Symptoms of a brain tumor vary widely depending on its size, location, and rate of growth. As the tumor exerts pressure on brain tissue or disrupts its function, various signs may manifest. Common symptoms, as highlighted by Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh, often include:

• Headache: Persistent, worsening headaches, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning.
• Seizures: New onset of seizures in adults, or changes in existing seizure patterns.
• Neurological Deficits:
  • Weakness or numbness: Often affecting one side of the body.
  • Vision problems: Double vision, blurred vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
  • Speech difficulties: Trouble speaking or understanding language (aphasia).
  • Balance and coordination problems: Dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty walking.
• Cognitive and Behavioral Changes: Memory loss, personality changes, irritability, or confusion.
• Sudden Loss of Consciousness or Coma: In severe cases, due to sudden bleeding into the tumor or obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, necessitating a thorough medical evaluation by an expert.

The exact cause of most brain tumors remains unknown. However, certain factors are believed to increase the risk:

• Genetics: Some familial disorders like Neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2 are associated with a heightened genetic susceptibility.
• Exposure to certain agents: Chronic exposure to some environmental or occupational agents might play a role, though specific links are still under research.
• Age: The risk of certain brain tumors increases with age.
• Prior Radiation Therapy: Rarely, previous radiation exposure to the head can increase the risk of developing a new brain tumor years later.

Contrary to popular myths, excessive thinking or mobile phone use has not been definitively proven to cause brain tumors.

Accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount for effective brain tumor management. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh utilizes advanced diagnostic studies to get the clearest picture of the tumor before surgery:

• Neurological Examination: A thorough assessment of vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and cognitive function.
• Imaging Tests:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) with contrast: The gold standard for brain tumor diagnosis, providing detailed images of brain structures and tumor characteristics.
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Often used in emergency situations or as an initial screening tool.
  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan: May be used to help determine the aggressiveness of a tumor or detect recurrence.
• Biopsy: In many cases, a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy, where a small tissue sample of the tumor is surgically removed and examined under a microscope by a neuropathologist. This helps determine the tumor type and its grade (how aggressive it is).

Angiography: For tumors near major blood vessels or those with a rich blood supply, angiography may be performed to map the vascular supply.

The treatment for a brain tumor is highly individualized and depends on factors such as the type, size, and location of the tumor, its grade, and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh emphasizes a multidisciplinary and patient-centric approach to ensure the best possible outcome. Treatment modalities include:

• • Surgical Resection: The primary goal is often to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible without damaging surrounding healthy brain tissue. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh employs state-of-the-art techniques such as:
    • Microsurgery: Using high-standard operating microscopes for precise tumor removal, minimizing collateral damage.
    • Neuro-navigation: GPS-like technology that guides the surgeon with real-time, 3D images of the brain during surgery, enhancing precision and safety.
    • Awake Craniotomy: In select cases, especially for tumors located near critical functional areas, the patient may be kept awake during part of the surgery to monitor and preserve vital functions like speech and movement.
    • Endoscopic Brain Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques for reaching deep-seated tumors with smaller incisions.
    • Skull Base Surgery: Specialised techniques for tumors located at the base of the skull.

• Cavitron Ultrasonic Aspirator: This advanced device uses ultrasound to fragment and aspirate tumor tissue, allowing precise, safe removal while sparing surrounding healthy brain structures.

• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill tumor cells or slow their growth. It can be delivered externally or, rarely, internally (brachytherapy). Gamma Knife Radiation or CyberKnife radiation.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often administered orally or intravenously.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that target specific abnormalities within cancer cells or boost the body’s immune system to fight the tumor.

Supportive Care: Medications for symptom management (e.g., anti-seizure medications, steroids for swelling) and rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) are integral to recovery.