The development of brain tumors most often occurs in childhood. Currently, doctors in Israel have achieved significant results. The effectiveness in this case depends on the treatment regimen used, the stage of the disease, and the presence of metastases. The localization of tumors can occur in various areas of the brain. There are primary brainstem lesions, intraparenchymal, exophytic-brainstem, secondary-brainstem, and others. Tumors can affect both the nuclear formations and the conduction pathways of the brainstem.
Causes
Previously, there was an opinion about a genetic cause for the formation of brain and brainstem tumors. However, later scientists concluded that only about 10% of all diseases are caused by genetic-related factors. There are congenital abnormalities that can lead to neoplasms, namely: von Recklinghausen syndrome, Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumenn syndrome. The development of the disease is primarily associated with the functioning of a group of oncogenes. They have the ability to attach to the receptors of healthy cells, subsequently causing their uncontrolled growth directly leading to the development of neoplasms.
Symptoms of Brain and Brainstem Tumors
In brain and brainstem neoplasms, the symptoms are quite extensive. Diagnosing tumors at early stages is challenging. Very often, patients seek medical help when the tumor is already damaging the nerve endings of the brain or the central nervous system. Most commonly, patients complain of headaches, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, etc. A whole range of psychological disorders is also possible: memory impairment, sleep disturbances, concentration issues, etc.
Diagnosis of Brain and Brainstem Tumors in Israel
To choose a treatment method, it is necessary to investigate the cause and nature of the oncogenes, studying them at the molecular level. For this purpose, biopsy is used in Israel. Additionally, the following imaging methods are used for diagnosing tumors in patients:
- MRI. With magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to view the brain from various angles, allowing the doctor to obtain a high-quality three-dimensional image of the neoplasms.
- CT. This method can accurately determine the location of the tumor and its type.
Treatment of Brain and Brainstem Tumors in Israel
In Israel, both surgical treatment and radiation therapy are used for treating brain and brainstem tumors. When benign brainstem tumors are detected, their removal is performed. Surgical intervention in the treatment of brain tumors has limitations, although it allows for stabilizing the disease without progression for the next 6-7 years. In other cases, especially when tumors are found in children, radiation therapy is applied.