The malignant brain tumor survival rate depends on many factors like the person’s age, severity of the condition and the treatment provided. Through this article let us discuss this life-threatening disorder in detail…
The human brain is a complex organ, made up of thousands of neurons and the center of the nervous system. This organ performs many vital functions in the body. Just like the other organs in the body, the brain also gets affected due to numerous health conditions. One such health disorder which affects this organ is tumor or lesions. Brain tumor occurs when there is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain.
Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be classified under two spectrums – benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not usually cancerous in nature and may go away after a period of time with proper medication. However, on the other hand, a malignant tumor is cancerous in nature and can be life-threatening. The cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the brain and damage the brain tissue. If not treated on time, this condition can result in brain cancer. When the abnormal growth of cells occurs in the brain, it is known as primary brain tumor. In secondary brain tumor, the cancerous cells tend to metastasize from other parts of the body to the brain.
Malignant Brain Tumor Survival
For reasons unknown, it has been observed that men are more susceptible to tumors as compared to women. Before administering treatment the doctor may perform diagnostic tests to determine the exact nature of the brain tumor. A benign brain lesion may be treated with the help of drugs and medications, but a malignant tumor may require extensive treatment if it has metastasized to other parts of the brain. To cure this condition, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are opted for.
However, the survival rate depends on the location of the tumor, the nature of the tumor (whether it is primary or secondary), the stage at which the tumor was diagnosed, and the overall health condition of the patient. The survival rate also depends on the age of the individual. For younger people, aged between fifteen to forty five, the survival rate is comparatively higher (sixty to sixty-five percent) when compared to old people, above 60 years of age (five percent). Thanks to advanced technologies in modern medicine, life expectancy of a patient suffering from brain tumor has been increased considerably.
Malignant Brain Tumor Symptoms
Now that we are aware of the survival rate of this disease, let us see the signs by which it makes its presence in the body, known. Symptoms may vary on the location and type of tumor. However, some brain tumors do not display any symptoms in the initial stages, but as the stage advances it may lead to deterioration of health. Given below are a few of the early symptoms that are common for both, benign as well as malignant tumors.
- One of the early warning signs is experiencing a dull, persistent headache, which can worsen at times. The individual may experience severe headaches in the morning, which may reduce as the day goes by.
- Some individuals may also experience tingling sensation in the limbs and a feeling of numbness on one side of the body, similar to partial paralysis.
- Seizures can also be caused due to tumors, as a result of obstructed blood supply to the brain.
- Problems related to vision like double or blurred vision, watery eyes, temporary loss of vision etc.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to communicate properly and speech difficulties
- Behavioral and personality changes
- Unable to balance properly while walking or doing any other task
- Nausea induced vomiting at any point of time during the day or night
Though the occurrence of brain tumors cannot be prevented, the severity of this condition can be brought under control with timely diagnosis and prompt treatment. Take care!
