Tumors on the head or brain tumors

Tumors on the head or brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells that occur in or around the brain. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Here’s a breakdown to help you understand them:

Types of Brain/Head Tumors

Primary brain tumors
Originate in the brain or nearby tissues (meninges, cranial nerves, pituitary gland)

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size, type, and location:

1. Persistent headaches, especially worse in the morning

Seizures

1. Nausea or vomiting

2. Vision or hearing problems

3. Difficulty with balance or coordination

4. Memory loss, confusion, personality changes

5. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Diagnosis

• Neurological exam

• MRI or CT scan

• Biopsy (surgical or needle)

• PET scan (sometimes)

• Lumbar puncture (for certain types)

Treatment Options

Depends on tumor type, location, and patient’s health:

• Surgery – to remove or reduce tumor size

• Radiation therapy – to kill cancer cells

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (for certain cancers)

• Steroids – to reduce swelling

• Palliative care – to manage symptoms and improve quality of life

Prognosis

• Varies greatly: some benign tumors are fully curable, while some aggressive malignant tumors (like glioblastoma) have poor outcomes even with treatment.

• Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.