Did you know almost 85-90% of all the CNS (Central Nervous System) tumors are brain tumors.
But, what is brain tumor? Let us explain!
When abnormal cells group together in your brain, it is known as a brain tumor. Like every other tumor in the body, brain tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Since the skull encloses your brain, the pressure of brain tumor, whether cancerous or not, can cause tension in the skull bone and eventually other related problems. Only after proper diagnosis, can you know the severity of a brain tumor.
With advancements in medical science and technologies, there have been advances in brain tumor treatments as well. Surgery is the most common treatment, supplemented with various other solutions. Bear in mind that similar to other surgeries brain tumor surgery too, can be quite expensive and exhaustive, considering the soaring medical inflation. Hence, planning your finances with a health insurance plan is very crucial.
Well, let’s leave that part for later and continue with today’s subject-Brain Tumor!
Shall we start?
Types of Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are classified based on their original location and the severity they pose on the person. Here is a detailed description of the types of brain tumor:
Types of Brain Tumor based on the Origin of the Tumor
Based on the original location of the brain tumor, it can be categorized into:
Primary Brain Tumor
As the name suggests, a primary brain tumor develops in the brain itself. It may grow at various locations in the brain. A primary brain tumor can grow in:
- Brain cells
- Meninges, the surrounding membranes of the brain
- Nerve cells
- Pituitary gland
Secondary Brain Tumor/ Metastatic Brain Tumor
Any tumor that reaches the brain from any other body part like the breast, lungs, kidney, etc. is known as a secondary tumor. It is also known as a metastatic tumor. Metastasised brain tumors may spread from:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Kidney cancer
Tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Since the brain is extremely sensitive and surrounded by the skull, even non-cancerous tumors can cause various complications. Check down the details:
Malignant Brain Tumor
Brain tumors that are cancerous are known as malignant brain tumors. They grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the brain as well. Such tumors may turn life-threatening.
Benign Brain Tumor
All non-cancerous brain tumors are known as benign tumors. Usually, 2/3 of brain tumors are benign tumors. They have slow growth and surgeries can be more effective for benign tumors.
Symptoms and Causes of Brain Tumors
Depending on the location of the brain tumor and its size, the symptoms may vary. Some of the common brain tumor symptoms are:
- Headaches that are severe in the morning or while sneezing or coughing
- Headaches while asleep
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Mental confusion
- Weakness of limbs or facial parts
- Difficulty reading, writing, or understanding
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in walking
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Hand tremors
- Loss of bowel control
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling on the side of the body
- Extreme mood swings
- Changes in moods and behaviour
- Drooping eyelids
- Unequal pupils
- Uncontrolled movements
- Difficulty hearing, smelling
- Change in taste.
In the case of pituitary brain tumors, you may experience the following brain cancer symptoms:
- Galactorrhea
- Nipple discharge
- Menstruation irregularity or lack of it
- Breast tissue development in men
- Hands and feet enlargement
- Low blood pressure
- Obesity
- Tunnel vision
- Heat or cold sensitivity
- Increase in body hair
Usually, how brain tumors occur can’t be known. When it occurs certain chromosome genes get damaged and cannot function anymore. It is the DNA in the chromosomes that gives commands to cells to grow or die. Due to various undiscovered reasons, DNA commands brain cells to multiply abnormally. When this happens, several brain cells group and form a tumor.
Various environmental factors like exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, or even previous cancer treatment may be justified as brain tumor causes. The nuclear power plant of Chornobyl is one of the most popular cases of large-scale radiation exposure effects. The effects of the incident claimed lakhs of lives in the form of cancer.
The Stages of Brain Tumor & Severity
The severity of the brain tumor depends largely on the type of brain tumor and its size. While some people may live long with complaining nothing, others may experience severe health problems.
Because the skull is a tough bone and leaves no room for any abnormal growth inside the brain, any type of brain tumor can be problematic. Even benign tumors can cause:
- Bleeding in the brain
- Fluid builds up inside the brain
- Blocking of the normal CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
- Fracture of the skull bone
- Pressure on brain tissues nearby, etc.
If it's a benign tumor, the severity, in terms of treatment, can be less as compared to malignant tumors. Surgeries and medications may help in controlling the tumor to further spread.
What is the Brain Tumor Treatment?
Depending on the type of brain tumor diagnosed, treatment is advised. Surgeries sometimes help in the complete removal of benign brain tumor. On the other hand, a malignant tumor, especially one in difficult areas of the brain, can be tough to remove. Incomplete removal of the tumor may increase the risk of developing a tumor in future again.
In case the brain tumor is a metastatic tumor, that is, spread from other body parts to the brain, the treatment can be complex. The brain tumor treatment in such a case will depend on the treatment guidelines of the original cancer.
Since the treatment may involve surgery accompanied by radiation therapy, the overall medical treatment can be a costly affair. One can consider buying health insurance specifically designed for covering such illnesses like Care Critical Illness Insurance. The policy works on the principle of indemnity, where a fixed amount is paid towards the treatment or the surgery.
How to Prevent Brain Tumor?
When brain tumor is quite a concern among the children and older people, you can definitely reduce the risks of developing one. Try to avoid places and events involving radiation exposure. Smoking also increases the risks of cancer and so must also be avoided.
Apart from these, eating healthy, regular exercise and having a healthy mind have always been a basic ‘mantra’ to a healthy life. Also, if you have a family history of a brain tumor, you must let your health expert know about it. It will help to find out if you have genetic syndrome and treat the same.
Final Word
The mere mention of a brain tumor is stressful. A thorough examination and tests can help get an accurate report. Whether malignant or benign, tumors can cause various problems in your brain and the body. If you find yourself at risk of a brain tumor, it is highly advised to go for regular check-ups. Not just for those at risk, but everyone, in general, should spare some time for routine medical check-ups because, forget not, cancer is a silent disease.
Also, if you haven't invested in cancer insurance or critical illness insurance, now is the right time to do so. Protect your hard-earned savings from being exhausted within the blink of an eye with a health insurance policy. To cope with the increasing treatment costs, buying a critical illness plan from Care Health Insurance can be a wise decision. The policy covers 32 different critical illnesses including benign tumor, where a fixed amount is paid towards treatment. With an extensive coverage up to 6 crores, you can plan for the treatment expenses accordingly without breaking the bank.
So, the final call is yours! We wish you good health and a happy life!
>> Also Read: What is Carcinoma? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
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The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
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