The central nervous system controls the entire body, from movement and sensation to thought processes and behaviour. Any disturbance in its functioning can lead to serious consequences, especially if they are caused by brain cancer. In its early stages, this disease often masquerades as a less serious condition. Headaches, weakness or mild malaise can easily be attributed to stress, fatigue or overwork, making it difficult to recognise the problem in time. However, it’s important to be able to recognise the early signs of illness so that you don’t miss out on precious time and start treatment at a stage when it will be most effective. In this article, we will tell you how not to miss the development of a tumour and what you should pay attention to.
Why do brain tumours appear?
According to the Global Cancer Observatory’s 2020 statistics, central nervous system (CNS) cancer accounts for 1.9% of all cancers, ranking 19th in incidence and 12th in mortality. In the European Region, new cases are expected to increase to 85,000 new cases and nearly 70,000 deaths by 2030. This exceeds the figures of 2015 when 82,000 new cases and 58,000 deaths from this pathology were registered.
The causes of CNS cancers are not fully understood, but researchers have identified several factors that may increase the risk:
Genetic changes and heredity | The main cause of tumours is mutations in the DNA of cells. These changes can activate genes that stimulate the growth of abnormal cells or inhibit genes that control cell division processes and prevent uncontrolled cell growth.
In addition, people with inherited diseases have an increased risk of developing neoplasms of the central nervous system. Such diseases include neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Having relatives with brain cancer also increases the likelihood of the disease, although such cases are rare.
Some mutations in brain cells occur during a person’s lifetime and are not inherited. The causes of these changes are not always clear, but these are often random processes occurring in the cells. |
Effects of radiation | Radiotherapy is considered one of the most important risk factors for malignant neoplasms in the head. Radiation therapy received early can trigger tumour development years or even decades later.
Evidence of increased risk from medical procedures with low doses of radiation (CT scans or X-rays) is mixed, but for safety reasons, it is recommended to avoid frequent use of these tests unnecessarily, especially in children. |
Age and gender | Although cancer can affect a person at any age, there is a definite pattern. For example, glioblastomas are more common in adults and the elderly, while medulloblastomas are more common in children. This is due to the peculiarities of the organism at different stages of life. Also, different neoplasms affect men or women to a greater or lesser extent – gliomas are more often found in men, and meningiomas in women. |
Weakened immune system | People with HIV/AIDS or after organ transplantation have an increased risk of developing cancer due to a weakened immune system. |
Use of mobile phones | Some scientists have suggested a possible link between prolonged use of mobile phones and an increased risk of developing CNS tumours, but most large studies have not confirmed this link. |
Electromagnetic fields | Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields (e.g. from power lines) have not provided clear evidence of a link with brain cancer. |
Chemicals | Exposure to vinyl chloride, petroleum products and other toxic compounds has been suggested to be linked to the development of brain tumours, but the scientific evidence is inconclusive. |
Viral infections | The effect of viruses on the development of cancer is being investigated, but there is not yet enough evidence to confirm this risk. |
If you would like to find out more about cancer diagnosis in a foreign clinic, the MediGlobus coordinator is available to help answer all your questions. We will provide up-to-date information about the clinics where you can be screened.
What complaints appear in the early stage of brain cancer?
When a tumour develops in the head, there is an increase in intracranial pressure, which is manifested by headaches that get worse over time. Of particular concern should be pain in the head in the morning or accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Such pains occur in half of the patients.
Dr Shiao-Pei Weathers, associate professor of neuro-oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, says: ‘Potentially worrisome signs could be headaches that last for days or weeks (especially if you rarely have headaches), or headaches that are accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling or vision changes.’
In addition, dizziness, loss of consciousness and epileptic seizures are common symptoms of brain cancer. A person may also experience double vision, impaired peripheral vision or blurred sight. In the initial stages, there may be problems with coordination of movements and impaired fine motor skills. Changes in the psycho-emotional state are also not uncommon. The patient may become irritable, depressed or apathetic. In more severe cases, high intracranial pressure causes drowsiness and even coma.
Specific symptoms in CNS tumours
Depending on where in the brain the tumour develops, more specific signs appear.
In the large hemispheres, there are zones responsible for the functions of movement, sensitivity and speech. Their injury leads to weakness or numbness on one side of the body and difficulty in understanding or pronouncing words. If the front part of the brain is affected, there may be problems with thinking, and changes in behaviour and personality.
When the tumour affects the cerebellum, the person may have difficulty coordinating movements, impaired gait, impaired fine motor skills, impaired speech rhythm and swallowing problems. If the neoplasm is located in the area of cranial nerves, there may be deterioration of vision, hearing loss, and weakness of facial muscles.
The lesion of the pituitary gland usually causes hormonal disruptions that lead to changes in weight, metabolism and disruption of the overall functioning of internal organs. Spinal cord tumours cause loss of sensation and weakness in the arms or legs, as well as bladder and bowel disorders.
Although most tumours cause common symptoms, some have their distinctive features. Glioblastoma is often accompanied by severe morning headaches and weakness in one side of the body. Meningioma can lead to behavioural changes and visual disturbances, while craniopharyngioma in children can lead to developmental delays and hormonal disturbances. A pituitary adenoma is characterised by hormonal disruptions and visual impairment.
What diseases can brain cancer be confused with?
Some diseases can mimic the symptoms of brain cancer. It is therefore recommended to see a doctor if there are any abnormalities. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis and determine the cause of the symptoms.
Frequent or severe headaches may be the result of migraine, which is accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light.
Multiple sclerosis has a similar symptomatology to CNS cancer. The disease is characterised by severe weakness, difficulty with balance, numbness or tingling in the body, problems with speech and vision, frequent mood swings, and depression.
A stroke usually develops rapidly and its symptoms appear suddenly. There is a sharp deterioration of speech, weakness or numbness of one side of the body, and problems with coordination. Stroke requires immediate medical attention.
Meningitis and other central nervous system infections can cause headaches, vomiting, and changes in consciousness and require immediate medical attention.
Depression and anxiety disorders are accompanied by fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive impairment, which can sometimes resemble the manifestation of cancer.
The importance of early diagnosis
Symptoms in CNS lesions can go unnoticed for a long time or be misinterpreted, which delays diagnosis and, consequently, therapy. When they appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. This will make it possible to establish the correct diagnosis and start treatment. Therapy at an early stage gives a higher chance of recovery and minimises complications.
The survival rate of brain cancer patients depends on many factors including the type and stage of the tumour, age, treatment methods used and the presence of comorbidities. It is important to understand that the prognoses presented are based on general statistics for all types of brain cancers. However, each case is unique and survival rates may vary from patient to patient depending on individual characteristics.
Studies show that patients who have had brain cancer diagnosed at an early stage have a significantly higher 5-year survival rate. For example:
If the neoplasm is confined to the primary site, the overall 5-year survival rate is 35,1%.
Those whose cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes have an overall survival rate of 20,5%.
In patients with metastases to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis, the overall 5-year survival rate is 30%.
Also, survival varies according to the type of tumour. For example:
Glioblastoma (grade 4 malignancy) – the 5-year survival rate is 5,7%.
For astrocytomas, the most common type of glioma, the survival rate is as high as 43,6%.
Other gliomas – 5-year survival rates can be as high as 73,9%.
Diagnosis of a brain tumour
History and physical examination | At the consultation, the doctor will ask questions about your medical history, focusing on the manifestations and timing of symptoms. Brain function will also be tested – reflexes, muscle strength, vision, eye and mouth movements, coordination, balance, etc. If abnormalities are found, a neurologist or neurosurgeon may need to be consulted for a more detailed examination and additional tests. |
Visualisation tests | Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive method for studying the brain. It provides detailed images that help to identify abnormalities and assess their nature. MRI is more effective than CT in visualising soft tissue but may be less accurate in imaging the bony structures of the skull. Computed tomography (CT) is used when MRI is not available, such as for claustrophobic or overweight patients. Positron emission tomography is used to detect tumour activity and help determine if a tumour is malignant. Ultrasound and chest X-ray is used to assess other organs, as many brain tumours can metastasise from other organs (such as the lungs). |
Biopsy | Biopsies are performed in two ways:
Needle biopsy is used to obtain a tissue sample of a neoplasm using a fine needle. This method is used if surgery is contraindicated. Open biopsy (craniotomy). If the tumour is to be removed, surgery is performed to remove part or all of it. In this case, some of the tissue is examined in the operating theatre for a quick preliminary diagnosis. |
Laboratory tests | Once a tissue sample (from a biopsy) has been obtained, a pathohistological examination is performed to determine the characteristics of the neoplasm. Molecular genetic tests may also be performed to detect changes in genes necessary to decide on prognosis and treatment choices. |
Lumbar puncture | This test is used to analyse the liquor for the presence of cancer cells. The doctor takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid using a needle inserted into the lower back. The resulting liquor is sent for analysis. |
Each of the diagnostic methods complements each other, allowing you to get a complete picture of the patient’s condition and choose the best treatment strategy. It is important to contact an experienced specialist in a clinic that has all the necessary technology to make an accurate diagnosis. Contact MediGlobus, we will help you find the best option for you and assist you with travel arrangements.
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Summary
Malignant brain tumours cause neurological impairment and affect motor, cognitive and sensory functions. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2020, brain cancer accounts for about 1.9% of all malignant diseases worldwide.
Factors that can increase the risk of the disease include genetic mutations, inherited diseases, and exposure to radiation, such as after radiation therapy. In addition, people with weakened immune systems also have an increased risk of getting the disease.
Symptoms can be non-specific and depend on the localisation of the focus of pathology. Among the most common signs are headaches that intensify in the morning or when changing the position of the body, as well as attacks of nausea and vomiting without obvious causes. Often, patients also experience seizures, vision changes, and problems with coordination and balance. Behavioural disturbances, apathy or depression can also be early signals of the disease.
The symptoms of brain cancer can be similar to those of migraine, stroke and some other diseases. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis.
Persistent headaches, seizures, and sudden vision changes may indicate early signs of a tumour in the head. Diagnostics can determine whether these symptoms are due to a neoplasm in the brain or caused by other causes. MRI, CT, and PET scans are used for accurate diagnosis to help identify the mass, and determine its size and localisation. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to clarify the diagnosis and plan optimal treatment.
Early diagnosis of brain cancer is critical for successful treatment and increased chances of recovery. Contact MediGlobus for professional medical care and diagnostic guidance. Our coordinators will help you choose the best clinics and treatments, ensuring that each patient receives personalised care.
Sources:
- 1. International patterns and trends in the brain cancer incidence and mortality: An observational study based on the global burden of disease
Ilic, Irena et al. Heliyon, Volume 9, Issue 7, e18222 - 2. American Cancer Society: Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults
- 3. Global Cancer Observatory
- 4. National Cancer Institute: Cancer Stat Facts: Brain and Other Nervous System Cancer
- 5. NHS: Brain tumours
- 6. MedicalNewsToday: What are the early symptoms of a brain tumor?
- 7. National Brain Tumor Society: Signs & Symptoms