Headaches that start in the morning may be a sign of this disease.

Professor Dr. Hakan Emmez stated that early diagnosis of brain tumors plays a decisive role in treatment success. Professor Dr. Emmez stated, “Tumors affecting a vital organ like the brain may not always be malignant, but depending on their location, they can cause serious neurological symptoms. Therefore, when symptoms begin, a specialist neurosurgeon should be consulted immediately. Brain tumors occur in approximately 30-40 of every 100,000 people. While less common than lung, breast, or prostate cancers, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial because they develop in a sensitive area like brain tissue.”

'EVEN BENIGN TUMORS CAN HAVE SERIOUS EFFECTS'

Professor Emmez explained that tumors are divided into two groups: primary and secondary (metastatic), based on the tissue they originate from. "In addition to primary tumors, which arise directly from cells in the brain, metastatic tumors, which occur when cancers from other organs spread to the brain, are also common. Even a benign tumor can compress brain tissue and cause serious neurological deficits. The exact cause of brain tumors is unknown. Genetic factors and radiation exposure may play a role. Certain genetic diseases, such as neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk of brain tumors. Furthermore, individuals with a history of high-dose radiation therapy are also more likely to develop tumors," he said.

'HEADACHES THAT BECOME OBVIOUS IN THE MORNING CAN BE A WARNING'

Professor Dr. Hakan Emmez explained that brain tumors can exhibit different symptoms depending on their location, saying, "Complaints such as headaches worsening in the morning, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, visual disturbances, epileptic seizures, and difficulty speaking may be signs of a brain tumor. Imaging methods are used after a neurological examination during the diagnostic process. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides the most detailed information about the tumor's location, size, and relationship to surrounding tissues. When necessary, a biopsy can confirm the type and extent of the tumor."

'MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH IN TREATMENT IS ESSENTIAL'

Professor Dr. Hakan Emmez emphasized that the entire surgical, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and follow-up process for brain tumors is planned individually, stating, “The treatment process is carried out in collaboration with specialists such as neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, neurology, and endocrinology. During the surgical phase, neuronavigation, neuromonitoring, and fluorescence technologies maximize tumor tissue removal while preserving healthy brain tissue. Not every brain tumor is malignant, and some types can require years of follow-up. Thanks to developing medical technologies, diagnosis and treatment are now much safer, more effective, and more personalized. Seeing a specialist immediately upon noticing symptoms significantly reduces the risk of permanent damage.”