Types & treatments of brain tumors among kids
What is a brain tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass or group of abnormal cells, which starts outgrowing in the human body. In case the tumor gives pressure on particular areas of the brain, it can start affecting the other parts of the body. Early detection ensures complete cure as slow growing tumors can be cured with surgery alone, while other fast-growing tumors need chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
It is very important for parents to look into this matter seriously and consult a pediatric neurosurgeon in Bangalore in case the child complains or shows following signs and symptoms that could point to a potential brain tumor:
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Headache
- Speech, hearing and vision changes
- Sleepiness
- Seizures
- Balance Problems
- Personality Changes
- Increase in size of the head
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
What are the different types of a brain tumor?
1. Low grade tumor vs. high-grade tumor:
Low-grade tumors are slow growing while high-grade tumor grows rapidly and is cancerous at the same time. The possibility of re-occurrence of high-grade tumor post-treatment is high. Moreover, it can also invade or spread in nearby tissues and other parts of the body.
2. Localised vs. Invasive:
A localized tumor is one that is confined in a particular area of the brain. It can be easily removed and treated. An invasive tumor spreads in the other surrounding areas of the brain and is difficult to eradicate it completely.
3. Primary vs Secondary:
The emergence of primary tumor starts in the brain itself. Secondary tumors are made up of those cells that are metasized and have emerged from other parts of the body. Usually, kids are detected with p rimary brain tumor.
What are the different diagnosis and treatments of a brain tumor?
If the child has been suspected of having a brain tumor, then the doctors recommend a series of tests to aid diagnosis and further help in suggesting treatment options.
- Neurological exam
- Imaging tests
- Biopsy
- Precision medicine diagnosis
- Tests to check if cancer has spread
The following are the different treatments of brain tumor among kids:
- Surgery
- Traditional radiation therapy
- Proton beam therapy
- Radiosurgery
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
Consult an experienced pediatric neurosurgeon in Bangalore who can help you with the suitable treatment for the kid. It is indeed unfortunate to see a child going through the harsh effects of a brain tumor. The life of a child changes to a great extent and might affect his/her journey ahead. Hence, it is very important for parents to take due care of different signs or symptoms of brain tumor and meet the doctors as early as possible in order to eradicate and treat the tumor at a nascent stage itself.
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