KOMPAS.com – Brain tumor is the appearance of cells that grow abnormally in the brain.
Once there is abnormal cell growth, sufferers can feel symptoms brain tumor such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, to sensory disturbances.
So, what exactly causes of brain tumors can some people suffer?
Also read: 8 Early Symptoms of Brain Tumors to Watch Out For
Primary brain tumors are tumors that initially arise from the brain or the tissue around the brain.
The causes of brain tumors and other primary tumors are usually the same.
According to American Cancer Society, researchers say the cause of brain tumors can occur due to changes in DNA.
DNA is the chemical that makes up genes and controls how each cell functions.
Generally, human cells can grow and function normally following the information from the DNA of each cell.
Genes can control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die.
Also read: 7 Signs of Brain Tumors that are Often Overlooked
Malignant tumors can appear when DNA mutates and activate genes that regulate cell growth (oncogenes).
Cells that were originally normal can also go out of control when genes controlling cell growth mutate, and change their function to become inactive.
With this gene mutation, cells continue to grow, divide rapidly, and uncontrollably until they form an abnormal cell mass called a tumor.
These gene changes sometimes occur due to heredity or external factors such as lifestyle.
Some of the lifestyles that can damage DNA include excessive chemical exposure to smoking.
However, some researchers argue, changes in the genes of brain tumors can occur by chance, or without a definite cause.
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Causes of secondary brain tumors
Brain tumors can also appear as a result of other (secondary) diseases.
Launch Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of secondary brain tumors is cancer that grows in one place and then spreads to the brain.
Some types of cancer that usually spread to the brain include:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
Secondary brain tumors are more common in adults than primary brain tumors.
Also read: How to Get Rid of the Right Headache
Who is at risk for a brain tumor?
However, experts identify several risk factors that make a person prone to brain tumors, including:
Exposure to ionizing radiation can increase the risk of a brain tumor.
Examples of ionizing radiation can come from radiation therapy for cancer and radiation exposure due to atomic bombs.
Also read: Left-sided Headache: Causes and How to Get Rid of It
- Have a family with a brain tumor
A small proportion of people with brain tumors come from families who have had brain tumors.
Everyone needs to consult a doctor if they have symptoms of a brain tumor.
Especially if you have the risk factors for brain tumors above. With early diagnosis and proper treatment of brain tumors, the disease can be more easily controlled.
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