RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS FOR BRAIN TUMORS

Most brain tumors are not linked with any known risk factors and have no obvious cause. But there are a few factors that can raise the risk of brain tumors.

- Dr Arun Oommen

Radiation exposure

The best-known environmental risk factor for brain tumors is radiation exposure, most often from radiation therapy to treat some other condition for eg leukemia. These brain tumors usually develop around 10 to 15 years after the radiation. Radiation-induced tumors are still rare.

The possible risk from exposure to imaging tests, such as x-rays or CT scans, is not known for sure. However, the risk is negligibly small.

Immune system disorders and drug-induced

People with impaired immune systems have an increased risk of developing lymphomas (cancers of lymphocytes) of the brain or spinal cord. Giving the cancer drug methotrexate into the fluid around the spinal cord (intrathecal methotrexate) for the treatment of leukemia has been shown to marginally increase the risk of brain tumors.

Post-menopausal women who are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives may have a slightly increased risk of developing meningioma, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Family history