World Brain Tumor Day 2024

8th June, World Brain Tumor Day is significant for raising awareness, supporting friends and families, advocating for research, mitigating social stigma, and empowering patients with required information and support networks—brain tumors, known as collection, or mass of abnormal cells in the brain. The abnormal growth can be cancerous(malignant), or non-cancerous(benign), and both can be life-threatening. When any tumor forms in the brain, it causes pressure inside our skull to increase, causing brain damage, and fatality.

Brain tumors are a major global health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), brain tumors account for around 2% of all adult malignancies and 1.9% of all children's cancers. Incidence rates vary by geography, with greater rates seen in wealthier countries. The American Cancer Society predicted 25,400 malignant brain and spinal cord tumors in the United States in 2023, with 18,760 persons dying from these illnesses, including 10,690 men and 8,070 women. The chances of having a malignant brain tumor in one's lifetime are less than 1%, with slightly higher odds for women and males. Men are somewhat more at risk because specific forms of tumors, such as meningiomas, are more frequent in one gender than the other. In Bangladesh, the type of brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is distinguished by its aggressiveness and unfavorable prognosis. Regretfully, there is not much data on the prevalence of GBM in Bangladesh. Nonetheless, the typical prevalence of brain tumors in Bangladesh is thought to be two to three instances per 100,000 people.

Unfortunately, brain tumors have far-reaching consequences for more than just the sufferer. The physical, emotional, and financial obstacles that this disease presents have a significant impact on families, caregivers, and entire communities.

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Brain tumors are categorized into two types:

?????????????? ?????????? ??????????: This type of brain tumor usually grows in the brain, and develops from —

● brain cells

● the membranes that surround your brain, which are called meninges

● nerve cells

● glands, such as the pituitary of the pineal

Primary tumors can be benign or cancerous. In adults, the most common types of brain tumors are gliomas, meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary tumors, etc.

?????????????????? ?????????? ??????????: This type of brain tumor does not grow initially in the brain, it starts in one part of the body e.g. lung, breast, kidney, or skin, and spreads from those parts, or metastasizes. This type of tumor is always malignant.

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Because various areas of the brain regulate different functions, the symptoms of a brain tumor will differ depending on where it is. For example, a brain tumor in the cerebellum near the rear of the head might impair movement, walking, balance, and coordination. Visual abnormalities may ensue if the tumor affects the optic pathway responsible for seeing. The most frequent symptoms of a brain tumor might include:

● Headaches

● Seizure or convulsion

● Difficulty thinking, speaking, or remembering words

● Personality or behavior changes

● Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one area or side of the body

● Loss of balance, dizziness, or unsteadiness

● Hearing loss and vision alterations.

● Confusion and disorientation.

● Memory loss

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Family history: Only 5-10% of malignancies are genetically inherited. Genetic counseling is suggested if there is a family history of brain tumors.

● Age: The risk of most forms of brain tumors rises with age.

● Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, such as those present in the workplace, have been linked to an increased risk of developing brain cancer.

● Radiation exposure: Ionizing radiation from high-radiation cancer therapy and nuclear fallout can raise the risk.

● No history of chickenpox: Childhood chickenpox was related to a 21% decreased chance of developing glioma.

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Brain tumor grading is a method for determining the severity of a brain tumor.

?????????? ??: Benign (noncancerous), slow-growing, and typically associated with long-term survival. Rare in adulthood.

?????????? ????: Slow-growing, can spread to normal tissue, and recurs. Cells appear somewhat odd. Sometimes, it returns as a higher-grade tumor.

?????????? ??????: Malignant (cancerous); aggressively reproduces aberrant cells and spreads to normal brain regions. Cells appear aberrant and prone to recur.

?????????? ????: The most aggressive, develops quickly, readily spreads into normal brain sections, aggressively reproduces aberrant cells, generates new blood arteries, and contains dead cells in its center.

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● CT scans and MRI-type modern imaging methods such as MRI sequences help plan tumor excision based on normal nerve connections.

● Intraoperative MRI helps guide tissue samples and tumor removal.

● Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to examine the chemical profile of tumors using PET( Positron Emission Tomography) scan can identify recurrent brain tumors.

● Biopsy, performed by a neurosurgeon and graded by a pathologist, may be the only way to make a clear diagnosis.

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● ??????????????: It is the most often used therapy for malignant brain tumors. Based on the size and location, some tumors may be safely removed, while others cannot. Risks include infection, bleeding, and clinically significant benign tumors. For metastatic tumors, treatment happens according to the initial cancer kind.

● ??????????????????????: Surgery may be done with radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

● ??????????????: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help you recover after surgery.

On World Brain Tumour Day, we the tenacity of individuals impacted by the illness. Brain tumors will not be a serious enemy in the future because of scientific advancements, scientific community initiatives, and increased awareness. Let's keep encouraging one another and achieving progress.

??Written by: Saymonthi Barua

Info-graphics by: Anas Ahsan Mostofa

Associate, YPF Health Care Policy Team

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