A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. These growths can be classified into two main types:
Benign Brain Tumors: These are non-cancerous growths that typically grow slowly and are less likely to invade surrounding brain tissues. Despite being non-cancerous, they can still cause significant health issues due to their location and pressure on surrounding brain structures.
Malignant Brain Tumors: These are cancerous growths that tend to grow more quickly and may invade or spread to surrounding brain tissues. Malignant brain tumors can originate in the brain (primary brain tumors) or spread to the brain from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic brain tumors).
Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, difficulty with balance or coordination, cognitive or memory issues, and personality changes. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.