Hidden brain tumors may be unnoticed; experts urge awareness

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Brain tumors can exist without causing any symptoms, especially in their early stages, and most are discovered incidentally during scans performed for unrelated medical conditions, says Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District. He stressed that while such findings may be alarming, early diagnosis often offers better treatment outcomes.

According to Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District., small or slow-growing tumors, including certain meningiomas and low-grade gliomas, may remain silent because they do not immediately affect surrounding brain tissue or neurological functions. However, as they enlarge, patients may develop persistent headaches, seizures, memory problems, changes in behaviour, weakness, vision disturbances, or difficulty with balance and coordination. Individuals experiencing persistent neurological symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation rather than ignore warning signs.

Dispelling another common misconception, Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District. said brain tumors are rarely hereditary. Most cases occur sporadically without a family history. Only a small percentage are linked to inherited genetic syndromes such as Neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Treatment is tailored to each patient based on the tumor's type, size and location, with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies forming the cornerstone of care under a multidisciplinary team.

Addressing concerns over mobile phone usage, Dr. Reddy noted that current scientific evidence does not establish a conclusive link between cell phone use and brain tumor risk. Mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation, which lacks the energy to damage DNA directly. Large international studies have not shown consistent evidence of increased brain tumor risk, although researchers continue to monitor long-term exposure. For those concerned, using hands-free devices and limiting prolonged calls are reasonable precautionary measures.

Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District. emphasized that awareness, early medical consultation and evidence-based information remain the best tools in improving outcomes and countering misconceptions surrounding brain tumors.

Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Financial District.