Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are one of the significant disease groups within neurosurgery. They are generally classified as benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors usually do not spread to other parts of the brain or body. Unless they grow very large and cause a mass effect or are located in vital areas, their potential to seriously threaten life is low; they can often be surgically removed, and the risk of recurrence is relatively low. Malignant brain tumors, however, can invade surrounding tissues, spread, and cause damage.

The precise cause of brain tumors is not fully known. Although they can occur at any age, they most commonly arise between the ages of 3–12 and 40–70. Possible risk factors include working in certain industrial fields (e.g., refining/purification, rubber, paint), some viral infections, and hereditary predisposition. Tumors that develop from the brain’s own tissue are called primary tumors, and those that spread to the brain from other organs (metastasis) are called secondary tumors. Tumors are named according to the tissues they originate from: meningioma for those developing from the brain membranes, glioma for those developing from the brain tissue, adenoma for those developing from the pituitary gland, neurinoma/schwannoma for those developing from the nerve sheath, and craniopharyngioma for those developing from residual cells.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of brain tumors can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common complaints include:

  1. Gradually worsening headache (especially in the mornings)
  2. Vomiting (often projectile)
  3. Visual disturbances (blurred or double vision, which can progress to vision loss if untreated)
  4. Seizures resembling epilepsy (epileptic seizures)
  5. Partial or complete loss of strength/paralysis on the opposite side of the body, depending on the tumor’s location
  6. Speech disorders
  7. Changes in consciousness and personality

In cases where headache, vomiting, and visual disturbances occur together, increased intracranial pressure should be suspected; this condition is frequently observed with brain tumors.

How is diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation and radiological examinations. First, the onset and progression of the complaints are queried, and a detailed **neurological examination** is performed. Subsequently, imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, skull X-rays, and in some cases, PET, are utilized.

How are brain tumors treated?

In the current approach, surgery is the first-choice treatment for many brain tumors. Removal of the tumor tissue is one of the fastest and most effective methods in suitable cases. However, some tumors may be located in vital areas (e.g., brain stem; centers for speech, movement, or vision). If complete tumor removal carries a high risk in such situations, partial removal (debulking) and/or diagnostic confirmation with a biopsy may be necessary, followed by referral to non-surgical treatments. These treatments include **radiotherapy** (radiation treatment), **chemotherapy** (drug treatment), and **stereotactic radiosurgery** (e.g., Gamma Knife, LINAC).

Regular follow-up with clinical examinations and imaging at specific intervals is important for all treated patients, regardless of whether surgery or other methods were applied. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, complete recovery may be possible in some cases; additionally, the quality of life and life expectancy can be increased.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and a personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plan are of great importance for brain tumors. Quality of life and treatment success can be supported by regular follow-up at appropriate centers.

Prof. Halil Ak
Specialist in Neurosurgery