Noida doctors insist on early check-ups to detect brain tumours

According to the Union government’s National Health Program, a brain tumour occurs when abnormal cells are produced in any part of the brain

Ten days ago, Irakoze Mamy Carine, 24, arrived in India from Rwanda after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and doctors in her country were unable to treat her.

June 8 is observed as World Brain Tumour Day (PTI/Photo for representative purpose only)

She had been suffering from frequent headaches, nausea and episodes of vomiting for the past one and a half years. “At first, I couldn’t understand the reason behind the prolonged and continued headache and nausea attacks. My menstrual cycle too was irregular all the time,” said Carine.

After an MRI scan in Rwanda detected the brain tumour, she decided to approach Fortis Hospital in Noida’s Sector 62 for treatment.

Another woman, Shalini Kumari, 22, of Agra, had similar symptoms and was also referred to hospitals in Delhi-NCR for better treatment, 10 days ago.

Both the women were kept under observation for a few days and on May 30 and June 1, both Carine and Kumari were treated by a team of doctors who worked for two hours to remove their tumours.

“Both the women suffered from Pituitary Adenoma and the tumour was present at the base of their skull. We used the endoscopic method through their nostrils to treat them. Now, they are fine and will recover fully in a few days,” said Dr Rahul Gupta, additional director, department of neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Noida.

The two patients spoke about their experiences a day ahead of World Tumour Day, as Noida-based doctors stressed on check ups at an early age for detection and better treatment.

June 8 is observed as World Brain Tumour Day in an effort to sensitise people towards the condition that occurs due to alteration in the genetics of a patient. According to the Union government’s National Health Program, a brain tumour occurs when abnormal cells are produced in any part of the brain. These tumours can be either benign or malignant. The exact cause of brain tumours is still unknown.

“Brain tumours usually affect women, but the condition is prevalent in both genders. It can arise at any age. However, the tumour is not universal in nature and may differ in young and old people in size and effect,” said Dr HS Bhatoe, director, department of neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Noida.

“The most common symptom of brain tumour is regular headache and vomiting. Many people also suffer from visual disturbance when vision in one eye starts deteriorating. A few people may also suffer from paralysis in one side of the face or difficulty in walking due to paralytic attack,” said Dr Bhatoe.

According to doctors, young patients must undergo a MRI scan in order to confirm the presence of the tumour.

“Today, MRI is available even in remote cities of India for under Rs 500. Anyone can get it done. Around 99% of brain tumours can be detected in MRI scan and it is the easiest way to detect the disease in its early stage,” said Dr Gupta.