Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of brain tumours is often unknown. Some factors that may increase risk include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Exposure to radiation
• Family history of brain tumours
• Certain rare inherited conditions

Most brain tumours occur without any identifiable cause.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a brain tumour involves:

• Medical History and Neurological Exam – To assess symptoms and neurological function.
• Vision and hearing evaluation
• Imaging Tests – MRI scans are commonly used to detect and determine the size and location of tumours.
• PET scan – Sometimes to rule out non-tumorous pathology or metastasis
• Biopsy – Sometimes, a small tissue sample is taken to determine the type of tumour.

Early diagnosis helps guide effective treatment and improves outcomes.

Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the tumour’s type, size, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options include:

• Surgery – To remove as much of the tumour as possible for biopsy and relief of symptoms.
• Radiation Therapy – To target tumour cells and shrink tumours as an adjuvant after surgery or for small benign tumours.
• Chemotherapy – Use of drugs to kill cancer cells as an adjuvant therapy.
• Targeted Therapies and Clinical Trials – Newer treatments based on tumour genetics.

Each treatment plan is personalised based on individual needs.