Ahead of World Brain Tumour Day, observed on June 8, experts emphasised early diagnosis, and dispelled common misconceptions about the disease at a webinar organised by The Hindu in association with Kauvery Hospitals.

Speaking at the webinar, G. Jos Jasper, Head of Department, Brain and Spine Surgery, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy Cantonment, said certain warning signs should not be ignored. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with brain tumours.

“Not every headache is due to a tumour, but severe headaches warrant evaluation,” he said, adding that paediatric headaches often go unnoticed, despite requiring attention.

Ranganathan Jothi, chief brain and spine surgeon and director of Neurosciences, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, said that MRI remained the standard for diagnosing brain tumours, while PET-CT scans helped accurately map the location of tumours and aided in surgical planning.

Krish Sridhar, group mentor for Neurosciences and director, Institute of Brain and Spine, Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, Chennai, said treatment aims to minimise the impact of tumours on healthy brain tissue through surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy when necessary. Advances in technology have reduced the complication rate of brain surgery to below 3%, he said.

The panel said nearly 70% of the brain tumours are benign and clarified that stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation have not been established as causes. Genetic mutations and radiation exposure are considered greater risk factors, while evidence linking obesity and mobile phone radiation remains inconclusive.

Questions from participants focused on symptoms, recurrence, and long-term follow-up.

The webinar can be viewed at https://newsth.live/THKABY