Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre highlights the importance of early detection in brain tumor cases
The Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis in the effective treatment of brain tumors. According to medical experts at RGCIRC, detecting brain tumors at an early stage significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and patient outcomes.
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells that develop within the brain or the surrounding tissues. They can be either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Malignant tumors have the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Early detection of brain tumors allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of complications and maximizing treatment options.
One of the primary challenges with brain tumors is that their symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s location and size. Common indicators include persistent headaches, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, difficulty speaking or comprehending, and unexplained nausea or vomiting. However, these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis.
Dr Prem sagar advised to watch out for certain symptoms as brain tumors can present themselves in different ways. Headache is a common phenomenon but it may also be a warning symptom of brain tumor if the severity or nature of headache has changed recently. Especially severe headache along with vomiting in the morning, could be a harbinger of the brain tumor. Seizures, imbalance in walking, visual deterioration, difficulty in understanding and using the language, numbness or dizziness, all these could be areas of concern and one should undergo investigations at a competent cancer center at the earliest.
Certain factors could contribute to formation of brain tumors though there is no concrete scientific evidence as of now. These include exposure to radiation, excessive use of mobile phones, and excessive consumption of non-vegetarian food which is associated with all types of cancers including brain tumors. According to Dr Prem sagar, having family members with brain tumors puts you in the high risk category and you should get yourself examined periodically.
Speaking about new techniques to treat brain tumors, Dr Prem sagar said the new technique of Neuro-navigation helps the surgeon sharply identify the tumor in the brain during surgery since precision is a must in brain or spinal surgery to ensure there is minimum morbidity. Another revolutionary technique being used is Awake Brain Surgery wherein the patient is speaking or singing and moving limbs while the tumor is being operated upon so that vital areas in the brain are not tampered with and the body functions remain intact.
Many of these tumors require radiotherapy after surgery. Apart from conventional radiation machines, RGCIRC recently became the first hospital in Delhi to procure Precision Stereotactic Radiotherapy known as Cyber knife.
