What is a Brain Tumor? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods

A brain tumor is a serious health condition that occurs when cells multiply uncontrollably within the brain tissue or surrounding structures, such as the meninges (brain membranes). Whether benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), any growing mass can pose a life-threatening risk by pressing on the brain tissue, simply because the skull is a closed, rigid box. With early diagnosis, advanced imaging technologies, and precise surgical planning, it is entirely possible for patients to return to a healthy life.

• It is detected in approximately 3 to 5 out of every 100,000 people in the general population.
• The overall incidence rate is higher in men compared to women.
• Meningioma, a typically benign type of tumor, is more frequently seen in women.
• Severe headaches, vomiting that worsens in the morning, and seizures are the most fundamental warning signs.
• Advanced technologies such as Diffusion, Perfusion, and Functional MRI are utilized during the diagnostic phase.
• The treatment process requires surgical intervention and a multidisciplinary team approach.

What is a Brain Tumor?

The answer to what a brain tumor is lies in the uncontrolled growth of cells in our body, breaking away from their normal life cycle. As Op. Dr. Selçuk Gözcü, one of the specialists at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, points out, a tumor is essentially tissue forming where it shouldn't be, or an existing tissue growing beyond its boundaries. While fatty cysts or skin tags elsewhere in the body technically fall into the tumor category, the situation within the brain tissue is a complete exception.

The skull is a closed, bony structure with a fixed volume in adults and no room for expansion. Brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels completely fill this closed box. Therefore, any mass growing inside the brain creates extra volume, putting pressure on healthy brain tissue. This condition, known as increased intracranial pressure, prevents the brain from performing its normal functions and, if left untreated, creates life-threatening risks such as respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Tumors can originate directly from brain cells or the membranes surrounding the brain (primary tumors), or they can form when cancerous cells from another part of the body, such as the lungs, breasts, or colon, spread to the brain through the bloodstream (secondary or metastatic tumors). In both scenarios, the growth rate of the mass, its location, and the patient's general health status are the primary factors determining the course of the disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of brain tumors is not fully understood, it is widely accepted that mutations in the DNA structure of cells initiate this process. Genetic predisposition, a family history of similar diseases, and exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation are among the most well-known risk factors. Looking at its prevalence in society, this disease is encountered in at least 3 out of every 100,000 people. The incidence rate is relatively higher in the Asian population and in men compared to women.

Age plays a determining role in the type of tumor. While malignant (cancerous) tumors generally appear more frequently during childhood or in individuals over 60, benign brain tumor cases are more common during young and middle adulthood. In women, cases of meningioma, a benign type, are more frequently encountered. Protecting brain health in advanced ages and noticing potential symptoms early is of great value.

Our article titled Forgetfulness or Vitamin Deficiency? Brain-Friendly Habits to Strengthen Your Memory, which examines the impact of healthy lifestyle habits on brain functions, offers information to support general brain health. Although it is not possible to completely prevent tumor development, being aware of the risk factors increases the chances of early diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

Brain tumor symptoms vary greatly from patient to patient depending on which part of the brain the mass is located in, its growth rate, and its size. Complaints that arise with the increase of pressure inside the skull generally start slowly and worsen over time. Sometimes, these symptoms can be confused with daily fatigue or stress, but if they persist, they must be taken seriously.

The most common symptoms encountered in the early and advanced stages of the disease include:

• Headaches that are particularly severe in the morning and do not respond to standard painkillers.
• Sudden, projectile vomiting attacks that occur without nausea.
• Speech disorders, difficulty putting words together, or trouble understanding.
• Vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, or narrowing of the peripheral visual field.
• Unilateral numbness, tingling, or significant loss of strength in the arms and legs.
• Epileptic seizures suddenly appearing in individuals with no prior history of seizures.
• Personality changes, sudden mood swings, and memory issues.

How Is It Diagnosed?

In diagnosing the disease, advanced radiological imaging methods come into play following a comprehensive neurological examination of the patient. A fully equipped Radiology and Imaging Center infrastructure is the gold standard for determining the exact location and structure of the mass. While standard Magnetic Resonance (MRI) imaging provides fundamental information about the anatomical structure of the brain, new technologies allow for the collection of detailed data regarding the metabolic and biochemical structure of the tumor. A CT angiography, performed by administering a contrast agent to the patient, clearly reveals the structure of the brain vessels and the lesion's relationship with them.

The advanced MRI imaging methods used in diagnosis include:

• Diffusion MRI: Measures the movement of water molecules in the tissue to determine cell density and gives an idea of whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
• DTI MRI (Tractography): Maps the neural pathways in the brain, ensuring the protection of vital nerve tracts during surgical intervention.
• Functional MRI: Maps out the surgery by showing the relationship of the tumor with the centers responsible for speech, vision, and movement.
• Perfusion MRI: Measures the blood supply level of the tumor; high blood supply generally indicates that the mass is aggressive in nature.
• MR Spectroscopy: Analyzes the chemical structure of the lesion, providing cellular-level information about the tumor type without the need for a biopsy.

What Are the Treatment Methods?

Brain tumor treatment is specially planned according to the patient's age, general health status, tumor type, size, and location. The cornerstone of treatment is generally surgical intervention, known as brain tumor surgery. The main goal of the surgical procedure is to safely remove the entire tumor or the largest possible portion of it without damaging healthy brain tissue. Microsurgical techniques and neuronavigation systems used during surgery allow the surgeon to work with millimetric precision.

While surgical intervention alone is often sufficient to achieve full recovery in benign lesions, additional treatments may be required after surgery for malignant tumors. At this stage, a multidisciplinary approach comes into play. After the removed tissue is examined in the pathology laboratory, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) and chemotherapy (drug therapy) processes are planned together with medical oncology and radiation oncology specialists.

After surgery, patients are generally monitored in the intensive care unit for 1-2 days, followed by 3-5 days in a standard ward. After discharge, a resting period at home begins, and it usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks for the patient to return to their daily routine. During this recovery process, physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists prepare specific exercise programs to help the patient regain muscle strength and mobility. Adjusting the diet and providing psychological support are also important factors that increase treatment success.

Complications and Risk Groups

Surgical procedures inside the skull and the very nature of the disease carry certain complication risks. Conditions such as edema (swelling) in the brain tissue, bleeding, or infection after surgery are among the rare but possible risks. For this reason, the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery are meticulously monitored in a fully equipped intensive care unit. Additionally, if the lesion is close to sensitive areas of the brain, neurological deficits such as temporary or permanent loss of strength, or difficulty speaking may occur.

In terms of risk groups, surgery and anesthesia risks are higher for elderly patients and individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart conditions. In cases seen during childhood, there is a risk that the developing brain tissue may be negatively affected by treatments like radiotherapy; therefore, treatment planning for pediatric patients is built on much more delicate balances. One of the biggest risks in malignant tumors is the possibility of the disease recurring (relapse). For this reason, it is a vital necessity for patients not to neglect their regular MRI check-ups once treatment is completed.

When to See a Doctor?

Because lesions in the brain tissue can progress insidiously, reading the body's signals correctly is highly critical. Especially if a headache of an unprecedented severity suddenly appears and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision, you should consult a healthcare facility without delay. Headaches that wake you up from sleep in the morning can be a typical indicator of increased intracranial pressure and should never be ignored.

If you experience any of the following emergencies, you should immediately call 112 for emergency assistance:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, or complete paralysis developing on one side of the body.
• Confusion, unresponsiveness to surroundings, or sudden fainting.
• Severe epileptic seizures with convulsions that the person has never experienced before.
• A sudden inability to speak or completely failing to understand what is being said.

Such sudden neurological deficits can be a harbinger not only of a tumor but also of other emergencies like a stroke. For detailed information on this topic, you can review our article titled Race Against Time: The Importance of First Response in Stroke Treatment for Brain Health.

The Process at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi

As BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we offer a patient-oriented service in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, in accordance with international JCI accreditation standards. In our Neurosurgery department, we ensure the early diagnosis of our patients with our team of expert physicians and our advanced technology imaging center. Every diagnosed patient is evaluated by a multidisciplinary council consisting of surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists to create the most accurate treatment plan.

In our hospital, pre- and post-operative processes are meticulously managed by our equipped intensive care units and experienced nursing staff. In addition to neurological treatments, our Dermatology department also provides support as part of our multidisciplinary structure in case of post-surgical scar care or if patients experience stress-induced skin reactions. Our 24/7 emergency department has the capacity to intervene immediately in sudden neurological crises. If you have any doubts about your health or wish to have your routine check-ups, you can easily book an appointment through our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a benign brain tumor turn into cancer?

The vast majority of benign tumors do not turn into cancer and tend to grow slowly. However, some rare tumor types can change character over time and take on a malignant structure. Therefore, even if they are benign, it is essential that they are kept under control with regular MRI follow-ups.

How many hours does brain tumor surgery take?

The duration of the surgery varies depending on the size of the mass, its location, and its relationship with the sensitive structures of the brain. While an average surgical intervention lasts between 3 and 6 hours, this time can be even longer in complex cases.

Is a headache always a symptom of a tumor?

No, the vast majority of headaches are caused by more innocent reasons such as migraines, tension-type headaches, or sinusitis. However, if the pain is progressively worsening, if you wake up vomiting in the mornings, and if painkillers are not working, a detailed neurological examination may be required.

Are brain tumors genetic?

Although a direct genetic transmission is not detected in the majority of cases, the risk is higher in families with certain hereditary syndromes such as Neurofibromatosis. It is beneficial for individuals with a history of multiple similar cases in their family to receive genetic counseling and undergo routine screenings.

Does mobile phone use cause brain tumors?

Scientific research has not been able to prove a definitive and direct cause-and-effect relationship between mobile phone use and the development of brain tumors. Nevertheless, it is recommended to take simple precautions, such as using earphones, to protect against the potential effects of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields.

This article is for informational purposes only; please be sure to consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.