Hyderabad: Over 25,000 primary brain tumours are diagnosed every year in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The incidence is as high as 20.63 people per one lakh of population.
The occurrence of brain tumours is slightly higher in women at 22.3 per 1 lakh population, and 18.8 per 1 lakh men. Of these, about 7 per 1 lakh population are found to be malignant tumors, while about 13 are non-malignant ones. The exact reason for tumours in the brain is yet not known.
Experts released these statistics on World Tumour Day that was observed on Sunday.
Dr B.S. Shiva Reddy, neurosurgeon at Mediciti Hospital, said, “There are 120 types of brain and central nervous system tumours. The least aggressive type of tumours grow slowly while the malignant tumours, containing cancer cells, grow rapidly invading other body systems.”
While the cause is not known, as per research, exposure to ionising radiation from therapeutic and diagnostic medical procedures, atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons, industrial accidents and heavy use of mobile phones also increases the risk of gliomas – a type of brain tumour.
Neurosurgeon Dr Rama Krishna said, “There is too much of a dispute on the claim that the use of mobile phones will cause tumours. While researchers claim that there is a link, there is a need for more studies to establish facts. But it is clear that excessive usage of mobile phones does lead to frequent headaches in a section of people. These people must be careful and use mobile phones with caution. Children below 16 years must not be given phones for use as their body systems are still developing and it can cause early damage.”
Neurologist Dr V. Padma said, “Changes in chromosomes No. 1 and No. 19 are often found to be the reason for malignant tumours.”
Routine screening of the brain is not advisable like in the case of breast and cervical cancer as it can have adverse effects. Hence, some of the initial signs accepted by experts and if these continue despite medication, than scans must be suggested.
