Brain tumors are hard to spot: These subtle signs could save your life
Brain tumors can often go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage. According to the National Library of Medicine, in India, 40,000-50,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumor every year.
This surprising statistic shows the importance of early detection and the need for timely medical intervention. Still, brain tumor remains among the most challenging conditions to diagnose early, primarily because of the nonspecific and unclear symptoms. Understanding why tumors go undetected until later stages and recognizing the initial warning signs can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
Why do brain tumors go unnoticed?
Brain tumors are characterized by symptoms such as unexplained nausea, frequent headaches, dizziness, seizures, loss of balance, vision impairment, and changes in speech patterns, among other cognitive and behavioural changes. These signs are non-specific, and may think of as stress, hormonal fluctuations, environmental changes, or lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep. This often leads people to overlook them as early warning signs for a serious medical condition.
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The symptoms of a brain tumor are progressive, which means that they worsen over time. So, they are detected only when the discomfort becomes unbearable. In many cases, tumors grow slowly. This allows the brain to adapt and live with the pain. Symptoms also vary according to the size of the tumor and its location in the brain. Sometimes, symptoms remain masked until the tumor expands enough to cause noticeable changes.
What are the warning signs of Brain Tumor?
It is extremely important to recognize the following early warning signs and consult a specialist timely:
Persistent or worsening headaches, especially those that feel deep-seated or cause extreme pain
Vision problems like blurriness or double vision. Squinting is common among children
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Frequent seizures without a history of epilepsy
Brain fog, memory issues, and other personality changes
Weakness or numbness in the limbs
Lack of coordination and difficulty in balancing
Slurred speech or changes in speaking patterns
Sudden hormonal fluctuations may manifest as weight gain or irregular periods
What are the treatment options available?
The key to effective treatment is early detection. Be aware of unexplained or sudden bodily or cognitive changes, as these may indicate a brain tumor. Imaging procedures like MRI and CT scans help to detect tumors in their emerging stages, often even before the symptoms become noticeable. Further, they also enable specialists to gain insights about the exact size, location, and grade of the tumor.
Once detected, technologies like focused craniotomy, radiation therapy, and radiosurgery are used to treat the condition.
Brain tumors are not always aggressive, but early diagnosis can help with timely treatment options and improve long-term outcomes. Being vigilant about unexplained, persistent symptoms, even ones that seem minor, can make a vast difference.
Dr Anurag Saxena, Cluster Head Delhi / NCR - Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
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