How To Prevent Brain Cancer?
How To Prevent Brain Cancer
Introduction
Cancers are essentially an autoimmune condition. These can show up when cells at any site / organ of your body start to grow at a breakneck pace. Such autoimmune conditions can develop at any age and at any organ. Those with a clinical history of autoimmune disorders and people who have a family history of cancers need to consult with a caregiving team on a regular basis. Early diagnosis has a direct bearing on successful treatment.
Brain cancer
Cancers are of many kind – depending on the site it shows up at, stage of this condition, etc. Among various kinds of tumors, cancers in your brain occur when cells multiply at an uncontrollable rate. Often times, brain cancers take the form of lumps deep inside your head.
Caregivers i.e., oncologists classify tumors into two categories namely, primary form of brain tumor and secondary. Primary brain cancers may occur when you are exposed to hazards – such as working in pollutant-heavy environment, smoking for long and are habituated to such habits, prior incidence of such cancers in your family, etc.
On the other hand, secondary category of brain tumors show up among those having other forms of cancers. In short, secondary category of brain cancers are caused by tumors spreading through other organs. In clinical terms, it is called metastasis; this means your condition is spreading out.
Tumors from other organs and sites are capable of spreading to the brain. The most commonly experienced metastasis is from your renal system, bladder or cancers form the urinary system, etc. Cancers taking shape in breasts also have moved above to reach the brain. People with lung cancers are also at an added risk as cancers in the respiratory tract can metastasise to your cerebrum or cerebellum. In some rare cases, skin cancers – of the melanoma kind – may spread over to reach brain area!
Oncologists specialising in brain cancers have classified various other sub-genres of these tumors i.e., apart from labelling as primary or secondary categories. These sub-classes are dependent on location of cancerous growth and the pace at which the condition grows.
Sub-categories of brain cancers are ganglioglioma, glioma, meningioma, medulloblastoma, schwannomas, craniopharyngioma – to name some. Of these, cancers forming on glial-cells are known as gliomas. As high as 1/4th of all tumors showing up in brain are of the glioma-kind. You also need to know of meningioma; this condition affects cerebral tissues and cells. These conditions may spread to your spinal cord.
Of the fast-growing cancers, medulloblastoma is a key condition. This grows quicker than may others and is quite common among children. Ganglioglioma is a condition that takes a very long time to develop; it may show up at nerves of your brain. Another sub-category is craniopharyngioma, diagnosed way too close to the pituitary glands. These can press your visual nerves and make it difficult for you to see things.
Causes of Brain Tumor
There are many triggers and causes that may lead to formation of brain cancers. Significant causes include getting old, having a clinical track record of brain tumors, excessive smoking of tobacco-based goods, carrying the Epstein Barr or other similar strands of viruses.
People who are employed wherein you get exposed to toxic chemicals such as plastic, rubber or harmful metals such as lead, etc., can pose of risks of brain cancers. Lastly, if you are working in a factory or an industrial setting that makes or deals with pesticides or other such hazardous products.
The Diagnosis Of Brain Cancers
Oncologists resort to several approaches to detect the possible onset of brain cancers. Approaches include use of scanning techniques – with the help of radiology equipment. There are cases wherein diagnosis is possible with tests on brain tissues – these tests are called biopsies. As another measure, your diagnosing team may puncture the lumbar to collect samples.
Several modern developments in radiology and imaging sciences have led to high-precision outputs and images. Such technologies include CT and MRI scans. As an advanced tool, the positron emission tomography scan is also used for better precision at the cell-level.
Your caregiver may also combine PET scan with a CT or MRI scan. These combinations fetch good-quality outputs and a fusion of images. The resultant 3-D outputs help zero-in on cancerous growth in your brain with added clarity, and with relative ease.
Brain Tumor Symptoms – What Are The Most Common Ones?
Tumors in the cerebral system develop by giving away a few typical signs – the symptoms are likely to become more pronounced as tumors advances in terms of both size and severity. But the symptoms you may experience can be very different from another patient who has brain tumors. In other words, no two patients – with almost the same brain condition – may report of the same signs or symptoms.
The symptoms you witness are a factor of where the tumor resides, how advanced it is, the extent it has started spreading or not, your age, presence of other autoimmune conditions in your body, etc.
Also, it is possible to get misled with the signs you may see in your body. This is because of the ‘everyday nature’ of most of these signs. This is why you need a certified caregiving professional to discern the signs and infer them in the right light. People with brain tumor will most likely report of symptoms such as migraines – witnessed more often and each spell being extremely painful to manage, slurred way of talking, abdominal conditions like nausea, tremors and spasms or twitching of muscles, convulsions, etc.
People may also experience frequent falls – as they find it difficult to maintain their bodily balance. You may find it tough to memorise things; it is very likely to lead to lapses in your memory.
Some with brain cancers have also undergone dramatic shifts in their behavioral patterns. You may turn violent at the least level of provoking. Your limbs may also experience a tingling feeling; at times arms may turn numb and may not discern sense of touch or pricking.
If you are experiencing one such sign, speak with a caregiving professional as quickly as you possibly can. You would not know at what stage the brain cancer is in; hence, delaying the very act of seeing a doctor may mean loss of a few precious days.
You need to remember that the earlier you are diagnosed of brain cancer – the larger are its chances of being treated successfully. Needless to state – people who delayed diagnosis and treatment may have a lesser room for long term survival.
Brain Tumor Treatment
There are several remedial approaches available for treating brain tumor. Among the options at the disposal of oncologists, surgical interventions are most commonly resorted to. Excision of brain tumors through a surgery is one of the likely pathways your oncologist may pursue. Surgeons who work on removing tumors off your cerebral system take needful precautions to keep the healthier tissues intact.
At times, a brain cancer may need more than a surgical procedure. There are many instances wherein a surgery is accompanied by medications-based treatment – such as chemotherapy. Radiotherapy – with the aid of high-intensity x-rays – are also accorded as another option. It is for your caregiving team to decide upon what pathways best suit your brain cancer.
There are some surgeries performed is most brain surgery cases. It is known as craniotomy. This involves opening up your cranium. Your surgical oncologist may also use a laser-driven ablation or cut. This is done by the placement of a heat source i.e., laser, to burn away the cancerous tissues in your brain.
Another treatment pathway is done with endoscopy; especially via the endonasal route. This is an invasive procedure but uses minimal means of incision or interventions. Some caregivers may opt for MRI-mapped surgical procedures.
So How To Prevent Brain Cancer?
Foremost of all, stay aware of the risks; especially of increased levels of risks as you grow old. It is equally important to know of your family’s clinical history – mainly of your parents and other blood relatives’. You also need to stay away x-rays or other forms of radiations; also, have an awareness of rays / radiations that do not harm.
Alter your daily diet plan to a well-balanced and nutrition-rich foods. Ensure to take a fair share of vegetables and fruits as part of your daily diet. Foods that can help reduce cholesterol in your blood can do a lot of good. You may talk to your caregiver to know more on how to prevent brain tumors.
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Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.