Brain tumors can be a daunting diagnosis, and the uncertainty surrounding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment can leave patients feeling overwhelmed. The recent passing of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, who courageously battled a brain tumor, highlights the profound impact this disease can have on individuals and their families.
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Anita Bhansali, M.D., a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and a member of Texas Health Physicians Group, to discuss brain tumors, their symptoms, and what steps to take if you or a loved one is facing this diagnosis.
Types of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be classified in various ways, but one of the main distinctions is between benign and malignant tumors:
- Benign Tumors: These are typically slow-growing and less likely to invade surrounding brain tissue. They often do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant Tumors: More aggressive and dangerous, malignant tumors can invade nearby structures and potentially spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.
Another way to classify brain tumors is based on their origin:
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- Primary Brain Tumors: These originate from the brain itself. A common example is glioblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer that starts in the brain tissue.
- Secondary Brain Tumors: Also known as metastatic tumors, these originate from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or breast, and spread to the brain.
“The presentation of brain tumors can vary greatly depending on where they are in the brain. The brain is organized into different regions, each responsible for specific functions, so where the tumor arises often dictates the symptoms and how quickly they come to medical attention,” Dr. Bhansali says.
RELATED: Brain Tumor Symptoms & Causes: Things You Need To Know
Symptoms to Watch For
Brain tumors present in a variety of ways, depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. Common symptoms may include:
1. Headaches
While headaches are common and not always a cause for concern, persistent or severe headaches can be an early sign of a brain tumor.
“Headaches can be caused by many things—dehydration, lack of sleep, etc.—so they’re not always a reliable indicator,” Dr. Bhansali notes. “But if a headache is accompanied by other specific symptoms, like trouble walking, balance issues, or fine motor problems, such as difficulty with handwriting, that can be more concerning.”
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2. Balance and Coordination Issues
If the tumor is located in the cerebellum (the area responsible for movement and coordination), you may experience trouble walking, clumsiness, or difficulty with fine motor tasks like handwriting.
3. Weakness or Difficulty Moving Limbs
Tumors in areas that control motor function can cause weakness in the arms or legs, or noticeable changes in movement, such as dragging a leg.
4. Seizures
An unexplained seizure in someone without a history of epilepsy can be a red flag for a brain tumor.
5. Cognitive and Personality Changes
Tumors in certain parts of the brain may affect speech, memory, or personality. Family members often notice these subtle changes before the patient does.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can have many causes. However, if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, particularly if they persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly.
“For people who already know they have cancer, like breast or lung cancer, they should ideally be plugged in with an oncologist who can screen for the spread of the disease to the brain,” Dr. Bhansali adds.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
If a brain tumor is suspected, several steps are involved in confirming the diagnosis and determining the best treatment plan:
- Imaging Tests: An MRI or CT scan is often the first step to identify abnormalities in the brain. These scans provide detailed images, allowing doctors to assess the size, location, and type of tumor.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be required to determine the exact type of tumor. This involves taking a small sample of the tumor for examination.
- Multidisciplinary Care: A team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, will collaborate to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the tumor’s type, location, and the patient’s overall health.
Treatment Options
Treatment for brain tumors varies depending on whether the tumor is benign or malignant, its size, and its location in the brain. Here are some common treatment approaches:
Surgery
For many tumors, surgical removal is the first step. Surgery may be curative for benign tumors or used to reduce the size of malignant tumors to make other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation more effective.
“Surgery isn’t always the best option for everyone. Age, overall health, and other medical conditions are factors that influence the decision. But for benign tumors, sometimes surgery alone is enough. For instance, meningiomas, which are often benign, may not even need surgery unless they are large or causing symptoms. In those cases, we monitor them with MRIs to ensure they’re not growing,” Dr. Bhansali shares.
Radiation Therapy
This uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery or when surgery isn’t an option.
Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. This is more commonly used for malignant tumors.
Laser Therapy
One newer, less invasive option is laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), which uses a laser to heat and destroy tumor tissue. This can be an option for hard-to-reach tumors.
“Using thermal energy, we can burn abnormal tissue while sparing healthy brain tissue. Because it requires only a small incision, patients recover faster and can begin additional therapies like radiation sooner,” Dr. Bhansali says. “That said, not every new technology is the best option for every patient. It’s important to tailor the treatment to the individual case.”
What to Do if You’re Diagnosed
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team. Each patient is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to your specific needs and overall health.
Final Thoughts
Early detection and treatment of brain tumors can significantly improve outcomes. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s unexplained headaches, changes in coordination, or other concerning symptoms—listen to your body and seek medical attention.
“I often see patients who brush off things like headaches or weakness, thinking they’re too busy or that it’ll go away. But if something doesn’t feel right and isn’t improving, don’t ignore it. The sooner a condition is evaluated, the better the chances of a positive outcome,” Dr. Bhansali advises. “It’s never a waste of time to get checked out, and we’re happy to give good news when it turns out to be nothing serious. But if it’s more complex, we want to help you take care of yourself so you can get back to your life.”
