RECOGNIZE THE EARLY SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN TUMOR

Brain tumors arise as a result of the abnormal growth of the brain cells themselves (primary tumors) or are the result of the spread of tumors from other organs (secondary tumors). Brain tumors both primary and secondary can occur in various age ranges, the elderly and children, in both men and women. The cause of primary brain tumors is due to genetic changes or mutations in brain cells themselves, where the cause of this genetic mutation is still unknown. However, there are several factors that can result in the risk of brain tumors, including heredity and a history of radiotherapy. Family members suffering from brain tumors can pass on genes to their offspring so a person is particularly at risk of suffering from a brain tumor. Radiotherapy can cause a person's genes to become susceptible to mutate.

Symptoms of a brain tumor vary depending on the location of the tumor, the size, and the speed at which the tumor grows. Tumors that are small in size usually do not cause symptoms or only have mild symptoms. In contrast, tumors are large and rapidly growing, giving rise to the most frequent symptoms of headaches, nausea, and vomiting, or seizures. Prolonged headache is one of the hallmarks of brain tumor symptoms, usually not improving with the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs.

These symptoms are the most frequent symptoms and are closely related to the increased pressure inside the head due to tumors. If the tumor is located close to the nerve of vision and presses on the nerve, complaints will arise in the form of visual impairment (blindness). If the tumor is in an area close to the regulating nerve of the limb, the complaint that arises is paralysis. In addition, brain tumors can also show psychologically related symptoms, for example: easy forgetting, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, as well as mood disorders.

The diagnosis of brain tumors by doctors is carried out by imaging (CT Scan or MRI) to see the location and size of the tumor. Then a tumor tissue biopsy is performed. The tumor tissue will be examined and viewed under a microscope by an anatomical pathologist to determine the type of tumor is benign or malignant. Malignant tumors usually grow faster and the symptoms caused are more severe. Meanwhile, benign tumors grow more slowly and their symptoms get worse. Even if the tumor is benign or malignant, it still endangers the patient because it is located in a vital area.

Determining the type of brain tumor is very important, as it relates to subsequent management and can predict the severity of the disease (prognosis). If the tumor is small or low stage, surgery can be performed, usually followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the type of tumor. But in advanced tumors, surgery is usually difficult.