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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : May 23, 2024 9:54 AM IST
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Image credits by: If you are a brain tumour patient, it is important that you take precautions and make some lifestyle changes that will help you fight the disease.
A malignant cell growth in the brain is called brain cancer. Primary cancers, which originate in the brain in 75 pr cent of cases, and secondary cancers, which spread from another region of the body to the brain in 25 per cent of cases, are also possible. Gliomas, or glial cell-derived brain malignancies, account for about 40 pr cent of all brain tumors. Astrocytomas, glioblastomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and medulloblastomas are all examples of gliomas.
The most frequent secondary malignancies are those that metastasize from tumors of the skin (melanoma), kidney, lung, breast, and colon. Although primary brain tumors can affect anyone, they are more common in middle-aged people and children under the age of fifteen. In older adults, secondary brain tumors are more common. Though it is impossible to avoid brain cancer, most primary brain tumors are curable if detected early.
The most common signs are headaches and seizures. Headaches frequently start early in the morning, often causing people to wake up, and it gets worse when they cough or sneeze. The headaches are a result of the expanding tumor pressing against the skull. More signs may include
Symptoms mostly depends on where the tumor is located.
Depending on its type and location, surgical removal of the entire tumor can be the best method of treatment for primary brain tumors. Also, to help remove tumors, surgery helps detect cancer and reduces the pressure inside the head. Another treatment option that radiation oncologists oversee is radiation therapy, which typically occurs after surgery for any type of brain cancer as well as for tumors that cannot be removed completely or are inoperable. Primary brain tumors are rarely treated with chemotherapy. Prescription medications for seizures are commonly given both before and after surgery. Moreover, physicians could recommend an anti-inflammatory steroid like dexamethasone for cerebral swelling.
For brain tumors, a variety of surgical techniques are often used.
Every surgical technique is customized to the features and location of the tumor to maximize results and reduce problems after surgery.
Let us first take a look at what you must do to manage brain cancer.
It is important to take post-operative care plans from doctors. It should include the medications (the schedule of the medications), wound care instructions, and follow-up appointments.
You must have six to eight smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to three huge ones, which could seem intimidating when you don't have an appetite or feel extremely sick. You must focus on healthy meals, fruit, and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like brown rice, oats, etc.
Have plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you stay hydrated.
If you maintain an active lifestyle, you will feel better, have less fatigue, gain more strength, and be better able to handle the negative effects of your medicines. which could be beneficial in boosting vitality, improving the quality of sleep, and reducing pain. Also, manage anxiety and enhance mental and emotional health.
Let us now look at a few things that you must never do.
Do not skip follow-up appointments or delay seeking medical attention if you experience concerning symptoms.
Take prescription drugs exactly as indicated. Never stop taking the medication or change the dosage without first talking to the doctor.
Inform your doctor or nurse right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms. Ignoring symptoms could cause problems and cause interventions to be delayed.
You must avoid unhealthy food like fried, undercooked meats, highly sugary foods like candies, desserts, sugary beverages, etc., as well as sodium-rich foods like salty snacks, chips, etc.
Avoid drinking and smoking if you have tumors. When treating symptoms like headaches and exhaustion, it's important to avoid dehydration, which is something that alcohol can contribute to. It is advisable to stay away from tobacco usage and smoking. Smoking can hinder the efficacy of cancer treatments and have negative consequences on lung function and general health.
Since each case of a brain tumor is different, treatments should be personalized. Consult you're your oncologist to figure out the best course of action, and embark on your journey with hope and courage.
(This article is authored by Dr Amit Dhakoji, Head Of The Department And Consultant -Neuro Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune)
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