Expert Embarks on Advocacy for Brain Tumors

Ijeoma Okonji

World Brain Tumor Day was celebrated recently to raise awareness about brain tumors and dispel related misconceptions with theme “together we are stronger.”
According to a statement made available to THISDAY, heeding the advocacy call-to-action for increased awareness,  a Neurosurgeon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, with experience in a diverse range of brain and spine pathologies, Dr. Edward  Jolayemi, has  embarked on an  enlightenment of the  society about brain tumors, the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
The statement further explained that brain tumors are abnormal growths within or around the brain.
Jolayemi, whose  competence spans the fields of neuro- trauma, neuro- oncology, pediatrics neurosurgery, pituitary surgery, neurovascular and spine surgeries, highlighted that the brain is a complex organ that is vulnerable to insults from trauma, infections, tumors, drugs including alcohol, metabolic disorders, to mention a few.
He said:  “Nature’s way of protecting the brain from external insults was to keep it enclosed within the rigid skull (cranium). It is also shielded from within using what we call the ‘blood- brain barrier’ to keep foreign agents at bay.
“It can be classified as benign or malignant, or as primary or secondary. Benign tumors are non- cancerous, tend to grow slowly and have less chance of recurring once completely removed at surgery.”
“Malignant tumors however are cancerous and often grow rapidly, with high propensity to recur despite surgical intervention. Primary tumors arise from structures within and around the brain whilst secondary tumors get to the brain via spread (metastasis) from other tumors like breast, lung, and thyroid cancers.”
The statement further explained that the cause of brain tumors is largely unknown, while noting that the risk factors include family history of brain tumors, genetics, exposure to ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and viruses.
It maintained that there have been studies to define the association of brain tumors with the use of cell phones, but no convincing data has emanated, “however, there is suggestion that chronic use of cell phones for at least 10-years may increase the risk.”
The statement stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends limiting cell phone use and promotes the use of hands-free headset.
It noted that symptoms in persons with brain tumors include acute or persistent headache, often worse in the early hours of the morning and associated with vomiting, pointing out that treatment options for brain tumors include surgery to remove the tumors.
“The goal of surgery is complete tumor removal, preservation of normal brain function, and acquisition of tumor sample for laboratory confirmation of its nature. These surgeries are done by neurosurgeons who employ a wide range of gadgetry to safely take out the tumor. In some instances, especially in the Nigerian setting where late presentation to the hospital is common, complete brain tumor removal may not be feasible. In such scenarios, the surgeon may plan a subsequent surgery or offer other treatment modalities to address the residual tumor.
“The prognosis (expectation or outcome) in patients with brain tumors depends on a host of factors such as the tumor type, size, the presence or absence of brain deficits, patient’s age and fitness level, co-existing illness, etc. The role of multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation therapy in managing patients with brain tumors is critical. As the phrase goes, ‘Time is Brain’. In pathologies relating to the brain, be it trauma, infection, tumors, stroke, and others, it cannot be over- emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment is crucial,” Jolayemi said.
 “Brain tumor survivors and individuals with brain tumors require our support. With appropriate treatment, they have the chance of leading normal lives like their counterparts without tumors. Let’s spread love and not stigmatization. Together, we are stronger,” he added.