Living with a brain tumour can be a daunting journey filled with uncertainty and questions. From understanding the nature of brain tumours to exploring brain tumour treatments in Singapore, the path can seem overwhelming. In this guide, weโll delve into the intricacies of brain tumours, address misconceptions and provide guidance for patients navigating these concerns.
What is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the surrounding tissues. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can arise from various types of cells within the brain, including neurons, glial cells, and meninges or even the skull itself. Brain tumours can affect different areas of the brain and can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on their location, size, and rate of growth.
What causes brain tumours?
Brain tumours can develop due to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While the exact causes remain unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These include genetic predispositions and hereditary syndromes, exposure to ionizing radiation, environmental toxins or carcinogens, head trauma, viral infections and hormonal factors.
While these factors may increase the risk of developing brain tumours, many individuals with brain tumours do not have any known risk factors, highlighting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms of tumour formation. Although some tumours do not have an exact cause of abnormal cell growthโidiopathicโsome tumours are caused when cancer cells from another part of the body reach the brainโmetastasis.
Misconception 1: All Brain Tumours Are Cancerous
No, not all brain tumours are cancerous. Brain tumours are classified based on their behaviour, with benign tumours growing slowly and typically not spreading to other body parts. In contrast, malignant tumour cells proliferate, invade surrounding tissues, and spread to other organs. Itโs essential to undergo thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the nature of the brain tumour and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Some benign brain tumours can cause problems (although benign) through mass effect (large size) or from compression of neighbouring nerves/sensitive areas of the brain.
Misconception 2: Brain Tumours Are Hereditary
While most brain tumours are not hereditary, some rare genetic syndromes (such as neurofibromatosis) and familial predispositions can increase the risk of developing certain types of brain tumours. Genetic factors may play a role in the development. However, most brain tumours occur sporadically, without a clear genetic cause.
Misconception 3: โIโm Still Young Therefore I Am Unlikely to Develop Brain Tumours.โ
Although the risk of brain tumours can increase with age, brain tumours can still occur at any age. According to the Brain tumour society, an estimate of over 500 adults and 40 children in Singapore undergo surgical treatment for brain tumours each year. This means that regardless of age, brain tumours can still occur. It is crucial to seek medical help if you or your loved ones notice any neurological symptoms such as chronic headaches accompanied by vomiting, weakness or numbness.
Brain Tumour
Multidisciplinary teams comprising of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychologists, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients with brain tumours. Here are some of the options for brain tumour treatment:
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Brain Surgery
Surgery is often the primary treatment for brain tumours, especially when the tumour is large, accessible, and its removal is deemed safe. During surgery, a neurosurgeon carefully removes as much of the tumour as safely possible while preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue. The extent of surgical resection depends on factors such as the tumourโs size, location, and proximity to critical brain structures.
Surgery can help alleviate symptoms caused by the tumourโs mass effect, such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits. It may also provide a definitive diagnosis by obtaining tissue for pathological analysis. Additionally, surgical removal of the tumour can improve outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
2.Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is often employed as an adjuvant treatment following surgery to eliminate any remaining tumour cells or as a primary treatment for inoperable or recurrent brain tumours.
Radiation therapy can effectively control tumour growth, shrink tumours, and alleviate symptoms such as pain and neurological deficits. It is non-invasive and can be delivered precisely, allowing for targeted tumour treatment while sparing healthy brain tissue. Fractionated radiotherapy, Gamma knife radiosurgery and proton beam therapy are examples of radiation therapies used to treat brain tumours.
2a. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Despite its name, gamma knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive neurosurgical procedure. The patientโs head is secured in a frame during the procedure to ensure precise positioning.
Next, advanced imaging techniques such MRI scans recreate a detailed, three-dimensional target area map, akin to a GPS. Based on this map, multiple beams of gamma radiation deliver high doses of radiation to targeted areas of the brain while minimising exposure to the surrounding health tissue.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth and proliferation. It may be administered orally or intravenously and can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy can effectively treat certain types of brain tumours, particularly those that are fast-growing or recurrent. It may help shrink tumours, slow disease progression, and improve overall survival in some cases. Not all brain tumours respond to chemotherapy, and its efficacy may vary depending on the tumour type, genetic factors, and individual patient characteristics.
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Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy involves using drugs that specifically target molecular pathways or genetic mutations involved in tumour growth and progression. These drugs are designed to disrupt cancer cell signalling, inhibit blood vessel formation, or induce cancer cell death selectively.
However, do discuss with your primary specialist about the various options available as each need is different.
FAQs on Finding a Trusted Neurosurgeon for Brain Tumour Treatment in Singapore
When should I meet a neurosurgeon?
The warning signs of a neurological issue can grow subtly. If you or your loved ones notice any of the following symptoms, do seek medical help immediately:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures (especially first onset seizures in adulthood)
- Changes in vision or hearing or speech
- Weakness or numbness
- Cognitive/behavioural changes
- Balance and coordination problems
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
Early detection and intervention remain crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the impact of brain tumours on individualsโ health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the complexities of brain tumours and surgical interventions can be intimidating. Rest assured, at Precision Neurosurgery, we are committed to being there for you every step of your brain tumor treatment in Singapore journey. We believe in ensuring that our patients receive optimal care and treatment tailored to their specific needs.
For more information, donโt hesitate to reach out to us here!