Brain tumor: types, treatment and possible sequelae

Brain tumor is characterized by the presence and growth of abnormal cells in the brain or meninges, which are membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. This type of tumor can be benign or malignant and the causes are not well defined, but it can happen due to genetic mutations or due to cancer metastasis from other parts of the body, such as from breast cancer, for example.

The symptoms of the brain tumor depend on the location, size and type of the tumor, but they usually cause severe headache, blurred vision, lack of balance and even seizures. Know other symptoms of brain tumor.

The brain tumor rarely causes a metastasis, that is, it spreads to other parts of the body, because normally the malignant cells of this tumor develop and proliferate in the brain itself. Most brain tumors are benign and have well-defined limits, that is, they are curable and can be treated with surgery. However, in cases of malignant tumor, treatment may be based on chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy.

Main types

The brain tumor can be classified as primary, when the abnormal cells originate from the nervous system itself, or secondary, which occurs when the abnormal tumor cells in the brain arise from another organ with cancer, such as lung, kidneys, intestine or breast. Thus, the main types of primary brain tumor are:

• Meningioma: is characterized by the presence of a tumor in the meninges, which are membranes that surround and protect the central nervous system; Glioblastoma: is a type of brain tumor that affects glial cells, which are responsible for assisting the functions of neurons; Astrocytoma: this type of primary tumor affects the cells that support neurons and the severity varies according to their size and characteristics, and may be benign or malignant; Medulloblastoma: it is the most common type of brain tumor in children, affects the cerebellum and usually tends to respond well to treatment; Pituitary adenoma: is characterized by the involvement of the gland at the base of the brain, the adenohypophysis, causing effects on the entire organism.

There are also ependymomas, which is a type of brain tumor that develops from ependymal cells, which are responsible for the lining of the neural tube, that is, the tissue that covers the nervous system.

How the treatment is done

The treatment for the brain tumor varies according to the size, type, degree of the tumor and also depends on whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the central nervous system, and various types of treatments can be indicated by the oncologist, such as the following options:

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the type of treatment that consists of applying drugs directly into the vein, through a catheter, with the aim of destroying the tumor cells that are causing the brain tumor. The most used drugs for these cases are carmustine and temozolomide, which can also be used in the form of pills.

This type of treatment, however, can also destroy healthy cells, causing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, tiredness or diarrhea, for example. See other side effects of chemotherapy.

The doses of these chemotherapy drugs and the number of sessions indicated will be indicated by the oncologist and, generally, the applications are carried out within an interval for the healthy cells to recover.

2. Target therapy

The target therapy consists of drugs that act directly on genes and proteins in brain tumor cells, preventing growth and helping to destroy this type of tumor. Thus, along with the action of these drugs, the immune system is strengthened and the body's defense cells also fight the brain tumor.

For this type of therapy to be applied, specific tests and tests are needed to identify these genes and proteins from tumor cells, and not all types of tumors have drugs of this type for the treatment. The drug bevacizumab is an example of targeted therapy used in certain types of brain tumors, the dose of which will depend on the size and severity of the tumor.

3. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is used to treat the brain tumor through the direct application of radiation beams emitted by a specific machine, called a linear accelerator, which is similar to a machine that performs tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These beams of radiation act directly on the tumor site, killing cancer cells, helping to reduce and eliminate the brain tumor.

In some cases, brachytherapy may be indicated, which is a type of radiotherapy done through a radioactive implant, introduced into the brain and which gradually emits radiation. The treatment time is different for each type of tumor and the radiotherapist is the one who indicates the sessions and the radiation dose. Know the types and when radiotherapy is indicated.

4. Surgery

Surgery may be indicated depending on the location of the brain tumor, as it is usually a delicate procedure, which requires a lot of attention from surgeons, as the brain is an organ that coordinates most of the body's activities, such as speech, vision and movement.

The surgical procedure can also be indicated as part of the diagnosis, through brain biopsy, which consists of taking a sample of brain tissue for analysis in the laboratory and this is important because it can help the oncologist to direct and recommend the most appropriate treatment.. There is also radiosurgery, in which radiotherapy is applied at the time of brain tumor removal surgery.

5. Supportive therapy

Supportive therapy is based on the use of medications to relieve symptoms caused by the brain tumor, such as corticosteroid drugs that help to reduce brain swelling, decrease headache and reduce the chances of the person having any consequence of this, such as increased intracranial pressure.

Anti-seizure medications can also be recommended to prevent a person with a brain tumor from having seizures. In addition, painkillers can be indicated to relieve pain and medications for anxiety and depression, as this type of tumor generates emotional changes.

Possible sequelae

The brain tumor can affect important structures of the nervous system, which can cause changes in concentration, memory, speech, vision and even in the body's movements. side of the body remains motionless, for example. Know what are the types of hemiplegia.

In addition, treatment for brain tumor, especially surgery, can cause side effects, such as limiting body movements. However, as soon as a person is diagnosed with this type of tumor, a team of professionals is defined, called a multidisciplinary team, who will take care of various situations, such as physical therapy, which will be responsible for maintaining movements, and the speech therapist who will do it. speech therapy.