Brain Tumor Myths

Brain Tumour Myths: All You Need To Know Facts, Backed By Doctors

A brain tumour is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain. The abnormal growth of cells in the brain is called a brain tumour. In recent years brain tumour treatment has evolved and made is it safe. The Department of Neuroscience at Fortis Hospital, Cunnigham Road, Bengaluru is a hub of expert neurologists, neurosurgeons, endovascular surgeons offering highly advanced medical treatments, aided by state-of-the-art facilities.

Here we have tried to highlight few myths which are common in the general population - 

Myth:

All brain tumours are cancerous. Brain tumour means fatal or death.

Fact:

Not True.

Not all brain tumours are cancerous. There are a few types of noncancerous brain tumours that can be treated completely.

Brain tumours are classified into benign and cancerous or malignant. Benign tumours are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the brain. Slow-growing tumours are completely treatable while certain malignant ones require immediate surgical intervention and subsequent treatment.

Benign tumours can be excised by surgery, completely curable and are not fatal.

Myth:

Brain tumours won’t happen in children.

Fact:

Not True.

There are instances of children getting brain tumours. Though rare, it is not fully understood what causes tumours in children – it could genetic or environmental reasons. However, brain tumours can happen to anyone at any age and in children, these are different from the ones that are usually diagnosed in adults.

Myth:

Mobile phones are the cause of brain tumours.

Fact:

Well, this is still a debatable topic. Few studies revealed a possible link between the amount of time spent on a cell phone to tumour development, while few researchers have not yet proved cell phone will cause brain tumours.

Myth:

Brain tumours run in families.

Fact:

True In Certain Cases.

According to various studies, around 5% of brain tumours can be hereditary or genetic. Rare genetic disorders can cause primary brain tumours that could either be benign or malignant. The most common one that runs in families is nervous system tumour syndrome neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1). Other rare genetic disorders like Von Hippel-Lindau disease and tuberous sclerosis can lead to haemangiomas and astrocytomas.

Myth:

If I go to a neurologist with a recurrent, severe headache, I may get diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Fact:

Not True.

There are many underlying causes for nagging, pounding headaches. It can be due to a family history of migraines or can be as simple as a stress headache. However, if you are experiencing it quite often with other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, loss of memory, inability to sleep – see the doctor immediately.

Myth:

Brain tumours are contagious.

Fact:

Not True.

Nope. They are not. Brain tumours are not contagious or infectious and cannot be passed down from one to another.

Myth:

All brain tumours are the same.

Fact:

Not True.

Brain tumours are of different types and are classified according to the cells, location and how quickly they grow. They are primarily classified into Primary tumours – means they began in your brain or Secondary tumours – means the cancer cells from other parts of the body that invaded the brain. The type of brain tumour can be determined only after running necessary diagnostic tests to treat it fully.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned are actually frequent asked questions mostly myths. While few patients encounter certain conditions, it may differ from person to person. We would strongly recommend talking to the respective specialist in person, for dispelling and to gain clarity over doubts.

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