Brain tumor on the rise in Indian children

July 25, 2017
Brain tumor on the rise in Indian children

IMA says 90% of these cases are curable if the right treatment protocol is followed

New Delhi, July 25, 2017According to statistics, every year about 40,000 to 50,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumor, of which 20% are children. What is alarming is that this figure was only about 5% up until a year ago. Additionally, each year about 2,500 Indian children are diagnosed with medulloblastoma. As per the IMA, provided the treatment procedure is followed correctly, about 90% of these cases are curable.

Medulloblastoma is a pediatric malignant primary brain tumor. It spreads through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and frequently metastasizes to different locations along the surface of the brain and spinal cord. Studies show that brain tumor is the second most common cancer among children after leukemia.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Brain damage is a serious problem irrespective of age. It can lead to problems with thinking, seeing, or speaking and cause personality changes or seizures. While a small percentage of brain tumors is linked to genetic disorders, others may be due to some known environmental hazards such as exposure to certain toxins or radiations. Long-term use of mobile and cordless phones is associated with an increased risk for brain tumor. If the tumor is in the brain stem or certain other parts, surgery may not be possible. Those who cannot undergo surgery receive radiation therapy or other treatment. Some symptoms are repeated episodes of vomiting, and a morning headache. This sometimes leads to misdiagnosis as a gastrointestinal disease or migraine.”

A child with medulloblastoma can have a stumbling gait, frequently falls, diplopia, papilledema, and sixth cranial nerve palsy. In some cases, positional dizziness, and facial sensory loss or motor weakness is also seen. Decerebrate attacks appear in the later stages.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Caring for children with medulloblastoma doesn’t end with active treatment. There is a need to ensure that the tumor has not returned, manage side effects, and monitor the child’s overall health. Most children treated for this disease require lifelong follow-up care including regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. A tumor can recur if small areas of tumor cells remain undetected in the body. Over time, these cells increase in number and cause signs or symptoms.”

Here are few tips for preventing cancer in children

  • Avoid exposure to chemicals and pesticides. This is particularly true for expectant mothers.
  • Consume a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly.
  • Avoid self-medication and over consumption of medicines.
  • Quit smoking and drinking right away
  • Give your child immunity-boosting foods.

Stay informed with the latest news from HealthySoch. Sign up today for exclusive insights and updates!

We promise we never spam!

Health Tips

Dr. T S Kler Padma Bhushan Awardee
MD, DM, MRCP, FRCP(U.K), FACC, D.Sc
Chairman – Fortis Heart Institute Gurugram

Precautions to avoid Corona Virus:

  1. Stay home as far as possible.
  2. Wash hands with soap and water frequently.
  3. Keep distance from people even your home members.
  4. Keep atleast 1-2 metres away from anybody coughing.
  5. Don’t touch your face, nose and mouth.

 

Dr. K.K Says

Archives

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    123
45678910
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
26272829   
       
891011121314
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
3031     
     12
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
       
  12345
13141516171819
2728     
       
      1
9101112131415
3031     
   1234
567891011
       
282930    
       
    123
45678910
       
  12345
27282930   
       
      1
3031     
    123
11121314151617
       
28      
       
2930     
       
    123
       
       
       
      1
9101112131415
3031     
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829 
       
  12345
13141516171819
2728293031  
       
      1
23242526272829
3031     
    123
       
    123
25262728   
       
78910111213
28293031   
       
293031    
       
14151617181920
28293031   
       
   1234
567891011
       
   1234
567891011
262728    
       
891011121314
293031    
       
    123
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
16171819202122
3031     
    123
45678910
18192021222324
       
28293031   
       
     12
31      
   1234
       
  12345
6789101112
       
HealthySoch

Don't Miss

A word of caution for general public on behalf of Apollo Hospitals! 

India healthysoch New Delhi, August 29, 2020: It’s been brought

Aster Volunteers offer free diabetes screening in India and UAE

According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), one in 10 adults