Brain Tumor: Difference Between Benign And Malignant Brain Tumors | Dr. Pramod Chaurasia

Brain tumors are the uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain. Usually, there are two types of brain tumors.

Primary

 When the brain cells start to multiply abnormally and create a tumor, it is called a primary brain tumor.

 Secondary 

When abnormally grown cells spread to the brain from any other part of the body via the bloodstream, it is called secondary brain tumors. Usually, cancers of the breast, lungs, etc., spread through the blood and spread in the brain. This is the most common type of brain tumor.

Are All Brain Tumors Cancerous? 

No, not all brain tumors are cancerous. Non-cancerous brain tumors are known as Benign brain tumors, which have slow growth and distinct borders. When you find a tumor in your brain, it is important to check whether it is cancerous or not. Consult an expert to diagnose whether it is cancerous. You can consider consulting Dr. Pramod Chaurasia for expert guidance.

 What Are The Symptoms Of A Brain Tumor?

There are some common symptoms of brain tumors you should consider. 

1. Headaches

2. Nausea 

3. Memory related issues 

4. Loss of consciousness

5. Fatigue

6. Sleeping issues

7. The inability to perform daily activities 

8. Fever, in some cases

9. Sudden change in personality 

10. Loss control on different parts of the body, such as bladder control or appetite.

11. Change in sensations

12. Muscle twitches

13. Short breathing problems followed by extreme fatigue. 

If you experience any of them, consult a doctor as soon as possible. 

What Are The Common Differences Between Benign Brain Tumors And Malignant Brain Tumors? 

·        Growth 

The primary difference between benign and malignant brain tumors is that a benign tumor grows slowly into the brain and can't spread in the other parts. On the other hand, malignant brain tumors spread rapidly and can be spread to other parts of the body as well. 

·        Symptoms 

Some symptoms indicate that the tumor in the brain can be cancerous. These are 

·       Severe headache

·       Fits

·       A drastic change in mental behavior 

·       Paralysis on one side of the body

·       Vision or speech problem. 

These symptoms can indicate that the tumor in your brain is malignant.

·        Affect Nearby Cells 

Another difference between malignant and benign tumors is that benign tumors have clear boundaries, and they do not affect nearby healthy tissues, but malignant tumors often affect them.

 

·        Treatment

Benign tumors don't require aggressive treatment unless it is life-threatening. Sometimes, they require no treatment and disappear with time. On the other hand, malignant tumors require complex treatment such as surgery, chemo, rich medicines, radiation, etc. Dr. Pramod Chaurasia is one of the best neurosurgeons who can support you in this whole journey.

How To Identify Whether The Tumor Is Benign Or Malignant? 

You have to consult a doctor right after experiencing any of the symptoms. There are tests such as biopsy and several blood tests to identify whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

If malignant, the doctor (Oncologist) will do some other tests to determine the stage of cancer. Early-stage cancers don't spread much, but later cancer can spread in different parts of the body, making the curing process more complex and difficult.  That's why it is crucial to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant as soon as the symptoms are shown.