UNAIR NEWS – Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths in brain tissue. Tumors can develop benign or malignant. The brain tumors occur either from brain tissue itself (primary brain tumors) or the spread of malignant tumors from other organs (metastatic brain tumors) through the bloodstream. Brain tumors can affect individuals regardless of their age or gender. Therefore, it is essential for the community to stay alert and familiarize themselves with the symptoms and risks of brain tumors.
Symptoms of brain tumors
Dr. Rahardian Indarto Susilo, a neurosurgeon from Universitas Airlangga, mentioned that early signs of brain tumors include headaches, balance issues, and seizures in adults. Symptoms may involve visual and hearing impairments, weakness in upper limbs or leg muscles, difficulty in speech, and concentration disturbances leading to confusion in daily activities.
“If you experience persistent and worsening headaches despite treatment, it is recommended to promptly seek consultation at a nearby facility to identify the underlying cause. It could be a sign of a brain tumor,” advised the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FIKKIA UNAIR.
May occur since infancy
Prof. Rob Groen from the Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, emphasized that brain tumors can manifest at any age. While a family history of genetic disorder syndromes rarely leads to brain tumors, in some instances, tumor growth may initiate from birth.
“Brain tumor development in children can occur between the ages of 1 to 18 years,” he said.
Greater trust in healthcare services
The progress of modern medicine must continue to promote greater public trust. Advocacy for the introduction of comprehensive tumor treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and post-surgical rehabilitation, is crucial. The benefits of modern healthcare services will significantly impact the approach to the public in recognizing symptoms. Trust in healthcare within the community will contribute to the adoption of healthier lifestyle patterns to prevent brain cancer.
“The community faces the health problem of tumors, and it poses a challenge for neurosurgeons to come up with better brain tumor healthcare service,” said Prof. Groen.
The Education about Brain Tumors for Students and the Community in Banyuwangi international guest lecture was held at the Library, Mojo Campus, FIKKIA UNAIR on Thursday, Feb 22, 2024, and titled
Author: Azhar Burhanuddin
Editor: Feri Fenoria
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