Benign Brain Tumour
(Non-Cancerous)
Benign Brain Tumour – Non-Cancerous
Brain tumours develop when brain cells start to proliferate uncontrollably. Brain tumours may be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer) (cancer). Most benign tumours develop gradually and do not spread to other body regions. A benign brain tumour will develop symptoms as it progresses.
The skull holds your brain in place securely. The pressure on the brain is caused by any size tumour growing there or inside of it. This is dangerous. In some situations, this pressure can be life-threatening and generates symptoms. Treatment for benign brain tumours is to relieve both the pressure and the symptoms it is generating.
What varieties of benign brain tumours are there?
Benign brain tumours come in a variety of forms. To determine the type of tumour you have, imaging tests and maybe a biopsy will be performed. These are some examples of benign brain tumours:
- Meningioma – These tumours grow inside the meninges, which surround your brain and spinal cord and serve as a protective layer. These brain tumours are the most prevalent kind.
- Schwannoma – These malignancies originate in the Schwann cells that cover nerve cells that are not located inside the brain or spinal cord. The most typical kind, called vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), affects the vestibular nerve (part of the inner ear).
- Pituitary adenoma – The pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, can develop benign tumours called adenomas. The pituitary gland produces hormones and has an impact on other glands that do the same.
- Hemangioblastoma – These cancers develop in the blood arteries feeding the brain, spine, and occasionally the retina, the central nervous system (in the eye). Those with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome are more likely to develop these malignancies.
- Craniopharyngioma – These tumours account for 10% to 15% of benign brain cancers. At the bottom of the brain, they develop close to the pituitary gland. Although they can occur in adults, they do so more frequently in children and teenagers.
- Glioma – These cancers develop in the brain’s glial cells. Gliomas can either be benign or cancerous. From 1 to 4, with 4 being the most aggressive, gliomas are “rated.” Gliomas in grades 1 and 2 are mostly benign.
What symptoms indicate a benign brain tumour?
The signs and symptoms of benign brain tumours vary depending on the type of tumour and the location of the tumour in the brain. Typical signs might include:
- Headaches.
- Vision or hearing changes.
- Trouble thinking/concentrating.
- Loss of coordination/balance (trouble walking).
- Feeling weak and fatigued.
- Mood Changes.
- Nausea or vomiting.
How are benign brain tumours diagnosed?
A brain or spinal cord tumour is detected by one or more of these tests. If a brain tumour is discovered, you might undergo additional testing to determine its size and whether it has spread.
They are typically treated as NHS outpatients.
The following examinations may be performed:
- MRI Scan – Finding the tumour’s location and if it has spread can be aided by an MRI scan. Learn what to anticipate.
- CT Scan – To assist in the identification of a brain or spinal cord tumour, you might get a CT scan of your head. Learn what to anticipate.
- PET Scan – Learn more about getting a PET scan by reading this article. Learn what it is, how to get it, and what occurs next.
- Brain angiogram – Learn about angiograms for brain tumours, including what they are, how they are performed, and what occurs thereafter.
- Biopsy for brain and spinal cord tumours – A biopsy can be performed independently or concurrently with brain surgery to treat the tumour. Learn what to anticipate from a brain tumour biopsy.
- Lumbar puncture – An examination of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is done through a lumbar puncture.
- Neuroendoscopy to take a sample of tissue – To remove a tissue sample from a brain tumour, you could have a Neuroendoscopy.
- Blood tests – Blood tests can be used to diagnose specific forms of brain tumours as well as evaluate your general health.
- Physical examination – What happens during a physical examination and how is your nervous system tested by your doctor? (Neurological examination).
Causes
Most non-cancerous brain tumours have no known cause, however, some factors increase your risk of getting one:
- You are over 50 years old.
- You have a family history of brain tumours
- You have a genetic disorder such as Neurofibromatosis type 1, Neurofibromatosis type 2, Tuberous Sclerosis, Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni cancer syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, or Gorlin syndrome that raises your risk of developing a non-cancerous-brain-tumour.
- You underwent radiotherapy.
Complications
When to call a doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, especially if your headache feels different from the type you often get or if it is growing worse.
Even though you might not have a brain tumour, these symptoms need to be investigated.
The GP may recommend you to a neurologist (a physician who specialises in the brain and neurological system) for more evaluation and tests, such as a brain scan if they are unable to determine a more likely reason for your symptoms.
Children can develop brain tumours, but adults of any age can develop them as well. However, older adults tend to develop them more frequently.
In the UK, a primary brain tumour affects more than 11,000 people annually, almost half of whom have cancer. Many more people have been given a secondary brain tumour diagnosis.
Treatment
Your benign brain tumour’s kind, location, size, age, and whether it’s causing symptoms will all influence how it’s treated. Radiation and surgery are the two most often used therapies for benign brain tumours.
- Surgery – Surgery is typically used to treat benign brain tumours. The objective is to eliminate the tumour in its entirety while sparing any healthy brain tissue. Only a portion of the tumour may occasionally be safely removed.
- Radiation – Radiation is frequently utilised when surgery cannot completely remove the tumour or can only remove a portion of it. Using radiation might be necessary if the tumour reappears after surgery.
- Monitoring – If your tumour is small, your doctor may decide not to treat the tumour. Instead, they use radiological scans to monitor the tumour (MRIs). They might then choose to treat the tumour if it grows.
Outlook
Treatment for benign brain tumours might have an impact on your daily life. Depending on where the tumour is or was, you may experience difficulties with your eyesight, speech, movement, etc. After treatment, certain issues might not go away. Many people can eventually return to their regular activities. To regain function, you might need to work with physical, occupational, or speech therapy. You could also want the services of specialists who can assist with issues like hearing and vision.