Brain and spinal tumors

Brain and spinal cord tumors refer to a mass of abnormal cells in the brain or spinal cord that have either grown out of control into a new one or the growth was there when the person was born. It forms in the tissue inside the brain or spinal cord, that make up for the Central Nervous System.

A growing tumor may not cause any symptoms or can kill or disrupt any bodily functions. A tumor can move and block the flow of blood and other fluids, causing pain. It can also block the normal flow of activity in the brain or signal to and from the brain.

Causes & Risks

• Brain and spine tumors can develop due to various factors, and while the exact causes are often unknown, certain risk factors might increase the likelihood of their occurrence.

• Sometimes, genetic mutations or inherited conditions may contribute to an increased risk of brain and spine tumors. Genetic disorders such as tuberous sclerosis, are associated with an elevated risk of tumor development.

• Previous exposure to radiation, either from radiation therapy used to treat other conditions or from environmental sources, can raise the risk of tumors.

• While these tumors can occur at any age, certain types are more common in specific age groups.

• A family history of brain or spine tumors can increase the risk of developing these tumors, especially in cases where there is a history of specific genetic syndromes associated with tumor predisposition.

• Exposure to specific chemicals in the environment can increase the risk of developing brain and spine tumors, although the direct link to specific tumors might vary.

Treatment

• A Neuro-oncologist, who is a neurologist or oncologist, specialising in tumors of the Central Nervous System.

• A Neurologist – a doctor specialising in Central nervous system disorders alone.

• A Neuroradiologist, who specialises in the CNS and is trained in reading diagnostic imaging results.

• A Pathologist – a clinical doctor who checks for diseases of cells, using laboratory tests.

• A Neurosurgeon is a brain or spinal cord surgeon. Specialised training in the removal of central nervous system tumors may have been completed.

• A radiation oncologist – a doctor who specialises in performing radiation therapy to treat cancer.

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