Brain Tumour: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Risk Factors - Dr Pradyut Ranjan Bhuyan

Brain tumours are complicated, frightening health problems that can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or background. However, much research has been conducted up to date, the causes of brain tumours remain unclear. However, we understand that a particular genetic condition and environmental factors contribute to the creation of these brain tumours.

Age and Gender Factors

One major observation is that the incidence rate of brain tumours appears to rise with age, especially in patients over 65 years old. Interestingly, this tumour can be found among children and younger adults.

Another interesting point is that some of the tumours, such as meningioma’s, are known to occur much more in females-they are even twice more likely to occur in females than in males.

Some brain tumours are also established by the familial history of one's family. For instance, neurofibromatosis can be said to raise a risk of developing some conditions, though generally, there is not enough proof that the different types of brain tumours usually exist within families.

This implies that even though for some it is genetically inclined, for others, it is not such a factor.

Types of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours can be broadly categorized into two heads, namely, benign and malignant. Additionally, they can be divided into primary or direct that arise within the brain itself and secondary or indirect, which arise within the brain having first originated at some other site of the body.

Each year, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 new cases of brain tumours are diagnosed in India, which accounts for approximately 20% in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of brain tumours are very varied, depending on how large and where in the brain the tumour is located. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Headaches: These tend to be more severe in the early morning hours and can persist throughout the day.

• Nausea and Vomiting: This may be secondary to increased intracranial pressure.

• Vision Abnormalities: Blurring or double vision.

• Auditory Changes: Loss of hearing or tinnitus.

• Behavioural Changes: There can be mood or personality changes.

• Muscle Weakness: Limb weakness or coordination is a manifestation.

• Seizures: First-time seizures are of high importance and hence a serious cause for alarm.

If these symptoms are diagnosed early, prompt medical attention can be applied, which in turn increases the chances of recovering nicely.

Exposure and Genetic Hazards

Other studies have shown that some environmental exposures are associated with the development of brain tumours. Among these are some industrial chemicals, such as the plastic component polyvinyl chloride, some petroleum products, and certain pesticides.

Another group of people more susceptible to certain types of brain tumours include immunocompromised people, which may include organ transplant recipients or patients with HIV. Lastly, potential causes may include exposure to radiation, including irradiation of the head and neck as part of other treatments.

Uncertain Risk Factors

Some potential risk factors are still under investigation and not fully clarified. One of the recent hot issues is whether cell phone use increases the risk of brain tumours and remains a topic of debate with mixed findings.

Living near high-voltage power lines presents a similar situation, and there has been a problem in linking this to cancer or other diseases.

To understand brain tumours, one would need to consider all aspects pertaining to genetic, environmental, and individual health risk factors. It is a complex concern that greatly needs to be understood to know better in the future.

However, with increased awareness of symptoms and risk factors, more people can present their cases much earlier for medical attention.

Future research should continue to uncover the mysteries of brain tumours to lead to prevention and treatment strategies. To make the difference bigger, knowledge and vigilance can make a significant difference in people's lives when we take time to understand these challenges.