Posted in: Brain Tumor Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 22 Jan, 2020
No one can ever be prepared to hear the words, ‘You have a brain tumour’. But when you hear it, everything changes. You need to process the diagnosis, understand and learn a new language, and make decisions about the appropriate brain tumour treatment in short span of time.
Tumour Grading
The World Health Organization has created a standard through which all tumours are classified. There are around 120 classifications based on tumour cell type and location, making the diagnosis a complex decision.
Lower-grade tumours (Grade I and II) are not aggressive and are associated with long-term survival.
Grade I Tumor
- Slow-growing cells.
- Normal appearance under the microscope.
- Associated with long-term survival.
- Can potentially be cured.
Grade II Tumour
- Slightly abnormal appearance under a microscope.
- Relatively slow-growing cells.
- Invade adjacent normal tissue and recur as a higher grade tumour.
Higher grade tumours (grade III & IV) grow more quickly, can cause more damage, and are often more difficult to treat. These are considered malignant or cancerous.
Grade III Tumor
- Actively reproduce abnormal cells.
- Abnormal appearance under a microscope.
- Tends to recur, often as a higher grade.
- Infiltrate adjacent normal brain tissue.
Grade IV Tumor
- Abnormal cells which reproduce rapidly.
- Extremely abnormal appearance under the microscope.
- Creates new blood vessels to maintain rapid growth.
- Presence of areas of dead cells in the center.
Tumors can contain several grades of cells; however, the most malignant cell determines the grade for the entire tumor (even if most of the tumor is a lower grade). Some tumors can change the way they grow and may become malignant over time.
Symptoms of Brain tumor
According to leading cancer doctors, the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depends on the tumor size, type, and location. The signs may also be caused when the tumor presses on a nerve or harms a part of the brain. Also, it may also be caused when the tumor blocks the fluid which passes through and around the brain, or when the brain swells because of the buildup of fluid. The most common signs of brain tumours are listed as follows:
- Headaches, usually getting worse in the early hours of the day, nausea and vomiting.
- Problems balancing or walking.
- Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions).
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Emotional Side-Effects
These side effects are natural for any major disease, brain tumor, or not. When a tumour is diagnosed, it can take away your sense of control and security and you may experience rapid changes in mood, personality, or the ability to concentrate. Uncertainty and depression are one of the most challenging things you have to work with on a daily basis.
In addition to the emotional effects after diagnosis, the type, size and location can also affect your emotions. This is because sometimes the tumor can be located in an area which controls the emotional functioning. You do not have to feel guilty or bad about the emotional ups and downs since these are very common. Your member from the cancer treatment team can refer you to a professional such as clinical social workers, clinical psychologist, or neuropsychologist which can also help.
Cognitive Side-Effects
These effects are such that your ability to process information and communicate is affected. It majorly includes changes in the memory, speech, vision, or hearing. For example, you might find it difficult to find the right words you need or calculate the tip at a restaurant. It may be difficult to concentrate or remember things. Your abilities may be better on some days and worse on others. Again, medical professionals and special types of therapy can help strengthen these abilities during and after treatment.
Physical Effects
The physical effects are most rampant and can take a great toll on your body. Though the effects are different for every person, a brain tumor and treatment can change the appearance, strength, and ability to live a full active day. You may also experience additional side effects such as seizures, pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, headaches and hair loss.
Many people with brain tumors handle the situation by realistic and set priorities and do only what needs to be done. They plan frequent rest and ask for help. However, additional medical services like physical and occupation therapy can better body functioning. Your doctor for brain tumor treatment must know about any symptoms you have so it can be treated on time.
In many people, the symptoms can be gradual and may be missed by both the person with the tumor and the family. However, these signs appear most rampantly implying the presence of a condition.
Work closely with your Brain tumor treatment team
- Be involved in the decision-making.
- Learn about your diagnosis and your brain tumor treatment options by asking as many questions as you need to, and by learning how to access resources which may be helpful.
- Talk about your treatment team about the various worries and concerns.
- Try to keep all medical appointments and be on time.
- Know how to contact your doctor between appointments for quick answers.
- Ask for access to your medical records: either get copies or access the electronic file. This will be extremely beneficial when you meet a new specialist or if you had another opinion.
Once you have decided on the best oncologists for your brain tumor treatment, talk to them about your questions, fears, and concerns. You and your loved ones are the only people who know everything about your care and what you need. It is extremely important to speak up and learn about all of your tumor treatment options before you decide what treatment you need.
About The Author
Dr. Tarang Krishna
Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.
He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.
He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.
Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.
