Brain Tumors and Their Treatment

What Are Brain Tumors?

Brain Tumors are masses formed by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells within or around the brain tissue. These tumors may be benign or malignant. The brain is the control center of the nervous system; therefore, the size, location and pattern of spread of a tumor directly affect quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that Brain Tumors are not merely an overgrowth of cells but a complex disease that disrupts the balance of the nervous system. Early diagnosis and current surgical methods expand treatment options for many brain tumors.

Brain tumors can arise at any age. Those seen in childhood usually have congenital, developmental origins, whereas in adults genetic, environmental and hormonal factors play an important role.

Types of Brain Tumors

Primary Brain Tumors

They originate from the brain tissue itself or from the membranes surrounding the brain (the meninges).
The main types are:

• Gliomas (astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma)
• Meningiomas
• Pituitary adenoma
• Schwannomas

Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors

They develop when cancer cells originating in other parts of the body spread to the brain. The most common are metastases from lung, breast, kidney and skin (melanoma) cancers.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that the treatment of metastatic tumors requires oncological and surgical approaches to be carried out together.

Causes of Brain Tumors

Although the exact cause of brain tumors is not known, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetic predisposition
• Exposure to radiation
• A weakened immune system
• Long-term exposure to chemical substances
• Previous head injuries

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı explains that genetic factors play a more pronounced role particularly in glioma-type tumors, but that environmental factors can also accelerate the process.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Symptoms vary according to the tumor's location, its size and which area of the brain it presses on.

General Symptoms

• Headache (especially worse in the mornings)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Loss of balance
• Memory problems
• Seizures (epilepsy)

Location-Specific Symptoms

• Frontal lobe tumors: personality changes, difficulty with planning
• Temporal lobe tumors: memory and speech disorders
• Parietal lobe tumors: perception disorders
• Cerebellar tumors: imbalance and difficulty walking

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that headache is characteristic of Brain Tumors, and that headaches which worsen especially at night and do not respond to medication should be evaluated carefully.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

Neurological Examination

The physician assesses reflexes, balance, muscle strength and speech functions.

Imaging Methods

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Clearly shows the tumor's location, size and relationship to the surrounding tissues.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Provides information about bony structures.
• PET-CT: Determines the tumor's activity and whether there is metastasis.

Biopsy

A tissue sample taken from the tumor is examined under the microscope and the type of tumor is determined.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that an accurate diagnosis is of key importance for the success of treatment, and that a multidisciplinary approach is therefore required.

How Are Brain Tumors Treated?

Surgical Treatment

The aim is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This procedure is usually performed with microsurgical techniques.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı explains that brain surgery performed with modern microscopic and endoscopic methods increases both the success rate and the safety of the operation.

Radiotherapy

High-energy beams are used to destroy remaining tumor cells or to stop the tumor from growing.

Chemotherapy

In some tumor types, drug therapy is administered to stop tumor cells from spreading.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Focused radiation is delivered using devices such as the Gamma Knife or CyberKnife. Small tumors can be treated without the need for surgery.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that individualized planning is very important in the treatment of Brain Tumors, and that different combinations are used depending on the nature of each tumor.

Surgical Methods for Brain Tumors

Microscopic Surgery

The operation is performed under a microscope. The aim is to remove the tumor as completely as possible without damaging the nerve tissue.

Endoscopic Surgery

In this method, performed through small incisions, the brain is reached with the help of an endoscope. It is preferred especially for pituitary and skull base tumors.

Awake Surgery

Some tumors are located in areas where brain functions are active. In these cases, surgery may be performed while the patient is awake. The aim is to protect the speech and movement centers.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that awake brain surgery is an important method for preserving speech and motor functions.