Brain Tumors

The growth of abnormal cells during the regeneration of brain cells, resulting in a mass, is referred to as a brain tumor. Brain tumors can be seen in individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and they cause pressure within the skull. This pressure can prevent the brain from performing its functions properly, leading to various symptoms in patients. One of the most significant symptoms, observed in approximately 60% of patients, is severe and prolonged headache.

Although the factors causing brain tumors are still under investigation, some known contributing factors include:
- Genetics
- Exposure to radiation and various carcinogenic chemicals
- Infections, especially HIV
- Smoking
- Cell phone use (suspected but not yet proven)

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified brain tumors into seven main categories, with over 30 different types under these categories. This distinction is important because not all tumors within the brain are related to the nervous system. Some tumors can originate from other abnormal cells, blood vessels, the meninges (brain membrane), or other body areas outside the brain.

Brain tumors are primarily categorized into primary and secondary (metastatic) tumors. Tumors that originate and spread within any part of the brain tissue are called primary tumors. The most common types of primary tumors include gliomas, arising from glial cells, and meningiomas.

Cancer cells from other organs such as the stomach, lungs, or intestines can reach the brain through blood vessels, forming new cancerous cells in the brain, known as secondary tumors or metastases.

Brain tumor diagnosis involves imaging techniques, patients' medical history, and neurological examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and brain tomography are the primary methods used for diagnosis. MRI provides information about the brain's anatomical and biochemical structure and helps determine the tumor's size, shape, and location. In some cases, angiography, brain scans, CT scans, and biopsies are also employed. Pathological examinations confirm the brain tumor diagnosis.

Nowadays, highly successful surgical operations aim to remove part or all of the tumors. These surgical procedures include biopsy and microsurgery aided by a microscope. Biopsies, performed with a needle near the tumor, are primarily used to determine the tumor type. Microsurgery is generally used to remove the entire tumor, reduce intracranial pressure, and eliminate symptoms caused by the tumor.