Brain tumors are neoplasms that may be either benign or malignant. They develop from brain tissue, its membranes, or vascular structures. Treatment is aimed at tumor removal, suppression of tumor growth, and preservation of neurological function.
Classification of brain tumors
By histological type:
- Benign tumors: meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary adenomas.
- Malignant tumors: glioblastomas, astrocytomas, medulloblastomas.
- Metastatic tumors: secondary lesions originating from other organs (lungs, breast, kidneys).
By localization:
- Intracerebral (parenchymal).
- Extra-axial (arising from meninges or cranial bones).
By growth rate:
- Slow-growing (typically benign).
- Rapidly growing (typically malignant).
Symptoms of brain tumors
General symptoms:
- Headache (often worse in the morning).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Seizures.
Focal neurological symptoms:
- Speech, visual, or hearing impairment.
- Weakness or paralysis of the limbs.
- Memory loss and cognitive impairment.
Psychiatric and behavioral symptoms:
- Emotional instability.
- Personality and behavioral changes.
Diagnosis of brain tumors
Imaging studies:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with contrast.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).
- Positron emission tomography combined with CT (PET-CT).
- Cerebral angiography.
Histological verification: biopsy to determine tumor type and grade.
Neurological assessment: evaluation of cognitive functions, motor skills, and reflexes.
Laboratory tests: tumor markers and biochemical blood analysis.
Treatment methods for brain tumors
Surgical treatment
Indications: resection of accessible tumors, reduction of tumor mass prior to radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Methods:
- Craniotomy: open surgical removal of the tumor through a cranial opening, used for large or complex lesions.
- Endoscopic surgery: minimally invasive technique for tumors located in the skull base or ventricular system.
- Stereotactic biopsy: used for deep-seated or small tumors not amenable to resection.
- Advantages: rapid relief of symptoms and, in selected cases, complete tumor removal.
Radiation therapy
Indications: incomplete surgical resection, adjuvant treatment after surgery, or management of metastatic disease.
Methods:
- Conventional radiotherapy: irradiation of the whole brain or targeted regions.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife): highly precise radiation delivery with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Advantages: suitable for patients who are not candidates for surgery, high precision and efficacy.
Chemotherapy
Indications: treatment of malignant and rapidly growing tumors, often combined with radiotherapy.
Methods:
- Systemic chemotherapy (intravenous or oral administration).
- Local chemotherapy (direct delivery of agents into the tumor or resection cavity).
Targeted therapy
Features:
- Aimed at blocking specific molecular pathways involved in tumor growth.
- Used for tumors with identified molecular or genetic alterations.
Immunotherapy
Method: activation of the immune system to destroy tumor cells using immunomodulators or therapeutic vaccines.
Symptomatic therapy
- Analgesics.
- Antiepileptic drugs.
- Glucocorticosteroids.
- Psychotropic medications.
Rehabilitation
- Physical rehabilitation: gradual restoration of motor function, therapeutic exercise programs.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: improvement of memory and attention, psychological support.
- Prevention of recurrence: regular follow-up with MRI or CT imaging and strict adherence to medical recommendations.
Treatment of brain tumors in Belarus is based on a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach that includes surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacological treatment. Early diagnosis and individualized therapy significantly improve prognosis and quality of life for patients.
