Introduction
A brain tumor is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells within the brain or its surrounding structures. Brain tumors may be primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (metastatic), spreading from other organs. They can affect individuals of any age and cause significant neurological morbidity.
Types of Brain Tumors
1. Primary Brain Tumors
- Gliomas (astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma)
- Meningioma
- Pituitary adenoma
- Schwannoma
- Medulloblastoma
- Ependymoma
2. Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors
Pathogenesis
Brain tumor development involves genetic and molecular alterations leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation:
- Activation of oncogenes (EGFR, BRAF)
- Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TP53, RB)
- IDH mutations in lower-grade gliomas
- Abnormal signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR)
- Tumor-induced angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier disruption
Laboratory Diagnosis
- Neuroimaging: MRI with contrast (gold standard), CT scan
- Histopathology: Tumor grading and classification (WHO classification)
- Immunohistochemistry: GFAP, Ki-67, IDH1, p53
- Molecular testing: IDH mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion, MGMT methylation
- CSF examination (selected tumors)
Treatment
- Surgical resection (maximal safe removal)
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy (temozolomide)
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
- Steroids for cerebral edema
- Antiepileptics for seizure control
Prevention
- Avoidance of ionizing radiation
- Use of protective measures in occupational exposure
- Early evaluation of persistent neurological symptoms
- Genetic counseling in familial tumor syndromes
Keynotes
- Brain tumors may be benign or malignant, but both can be life-threatening.
- MRI is the imaging modality of choice.
- Molecular profiling guides prognosis and therapy.
- Multidisciplinary management improves outcomes.
- Early diagnosis is critical for better survival and quality of life.
Further Readings
- https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-braintumor.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_tumor
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6149-brain-cancer-brain_tumor
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350088
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
- https://www.compassoncology.com/brain-cancer/causes-risk-factors-and-prevention
- https://www.apollo247.com/health-topics/brain-tumor
- https://braintumor.org/news/what-to-expect-radiation-therapy-as-a-patient-with-a-brain-tumor
- https://iconcancercentre.com.au/conditions/brain-cancer/treatment/
- https://int.livhospital.com/habits-that-cause-brain-tumors-the-shocking-truth
- https://ijcap.in/html-article/20276
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29371158
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/medulloblastoma
- https://www.medanta.org/pillar/brain-tumour-types-symptoms-causes-stages-treatment
