Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Tumors

Our brain is protected by a structure we call the skull, consisting of thick bones and membranes that protect the brain. When a structure other than brain tissue such as a tumor is added into this structure, the skull cannot expand and the pressure increases. This condition is called ICPIS (intracranial pressure increase syndrome). This is the most common symptom in brain tumors.

It may also be an edema.



In general, it manifests through headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual problems. There is also a protective fluid system called CSF fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that is constantly produced and circulates inside the brain and is absorbed outside the brain. Some tumors may disrupt this fluid circulation and cause more severe symptoms. There are even brain tumors called choroid plexus papillomas that cause the overproduction of this fluid. Most tumors cause a swelling called edema in the brain, which resembles a sponge, when they apply pressure to the brain tissue. The pressure exerted by the tumor increases with edema.



 

Special tests may be required

The examination and evaluation of the patient is essential for diagnosing brain tumors. After this stage, some special examinations are required. Symptoms in patients with brain tumors may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. The most common symptoms in brain tumor patients are headaches (usually more in the morning) and seizures (epilepsy crisis). Furthermore, one or more of vomiting, nausea, decreased vision and double vision, disrupted consciousness, impaired speech and understanding, forgetfulness, loss of balance, weakness and numbness in arms and legs may be experienced. Some of these symptoms are caused by increased intracranial pressure caused by tumor growth in the skull, which is non-expandable cavity, and others are caused by pressure on the brain and/or tissue invasion by the tumor. Some tumors may have specific symptoms; such as growth of hands, feet and certain organs and gigantism, infertility and special clinical symptoms due to excessive cortisone in pituitary gland tumors.
 

The following methods are used in the diagnosis of brain tumors:

• Physical Examination
• Neurologic Examination:
• Computed tomography (CT)
• MRI
• Angiography
• CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid) Sampling
• Biopsy