Learn why early detection of brain tumours is so important, key signs to look out for, and how Gamma Knife radiosurgery is transforming treatment outcomes.
Every October, International Brain Tumour Awareness Week aims to increase understanding of brain tumours, and support research into the causes and the development of better treatments. Brain tumours can affect anyone, at any age, and while they are relatively rare, the impact can be profound on patients and their loved ones.
In this article, we’ll explore why early detection matters, the warning signs to look out for, and how innovative treatments such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery are changing the outlook for patients around the world.
A brain tumour occurs when abnormal cells form within or near the brain. Some are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous) and may grow or spread more aggressively. Because the brain is a delicate, compact structure, even small tumours can cause significant symptoms depending on their location.
Left untreated, a tumour can interfere with essential functions such as movement, speech, vision, or balance. Detecting these growths before they cause widespread damage can be the key to better outcomes, and in many cases, it can mean the difference between invasive surgery and a minimally invasive approach.
One of the biggest challenges with brain tumours is that their symptoms often mimic less serious conditions. However, certain signs should never be ignored, especially if they persist or worsen. These can include:
If any of these symptoms develop, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Early imaging, such as an MRI scan, can detect even small lesions and allow for early intervention.
Early diagnosis allows doctors to identify a tumour before it grows large or spreads to surrounding tissue. This can dramatically influence the treatment plan. Smaller tumours can often be treated with precise, non-invasive options like Gamma Knife surgery, which delivers highly targeted radiation directly to the tumour without the need for open surgery.
In contrast, larger or more complex tumours may require conventional neurosurgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of approaches. The earlier a tumour is found, the more likely it can be managed effectively while preserving healthy brain tissue.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is one of the most advanced technologies available for treating brain tumours and certain neurological conditions. Despite its name, it’s not surgery in the traditional sense: there’s no incision, no general anaesthetic, and minimal recovery time.
Instead, the Gamma Knife uses up to 192 precisely focused beams of radiation to target the tumour with millimetre accuracy. This approach spares surrounding healthy tissue while delivering a high dose to the affected area. For patients diagnosed early, when the tumour is small or located in a difficult-to-reach part of the brain, this treatment can be life-changing.
Because the treatment is non-invasive, most patients go home the same day and can return to normal activities within 24 – 48 hours. The precision of the technology means there’s also a lower risk of side effects compared to conventional surgery or whole-brain radiotherapy.
One of the key aims of International Brain Tumour Awareness Week is to encourage people to pay attention to symptoms, promote education, and support research into better diagnostics and treatments. Many brain tumours are discovered incidentally during scans for unrelated issues, but awareness can help reduce the time between symptom onset and diagnosis.
If you or someone you love is experiencing unusual neurological symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice. Your GP may refer you for a neurological assessment or an MRI scan to rule out serious causes.
If a tumour is found, your healthcare team will discuss the most suitable treatment. Early detection of brain tumours saves lives, and equally importantly, it protects quality of life.
If you or a family member is affected by a brain tumour and you’d like to find out more about advanced treatments such as Gamma Knife surgery, please contact one of our team today for expert-led information.
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