Ans.: A brain tumour is a mass of abnormal tissue growing in any part of the brain. For some unknown reason, some brain cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner and form these tumours. These tumours can arise from any part of the brain, spinal cord or the nerves. Broadly these tumours can be divided into benign and malignant tumours.

Benign tumours grow slowly and never spread to other parts. But as they slowly increase in size they can cause pressure on the normal brain and interfere with mental and bodily functions. Some of the benign tumours known are: meningiomas, pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, epidermoid cysts, neurocytoma, haemangioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, etc.

Malignant tumours or cancers are aggressive tumours that grow fast and infiltrate the surrounding brain and sometimes spread to the other parts of the brain or spine. There are various types of malignant brain tumours like High Grade Astrocytoma/Glioma, ependymoma, PNET, medulloblastoma, lymphoma, Germ cell tumours. With aggressive and timely treatment some of these can be cured.

Ans.: The following things affect a person's chances of developing a brain tumour.

Age Although brain tumours can occur at any age, like many cancers they get more common the older you get.

Family History A very small percentage of brain tumours are related to known genetic conditions such as Von-Hippel Lindau syndrome.

Immune system disorders There is an increased risk of developing a certain type of brain tumour called a cerebral lymphoma if the immune system is impaired. This can be a side effect of drugs used after organ transplantation. People with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are also at increased risk.

Radiation People who have been treated with radiotherapy to the head have a slightly increased risk of certain types of brain tumour.

Ans. :

• Limb weakness and any abnormal sensation in the limbs can be a symptom of a tumour in certain parts of the brain especially in and around the motor or sensory cortex. Generally the opposite side is affected i.e right-sided weakness by a tumour in the left motor cortex.
• Unsteady walking or imbalance (ataxia) may occur if the tumour is in the cerebellum or some other parts of the brain.
• Vision may become blurred or sometimes lost if the optic nerve is compressed or swollen (Papilloedema). Sometimes a squint or double vision (diplopia) may develop if the nerves moving the eyes are affected.
• Recent or long term memory may become weak.
• Speech:Ability to understand (sensory aphasia) or express (motor aphasia) may be affected by tumours in certain parts of the brain. Sometimes the person is able to understand but is not able to express properly and may not get the right words.
• Hormonal Effects:Some tumours in and around the pituitary / hypothalamus region (sellar and suprasellar region) can cause either excess or deficiency of many hormones. This may affect the growth, fertility, libido, body weight, mental functions, etc.
• Changed behaviour, lethargy, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness are some of the other symptoms of brain tumours.