AIIMS raises brain tumour awareness

Raipur | Correspondent: The Department of Neurosurgery at AIIMS Raipur organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about brain tumours and discuss recent advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking at the event, Dean (Academics) Dr Eli Mohapatra said World Brain Tumour Day aims to increase public awareness about brain tumours and encourage people to seek timely medical attention.

Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, highlighted the growing burden of brain tumours and stressed the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment and public awareness. He said advances in neuroimaging, microsurgery, neuronavigation, neuroendoscopy, molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes.

Dr Sharma said symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, unexplained vomiting, vision problems, weakness in limbs, behavioural changes and speech difficulties should not be ignored as they may indicate a brain tumour.

He also shared details of a rare case recently treated at AIIMS Raipur involving a five-year-old child with an extremely uncommon brain tumour containing hundreds of tooth-like structures. The tumour was successfully removed, and the child is recovering well.

Doctors explained that brain tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may affect people of all age groups, including children. While the exact cause remains unknown, factors such as radiation exposure, genetics and family history may increase risk.

Experts said early diagnosis through CT scans or MRI can improve treatment outcomes. Surgery remains the primary treatment, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be required in some cases.

The programme was attended by neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, radiologists, residents, medical students and healthcare professionals. Experts discussed advances in neuro-oncology, skull-base surgery, molecular markers and newer radiation and chemotherapy protocols.

The event concluded with a call for greater public awareness, regular health check-ups and timely consultation with specialists. "Brain tumours are treatable, and in many cases curable, when detected early," Dr Sharma said.