Breakthroughs in Brain Tumor Diagnosis: Latest Techniques

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Breakthroughs in Brain Tumor Diagnosis: Latest Techniques and Technologies

Brain tumor diagnosis refers to the identification of abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. They may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) in nature. Regardless of whether brain tumors are cancerous or not, they can affect your brain function and overall health if they grow into a large size to press the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissue.

Detection of small brain tumors that do not have any symptoms can be quite challenging and, therefore, most brain tumors are detected only when they become much larger in size and start showing symptoms. 

Various brain tumor diagnosis /diagnostic tests help a doctor detect brain tumors and manage the condition better. However, the complex structure of the brain and different types of brain tumors that may be present can make the diagnosis of brain tumors difficult. Recent advances in diagnostic technologies and techniques have helped in an accurate and early diagnosis of brain tumors.

In this article, we will be discussing the various methods that can help in the diagnosis of brain tumors.

What are the different types of brain tumors?

What are the causes of brain tumors?

What are the risk factors for brain tumor development?

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

How to diagnose brain tumors?

What is the treatment for brain tumors?

What are the different types of brain tumors?

Brain tumors are of many different types. Brain tumor diagnosis of the type of brain tumor the patient is having, so that the doctor can prepare an appropriate treatment plan for the condition, is important. 

Following are the most common types of brain tumors :

• Glioma
• Choroid plexus tumor
• Embryonal tumor, like medulloblastoma
• Germ cell tumor
• Pineal tumor
• Meningioma
• Nerve tumor, like schwannoma
• Pituitary tumor
• Other brain tumors

What are the causes of brain tumors?

The exact cause of brain tumor development is not known. Research says that a brain tumor develops when some genes in the chromosomes of a cell get damaged and no longer work properly, but why this happens is not quite known.

When the DNA of the brain cell changes, the brain develops abnormal brain cells that grow and multiply at a faster rate than normal brain cells, leading to the formation of a brain tumor.

What are the risk factors for brain tumor development?

Certain factors are thought to increase the risk of developing brain tumors and hence brain tumor diagnosis. 

These factors include the following:

• Older adults and children
• Radiation exposure
• Inherited syndromes
• Family history of brain tumor
• History of cancer treatment

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

Some patients may experience no symptoms associated with a brain tumor that is small in size. 

The symptoms may however vary in different patients based on the type, size, and location of the tumor present. 

The common symptoms associated with a brain tumor are:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Changes in personality
• Difficulty in speaking, thinking, or understanding
• Paralysis in a part of the body
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Hearing problems
• Vision problems
• Tingling or numbness sensation on the face
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation

How to diagnose brain tumors?

If your doctor suspects that you may have a brain tumor based on your symptoms and history, a few diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm the brain tumor diagnosis. 

Advances in diagnostic techniques and technology can help identify the exact type, location, and size of your tumor to help prepare an accurate treatment plan for you.

The diagnostic tests recommended may include the following:

Neurological examination: The test includes checking the patient’s vision, hearing, coordination, balance, reflexes, and strength. Although the test does not detect brain tumors, it helps the doctor understand which part of the patient’s brain is having some sort of problem.

Imaging tests: These tests help the doctor view the inside of the brain and may include the following:

• CT (computed tomography) scan: The procedure involves obtaining a series of detailed images of areas inside the body by taking X-rays from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine.
• PET (positron emission tomography) scan: A small quantity of radioactive tracer or glucose is injected into a vein. The PET scanner will then rotate around the body as the tracer travels through the blood and gets attached to the brain tumor cells. The cells that are rapidly dividing and multiplying will take up more of the tracer and appear brighter in the images obtained.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This procedure involves injecting a dye into the vein to obtain clear images of the tumor cells using a magnet, a computer, and radio waves.
• Advanced MRI: Certain advanced MRI techniques can help determine how close the tumor is to the critical areas in the brain and the identification of some important tumor characteristics. These techniques include the following:

• fMRI (functional MRI): It helps map those areas of the brain that help in performing important functions like speech and movement. It also helps measure the flow of blood and activity throughout the brain.
• Perfusion MRI: The grade and blood volume of the brain tumor can be determined through this MRI.
• MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy): It helps provide information about the brain’s chemical composition. It acts as a biomarker to determine the progression and growth of the tumor.
• DTI (diffusion tensor imaging): It helps in checking the cellular structure and nature of the brain tumor.

• Diagnostic angiogram: A contrast dye is first injected into the main blood vessels of the patient’s head and X-rays are taken to see if there is a blockage in any blood vessel.
• Myelogram: Problems in the spinal cord can be detected using a contrast dye and X-rays.

Biopsy: If the imaging tests confirm the presence of a brain tumor, a biopsy is usually performed. It involves the removal of a small piece of tumor tissue and sending it to a laboratory to check the type of tumor present.

Spinal tap or lumbar puncture: The procedure involves using a needle to obtain tumor markers or biomarkers in fluids like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. These biomarkers help the doctor detect tumors, monitor their progress, and response to treatment. 

AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning: AI and machine learning algorithms can help in the detection of any abnormalities in the images obtained by imaging tests, surgical planning, and identification of potential drug combinations that could be effective against certain types of brain tumors.

What is the treatment for brain tumors?

The type of treatment performed for brain tumors, after brain tumor diagnosis will vary depending on the type and size of the tumor present, the location of the tumor, the number of tumors present, the age of the patient, and the general health of the patient.

The various treatment options for brain tumors include the following:

• Brain surgery or craniotomy: The surgeon will carefully remove the tumor by performing surgery. Know all about brain tumor surgery, cost of brain tumor surgery in Mumbai at the best hospitals in Mumbai. 
• Radiation therapy: High doses of X-ray beams are used to either kill the brain tumor cells or shrink their size before surgery. Also know about the cost of gamma knife radiosurgery in Mumbai. 
• Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are either given orally or injected into a vein to kill the brain cancer cells. The procedure may be recommended after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Immunotherapy: The patient’s immune system is stimulated using certain medications to help fight the cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Certain drugs are recommended to target specific features in the cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.

We hope that we were able to answer all your questions regarding brain tumor diagnosis through this article.

If you want more information about brain tumor diagnosis and treatment, you can contact a good Neurologist.

We only aim to give you information through the article and do not recommend any medication or treatment in any way. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice.