the cancer, targeting the area of the brain where the tumor is located. Chemotherapy can help stop cancer cells from growing, with systemic, regional, and localized delivery methods available. Targeted therapy affects certain molecules required by cancer cells to grow and thrive.
The outlook for a person with glioma depends on various factors, and individuals should consult their doctor for specific information. Age, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), extent of surgical resection, molecular markers (such as MGMT promoter methylation and IDH mutations), and therapeutic interventions are key prognostic factors.
It is essential to remember that survival rates for gliomas vary significantly based on the type (grade) of glioma and the patient's age. For example, low-grade gliomas (WHO grade II) have a more optimistic prognosis, with an age-standardized 10-year survival around 47%. However, about 70% of these tumors progress to higher grade tumors within 5 to 10 years. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is a WHO grade IV high-grade glioma, has a median survival of 10 to 15 months, with fewer than 1–3% surviving beyond five years.
Hereditary factors may increase the risk of brain tumors, including neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
In summary, early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outlook for individuals with brain tumors. If you experience symptoms that may relate to a glioma, it is crucial to consult your healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
- Astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas are types of brain tumors that originate from different cells in the brain.
- Headaches, seizures, fatigue, mood swings, and speech problems are common symptoms of brain tumors.
- A doctor may use imaging scans like MRI, CT, or PET scans, or a biopsy to diagnose a brain tumor, often referred to as glioma.
- Treatment for brain tumors, or gliomas, can include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on factors such as location, grade, and the patient's overall health.
- The survival rate of individuals with gliomas depends on several factors, including the type (grade) of glioma, age, Karnofy performance status, and molecular markers like MGMT promoter methylation, IDH mutations, and therapeutic interventions.
- Certain hereditary factors, such as neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk of brain tumors. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of long-term survival for people with brain tumors, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice if experiencing symptoms consistent with health-and-wellness conditions such as cancer.
