Best Doctor for Brain Tumor in Mumbai

Tumours that arise in or around the brain—including its tissue, supporting structures, or protective coverings within the skull—are broadly referred to as brain tumours. 

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain where cells multiply uncontrollably due to failure of normal growth-regulating mechanisms.

As the tumour grows, it occupies space inside the skull and can interfere with normal brain function. This may lead to:

• Increased pressure inside the brain
• Shifting of brain structures
• Compression against the skull
• Damage to nerves and healthy brain tissue

The location of the brain tumour plays a crucial role in determining symptoms, as different parts of the brain control different body functions.

Most brain tumours do not spread outside the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Brain Tumours in Children vs Adults

Certain types of brain tumours are more common in children than adults. When these occur in adults, they may appear in different regions of the brain.

• Some tumours affect both genders equally
• Others, like meningiomas, are more common in women
• Tumours such as medulloblastomas are more common in boys and young men

Types of Brain Tumours

Primary Brain Tumours

Primary brain tumours originate in the brain itself and rarely spread to other parts of the body.

They are classified into:

1. Gliomas (Glial Tumours)

These develop from glial cells, which support nerve cells. Types include:

• Astrocytomas
• Oligodendrogliomas
• Ependymomas

2. Nonglial Tumours

These arise from other brain structures such as:

• Nerves
• Blood vessels
• Glands

Metastatic (Secondary) Brain Tumours

Metastatic brain tumours originate from cancers in other parts of the body and spread to the brain via blood or nearby tissues.

• Also called brain metastases
• These are the most common type of brain tumours overall

Are Brain Tumours Cancerous?

Not all brain tumours are cancer.

• Malignant brain tumours are cancerous and grow rapidly
• Benign brain tumours are non-cancerous and usually grow slowly

Common malignant brain tumours include:

• Glioblastoma (GBM)
• Brain metastases

Some benign tumours may become malignant over time, although the exact reason is not fully understood.

Benign vs Malignant Brain Tumours

Benign Brain Tumours

• Slow-growing
• Often removable if accessible
• May still be dangerous depending on location

Malignant Brain Tumours

• Fast-growing
• Invasive and destructive to surrounding tissue
• More aggressive and require intensive treatment

Even benign tumours can be life-threatening if located in critical areas like the brainstem.

Brain Tumour Grading

Brain tumours are graded based on how fast they grow and behave.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system categorizes tumours from:

• Low-grade (less aggressive)
• High-grade (more aggressive)

Tumour grade helps predict:

• Growth rate
• Likelihood of recurrence
• Treatment approach

Recurrent Brain Tumours

A recurrent brain tumour is one that returns after treatment.

• May recur in the same location or elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord
• Can occur in both benign and malignant tumours
• Requires long-term monitoring

After treatment, tumours may enter remission, where growth stops. Remission can be temporary or permanent.

Regular follow-ups, often including MRI scans, are essential to detect recurrence early.