Brain Cancer: A Complete Guide

Brain cancer is one of the most complex and feared medical conditions out there. It’s not just the word “cancer” that causes alarm — it’s the fact that it affects our command center: the brain. But how much do we really know about it?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from what brain cancer really is to how it’s diagnosed, treated, and what life looks like after treatment. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or a loved one, this article is here to inform and empower you.

What Is Brain Cancer?

Put simply, brain cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the brain grow uncontrollably and form a mass called a tumour. Some brain tumours are malignant (cancerous), while others are benign (non-cancerous), but even benign brain tumours can be dangerous due to the limited space in the skull.

Epidemiology? Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours account for about 1.4% of all new cancer cases globally. In the United States alone, around 25,000 malignant brain tumours are diagnosed each year, and brain cancer causes about 18,000 deaths annually.

How Does It Occur?

To understand brain cancer, let’s imagine your brain as a city. Each cell is like a worker with a specific role. Sometimes, due to genetic errors or environmental damage, a worker goes rogue — disobeying rules, working overtime, refusing to die when it’s supposed to. These rogue workers (cells) begin to multiply, forming a tumour that disrupts the city’s balance.

In more medical terms: Brain cancer begins when genetic mutations in brain cells lead to uncontrolled cell division. These cells don’t function like normal brain cells and instead crowd out or destroy healthy tissue.

There are two main types:

• Primary brain tumours (start in the brain)
• Secondary or metastatic tumours (spread from cancers in other parts of the body, like lungs or breasts)

What Are the Causes of Brain Cancer?

Unlike many other cancers, brain cancer doesn’t always have a clear trigger. However, scientists have uncovered some potential causes:

• Genetic mutations: These may be inherited or occur spontaneously. For example, people with conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis have a higher risk.
• Radiation exposure: Therapeutic radiation, especially during childhood, increases the risk.
• Environmental toxins: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals like formaldehyde may increase risk — though evidence is still evolving.

Interestingly, only about 5–10% of brain cancer cases are linked to inherited genetic conditions.

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone can develop brain cancer, but some people are more vulnerable. Let’s look at the most important risk factors:

• Age: Brain cancer can happen at any age, but some types are more common in children, while others peak in adults aged 45–70.
• Family history: As mentioned, inherited syndromes can increase risk.
• Radiation exposure: High doses of ionizing radiation — often from previous cancer treatment.
• Occupational exposure: Working in oil refineries, embalming, or chemical manufacturing may increase risk.
• Weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressant therapy are at higher risk of certain brain lymphomas.

It’s important to note: most people with these risk factors don’t get brain cancer — and many people who do have no risk factors at all.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer

So how would you know if something’s wrong in your brain? Symptoms often depend on where the tumour is located. But some warning signs appear more frequently:

• Headaches: Especially worse in the morning or when lying down. These happen due to increased pressure inside the skull.
• Seizures: Even in people without a history of epilepsy.
• Nausea and vomiting: From increased intracranial pressure.
• Changes in vision: Blurred or double vision.
• Weakness or numbness: Especially on one side of the body.
• Cognitive changes: Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or mood swings.

These symptoms may creep in slowly or appear suddenly. Either way, they should never be ignored.

Types of Brain Tumours

There are more than 150 types of brain tumours, but here are a few common ones:

• Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): The most aggressive primary brain cancer. Fast-growing and difficult to treat.
• Meningiomas: Often benign and slow-growing, arising from the brain’s protective layers.
• Astrocytomas: Develop from star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Can range from low-grade to high-grade.
• Medulloblastomas: Fast-growing and usually seen in children.
• Pituitary adenomas: Affect hormone regulation.

Secondary (metastatic) brain cancers are more common than primary ones. Cancers of the lung, breast, kidney, and melanoma often spread to the brain.

What Are the Differential Diagnoses?

Brain cancer can mimic many other conditions — and that’s part of what makes diagnosis tricky. Some conditions that need to be ruled out include:

• Stroke: Sudden weakness, vision loss, or speech issues may look like a stroke.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): May present with weakness, blurred vision, or balance problems.
• Migraine with aura: Can cause visual disturbances or speech changes.
• Infections like brain abscess or encephalitis: Can cause fever, confusion, and headache.
• Psychiatric disorders: Personality changes or memory issues may initially seem like depression or dementia.

A good neurologist will consider all these possibilities before landing on a diagnosis.

How Is Brain Cancer Diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosing brain cancer is brain imaging, particularly MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Here’s what the diagnostic process looks like:

1. Neurological exam: The doctor checks reflexes, balance, coordination, and mental state.
2. Imaging tests:
   • MRI with contrast: Most accurate in detecting brain tumours.
   • CT scan: Useful in emergencies or when MRI is unavailable.
3. Biopsy: If imaging suggests cancer, a sample may be taken to determine the type and grade.
4. Molecular testing: Helps identify mutations (like IDH1 or MGMT methylation) that guide treatment.

In some cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be done to check for cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid — especially in children or suspected CNS lymphoma.

How Is Brain Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as your overall health. Here’s an overview:

🧠 Surgery

Often the first step. Neurosurgeons aim to remove as much of the tumour as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue. Complete removal isn’t always possible — especially with deep or aggressive tumours.

☢️ Radiation Therapy

Used after surgery or when surgery isn’t possible. High-energy beams (like X-rays or protons) target and kill cancer cells. Stereotactic radiosurgery (like Gamma Knife) is a precise, non-invasive option.

💊 Chemotherapy

Drugs like temozolomide (Temodar) are often used in glioblastoma. These can be taken orally or intravenously.

🧬 Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Newer approaches focus on specific genetic mutations. For example:

• Bevacizumab (Avastin): Blocks blood vessel growth to tumours.
• Tumour treating fields (TTF): A wearable device that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division.

🧘‍♂️ Supportive Care

This includes steroids (to reduce swelling), anti-seizure meds, and rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapy).

What’s the Prognosis?

The outlook for brain cancer varies a lot. Some slow-growing tumours (like grade 1 astrocytomas) may be cured with surgery alone. Others, like glioblastoma, have a poorer prognosis despite aggressive treatment.

The 5-year survival rate for all brain cancers combined is about 36%, but this depends heavily on the tumour type, location, and patient age.

Living with Brain Cancer

A brain cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but many patients live fulfilling lives with proper support. It’s essential to:

• Keep up with follow-ups and imaging
• Address side effects early
• Seek psychological support for both patients and caregivers
• Join support groups — you’re not alone in this

Advancements in neuroscience and oncology are happening fast. Clinical trials may offer new hope and are worth exploring.

Prevention and Awareness

Can brain cancer be prevented? There’s no guaranteed way, but these tips may help lower your risk:

• Limit exposure to unnecessary radiation
• Wear protective gear in hazardous environments
• Stay healthy with a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Monitor and treat any chronic infections early

Awareness saves lives. Recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can make a significant difference.

References

1. Brain Tumors – American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults.html
2. Glioblastoma Treatment and Research – National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/adult-glioblastoma-treatment-pdq
3. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). https://cbtrus.org/
4. Mayo Clinic – Brain Tumour Overview. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Brain Cancer. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brain-tumor