Brain tumours are considered unique as being one of the most poorly understood medical conditions. Because of the wide-spread misdiagnosis, and the never-ending misinformation that presents as articles on the internet and even hard copy publications, patients and their families are experiencing undue stress and confusion. Let’s bust five common myths about brain tumours with facts.
Myth 1: All brain tumours are cancerous
Fact: Not all brain tumours are malignant. In fact, a lot of them are non-cancerous and grow slowly – benign. These tumours, while not spreading like cancer, can be problematic if they impact critical structures within the head that could lead to headaches, seizures, or even sight impairment. Diagnosis and treatment are critical whenever ‘surgery’ is mentioned.
Myth 2: Use of mobiles cause brain tumours
Fact: After many years of research, there is no evidence that using a phone as per normal behaviour has a relationship with brain tumours; there are no links between normal usage unfounded research does exist that are based on alternate linking plans of granularity. Use of mobiles emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation which is non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, like x-rays have enough radiation energy to cause DNA damage, RF radiation does not. Authorities, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Cancer Society routinely monitor this, but science does not support the possibility of the ‘myth’.
Myth 3: If you experience headaches, you certainly have a brain tumour
Fact: Although headaches can indicate a brain tumour, headaches also frequently result from non life-threatening causes—migraines, tension headaches, or simple dehydration from not enough intake of fluids. When headaches are related to brain tumours, they tend to be non-varying, get worse every day, and can have neurological symptoms associated. Talk to your doctor, or health care provider if your headaches change or if you have any other unusual symptoms.
Myth 4: Brain tumours are always fatal
Fact: This is simply not the case. A large percentage of people diagnosed with brain tumours, both benign and malignant, live long, meaningful lives. This is yet again attributable to advanced techniques in neurosurgery, radiation, chemotherapy, precision medicine, and many other emerging fields of medicine, along with the type, grade, location, and size of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Myth 5: Brain tumours are only affecting the elderly
Fact: Brain tumours can occur in people of any age, even in children and young adults. In fact, brain tumours are one of the more common solid tumours in children. Only age does not determine risk.
Myth 6: Brain tumours are hereditary
Fact: Most brain tumours are not inherited. While some rare genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome may increase the risk, the vast majority of brain tumours occur sporadically, without a hereditary factor. Researchers hypothesize that an interaction between environmental and spontaneous genetic mutations, and causes unknown may be at fault.
Conclusion
Misinformation about brain tumours can lead to a delay in diagnosis, incite unnecessary panic, or cause individuals to make poor treatment decisions. Knowing the truth allows us to pursue timely medical care and reduce our anxiety. If you or someone you love is having any worrisome symptoms, see a neurologist or neurosurgeon. The earlier the evaluation, and, if indicated, advanced treatment could help considerably.
Dr Shailesh Jain is an Associate Director – Neurosurgery & Head – Neuro-intervention, Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh