Brain Tumour Symptoms: Early Diagnosis and Modern Treatment Methods
The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It controls all our movements, emotions, and thoughts. So, what happens when uncontrolled cell growth starts in this vital organ? We call this condition a brain tumour. Many people naturally feel worried when they face this diagnosis. However, modern medical technology makes early diagnosis crucial. Personalised treatment approaches significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak and his team successfully use the latest developments in neurosurgery. They offer effective and hopeful solutions to their patients.
What is a Brain Tumour and How Does It Form?
A brain tumour is a mass formed by the uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells inside the skull. Tumours originate from various structures such as brain tissue, nerves, or membranes. These abnormal growths increase the pressure within the skull. Increased pressure then impairs brain functions, leading to symptoms.
Specialists usually divide tumours into two main groups.
- Primary Brain Tumours: These tumours originate directly from the brain cells. For example, gliomas belong to this group.
- Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumours: Cancer from another part of the body (like lung or breast) spreads to the brain. Secondary tumours are common in adults.
Benign tumours grow slowly. They do not tend to spread to surrounding tissue. However, their location can cause serious problems. Malignant tumours, in contrast, grow rapidly. Furthermore, they show a tendency to spread into the brain tissue. Knowing this distinction directs the treatment plan.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Brain Tumour?
Brain tumour symptoms depend on which area of the brain the tumour presses upon. Therefore, every patient shows different symptoms. Nevertheless, some common signs shed light on the condition.
Key Neurological Symptoms
A severe headache is usually the first noticeable symptom. Moreover, these headaches are often very different from the person’s usual pattern. Head pain typically gets worse in the mornings. It also increases in intensity with coughing or bending over. The headache resisting painkillers is another important sign.
Patients often report unexplained nausea and vomiting. This vomiting usually occurs alongside the headache.
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Schedule your consultation with Dr. Albayrak today and start your journey towards better health.
Other Changes to Note
- Seizures (Epilepsy): A sudden onset of seizures in someone who has never had one is a vital clue.
- Loss of Balance and Coordination: The person struggles with walking or finds it difficult to stand.
- Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of visual field may appear.
- Speech Difficulties: The patient struggles to find words. They may also have trouble understanding speech.
- Loss of Strength: Weakness or numbness may occur on one side of the body.
Mental and Behavioural Changes
Changes appear if the tumour settles in areas of the brain responsible for personality, memory, and decision-making. Forgetfulness, poor concentration, and distinct personality changes can occur. Relatives of the patient usually notice these differences.
Important Information: Many of these symptoms relate to other conditions. However, if your symptoms are severe, constant, and progressive, you should consult a neurosurgery specialist immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors for Brain Tumour Formation
Specialists generally cannot fully explain the definite cause of brain tumours. Most cases occur without any clear reason. Nevertheless, some risk factors increase the likelihood of tumour development.
- Radiation Exposure: High-dose ionising radiation to the head area increases the risk. Exposure during childhood is especially important.
- Genetic Syndromes: Hereditary diseases like Neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome increase the risk. A family history of tumours is also a factor.
- Age: Tumours occur in every age group. However, some types are more common in children or the elderly.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, elevate the risk.
Scientific evidence remains insufficient for common concerns like stress or mobile phone use. Researchers continue their studies on these matters.
The Definitive Diagnosis Process
Accurate diagnosis marks the first step in creating a successful treatment plan. Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak carefully records all of the patient’s complaints. He then conducts a comprehensive neurological examination. We use diagnostic imaging techniques during this process.
Advanced Imaging Methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This is the most sensitive and most frequently used method for diagnosing brain tumours. It clearly shows the tumour’s location, size, and relationship with surrounding tissues.
- Computerised Tomography (CT): We use this to provide additional information for emergency diagnosis or surgical planning.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): This assesses the tumour’s proximity to language and motor centres.
Confirming the Diagnosis: Biopsy
Imaging results show us the presence of a tumour. However, we perform a biopsy to determine if it is benign or malignant. During the biopsy, we take a small sample from the tumour tissue. The pathology laboratory meticulously examines this sample. This helps us determine the exact type of tumour.
Brain Tumour Treatment Options
Brain tumour treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs. We create the treatment plan based on the tumour’s type, location, size, and the patient’s overall health. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental in this process. Neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology specialists work collaboratively.
Safe Surgery with Microsurgery
Surgery is the primary treatment method for many tumour types. The operation aims to remove the tumour tissue to the highest extent possible. Modern technology utilises microsurgery and neuronavigation systems. These systems make surgery safer. In cases where the tumour is close to critical areas, we may use advanced techniques like awake craniotomy. This technique allows us to protect the brain’s critical functions during the operation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Albayrak today and start your journey towards better health.
Advanced Treatment Modalities
- Radiotherapy (Radiation Treatment): We use this to destroy remaining tumour cells after surgery. Sometimes it is effective on its own.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: We apply high-dose radiation precisely focused on small, well-defined tumours. This method effectively serves as a “scalpel-less” operation.
- Chemotherapy: This is drug treatment we use particularly for malignant tumours.
- Targeted Therapies: These are medications specifically designed for the tumour’s genetic makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We answer the most common questions our patients ask about brain tumours from an expert perspective.
The tumour puts pressure on the areas of the brain that control movement and balance (such as the cerebellum). As a result of this pressure, patients experience a loss of balance. Walking problems occur if the tumour affects the area controlling the muscles on the opposite side of the body. Physiotherapy helps alleviate these problems.
We can completely remove benign tumours with surgery. The patient’s chance of recovery is very high in this case. For malignant tumours, treatment aims to bring the disease under control. Our goal is to extend the patient’s life span and maintain their quality of life.
Brain tumours vary depending on their type. Primary brain tumours (gliomas) rarely spread outside the brain. However, metastatic brain tumours (secondary) travel to the brain from elsewhere in the body. Lung, breast, melanoma, and kidney cancers most frequently spread to the brain.
It is impossible to give a definite timeframe for this question. The duration depends on the tumour type, treatment success, and the patient’s response. Glioblastoma (the most common and aggressive type) generally shows shorter survival periods. However, new treatment options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy extend survival. Each patient’s situation is unique.
Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak: Expertise and Trust
A brain tumour diagnosis initiates a complex and challenging process for patients. Guidance from an expert physician holds great importance during this sensitive time. Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak possesses many years of experience in the field of neurosurgery. He also demonstrates proficiency in advanced surgical techniques.
Why Should You Choose Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak?
Our professor meticulously analyses each patient’s condition. He creates personalised treatment plans specific to the tumour’s type and location.
- Advanced Surgical Expertise: Prof. Dr. Albayrak utilises the latest technologies such as microsurgery and neuronavigation. These techniques significantly increase the success and safety of the operation.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Our professor constantly collaborates with radiation oncology and medical oncology specialists. This allows him to offer holistic treatment to his patients.
- Patient-Centred Care: He understands the anxieties of patients and their families during the diagnosis and treatment process. He always provides patients with open communication and support.
Take the First Step Today
If you or a loved one suspects a brain tumour, do not delay. Early diagnosis fundamentally changes treatment outcomes. Book an appointment with Prof. Dr. Serdar Baki Albayrak to begin your diagnostic process in the hands of a trustworthy specialist. Learn the most suitable and current treatment options directly from him.
Remember: In a difficult process, the right information and the right doctor provide you with strength and hope.
