What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?

A tumor is formed by a collection of cells growing out of control. A tumor is not necessarily a Cancer, it may be benign. A cancer is a type of tumour, sometimes referred to as a malignant tumour. All areas of the brain may be affected by the formation of a tumor. This can have two origins:

• Primitive: originally developed in the brain, from brain cells. The tumors Primitives of the brain represent 1% of cancers and the leading cause of cancer mortality.
• Secondary or metastatic : it comes from the cell propagation cancer cells resulting from a tumor that initially developed in another organ (breast, lung, kidney or skin most often).

Where do primary brain tumors come from?

The glial cells are cells that make up glia, the supporting tissue of neurons. There are several types of glial cells. They participate in the control of their activity via chemical and electrical regulation. They are also responsible for the production of myelin, which sheaths the nerve fibers. In multiple sclerosisfor example, there is a defect in myelin synthesis.

Glial cells are the brain cells most frequently implicated in the occurrence of brain tumours. We then speak of gliomas. There are several types :

1. The astrocytomas grade I, II and III. They originate in the astrocytesa type of glial cell shaped like anstar.
2. The oligodendrogliomas which develop from oligodendrocytes, another type of glial cell. It is a rare form.
3. The glioblastomas or grade IV astrocytoma. It is most common in adults.

Gliomas do not spread to the rest of the body, they cannot cause metastases.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?

The symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor in the brain. In fact, each area of ​​the brain has specific functions and their dysfunction leads to specific symptoms:

• Frontal lobe: memory, attention, behavior, language and motor problems.
• Lobe temporal : memory, eating, social and sexual behavior disorders.
• Brain stem: respiratory and cardiac disorders.
• Cerebellum: disorders of balance, coordination and precision of movements.
• Parietal lobe: sensory disturbances, gait disturbances, visionhearing.

Furthermore, the presence of a mass may compress other areas of the brain and thereby indirectly affect functions unrelated to the location of the tumor. Moreover, the increase in pressure inside the brain cavity can lead to headaches frequent and intense, nausea and vomiting, even epileptic seizures. We’re talking abouthypertension intracranial or HTIC.

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

In the presence of suggestive clinical signs, an MRI (imaging by resonance magnetic) will be carried out. It helps locate the tumor and assess its size. A biopsy can also be done: it involves taking a sample of the tumor for analysis.

What is the treatment for brain tumours?

As for all cancersthe treatment of choice is surgery to remove the tumour. If the tumor is localized and accessible, surgery will be performed. This is often the case in children. On the other hand, in adults, brain tumors are most often diffuse and do not allow resection by surgery. A treatment by radiotherapy and or chemotherapy will then be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Symptom management will also be offered to the patient.