New Delhi: Brain tumour cases are steadily increasing in India. As per reports around 20 per cent of the incidences are in children. In 2020, a brain tumour was ranked the 10th most common kind of tumour among Indians. As per the report by the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reported that there are over 28,000 cases of brain tumours reported in the country every year and over 24,000 people reportedly die due to brain tumours each year.
Brain tumours in children and adolescents, though relatively rare, pose a significant health challenge due to their potentially severe impact on young, developing brains. Dr Jayesh Sardhara, Senior Consultant – Neuro & Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Kalyan and Satyaki Banerjee, Executive Director and Group Chief Operating Officer, Trivitron Healthcare told News9, “Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preserving the quality of life. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should be vigilant about recognizing the early signs of brain tumours in youth.”
Common Types and Prevalence
Pediatric brain tumours differ from those typically found in adults. The most common types include medulloblastomas, gliomas (such as pilocytic astrocytomas), ependymomas, and brainstem gliomas. These tumours can develop in various parts of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms based on their location and growth rate.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms of brain tumours in children can be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions. However, persistent or progressively worsening symptoms should raise concern. Key signs to watch for include:
Headaches: Frequent, severe headaches, especially those that worsen in the morning or after a nap, may indicate increased intracranial pressure caused by a growing tumour.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting, particularly in the morning, can be related to increased pressure in the brain.
Visual Disturbances: Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, or involuntary eye movements, can signal a brain tumour affecting the optic pathways.
Balance and Coordination Issues: Difficulty walking, clumsiness, or trouble with fine motor skills might indicate a tumour affecting the cerebellum or other areas responsible for motor control.
Behavioural and Cognitive Changes: Sudden changes in behaviour, personality, or cognitive abilities, such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating, can be symptoms of a brain tumour
Seizures: New-onset seizures without a prior history of epilepsy can be a significant indicator of a brain tumour.
Growth and Developmental Delays: Unexplained delays in physical growth, puberty, or developmental milestones can be associated with brain tumours, particularly those affecting the pituitary gland.
Brain tumours in children and adolescents, though relatively rare, pose a significant health challenge due to their potentially severe impact on young, developing brains. Check these early signs Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
