World Tumor Day All About The Special Day

World Brain Tumor Day 2022

World Brain Tumor Day is observed on 8th June, every year. German Brain Tumor Association, a non-profit organization, first marked this day in the year 2000 to spread awareness about the brain tumor among the general public.

Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe was founded in 1998 and has more than 500 registered members from fourteen nations. It provides support to the patients and their family members besides scientists and health professionals.

What is brain tumor?

Before understanding what is brain tumor, first we will learn about the tumor. A tumor is basically an abnormal lump or growth of cells.

In the body, there are mainly two main types of tumors namely

• Benign
• Malignant 

If the cells in the tumor are normal, it is benign (it means something wrong happened and the cells overgrew and produced a lump). If the cells are abnormal and start growing uncontrollably, then they are cancerous cells, and the tumor is malignant. A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells produce within any part of the brain. The tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) and Malignant (cancerous).

Causes of Brain Cancer

Any sptumoruse of brain tumor is not known yet. Many doctors believe exposure to radiations (like x-rays) for a long time can cause brain tumor. Some also believe that gadgets like mobile phones are causing various types of cancers including brain tumor, however, the fact is not proven yet. Many types of research into this field are still going on.

Symptoms of Brain Tumor

According to the data provided by National Health Portal (by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India), depending upon the location of the tumor on the part of the brain the symptoms may vary, some common symptoms are problems with vision, headaches, seizures, vomiting. Mental changes may be also observed. Sometimes the person may also feel difficulty in walking, speaking and sensation. 

Diagnosis of Brain Tumor

Depending upon the symptoms and history, doctors can use the following tests to diagnose the brain tumor

MRI and CT scan:  Doctors may use these imaging techniques in the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

Angiogram: It is also an imaging technique. In this test, a dye is injected into the bloodstream. If a tumor is present, then the image may show the tumor or blood vessels that are filling into the tumor.

Neurologic exam: This test includes testing of hearing, alertness, vision, muscle strength, coordination, & reflexes.

Spinal tap: In this test, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected with the help of a long thin needle. This technique is known as lumbar puncture.

Treatments for Brain Tumor

Depending upon the type, stage, condition and position of the tumors, doctors may suggest the following treatments:

• Surgery: It is the first step in the treatment of both benign & primary malignant brain tumors and is done on the patient to remove the maximum tumor so as to sustain neurological function
• Radiotherapy: In this process, cells are exposed to high energy beams of radiation.
• Chemotherapy: In this treatment, anti-cancer drugs are supplied to the body to kill cancer cells.
• Steroids: These are frequently used for the treatment of brain tumors.
• Ventricular peritoneal shunt: This procedure is used to drain excess fluid from inside the brain.

As per the NHP data, the majority of patients suffering from brain tumors die within 9-12 months and less than 3% survive more than 3 years. So, it is important to create awareness among people about brain tumors. Share this article to spread awareness among people on this World Brain Tumor Day.

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