CMC’s Department of Neurosurgery is a pioneer in South East Asia in the management of complex brain and spine tumours. Every year, around 1500 patients are treated for brain tumours, ranging from benign meningiomas to highly malignant glioblastomas.
World Brain Tumour Day is observed on the 8th of June to raise awareness about this disease. Tumours can occur when cells grow rapidly at an abnormal speed. Cancerous tumours need to be treated immediately. Brain tumours can originate in the brain or spread to the brain from other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment with aggressive rehabilitation can make a difference in the quality of life of a person with brain tumour. It can also reduce the socioeconomic impact on the family.
Some symptoms of brain tumour may include seizures, weakness or numbness of hands or legs, imbalance while walking, hearing loss, double vision, change in behaviour, memory loss or headaches. Usually, a scan (PET, CT, MRI) or a biopsy will be done for the diagnosis to be confirmed.
Brain Tumour Day is a reminder of the tremendous impact that cancer can have on individuals and their families. To raise awareness, people wear grey ribbons or grey clothes representing the gray matter of the brain. Support for patients, survivors, caregivers and medical professional is essential, as well as research in improved therapies and effective treatment options. Let us ‘close the care gap’ by spreading awareness about one of the most powerful organs of the body, the Brain.
Details contributed by Department of Neurosurgery, CMC Vellore
