By Dr Avinash KS
Consultant-Neuro and Spine Surgeon
MS, Mch Neuro Surgery
SS Narayana Health Super Speciality Centre, Davanagere
Every year, thousands of individuals around the world are diagnosed with brain tumors—abnormal growths of cells within the brain or its surrounding structures. These diagnoses often lead to fear and confusion, especially when it comes to understanding what causes these tumors. Unfortunately, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and myths about brain tumors can add unnecessary anxiety or even delay early diagnosis.
This Brain Tumor Day, let’s cut through the noise and examine scientifically-backed facts about what causes brain tumors—and the common myths that continue to cloud public understanding.
What is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain or close to it. Tumors can be:
Benign (non-cancerous) or
Malignant (cancerous), with the potential to spread and damage healthy brain tissue.
They may arise from brain tissue itself (primary tumors) or spread from cancers elsewhere in the body (metastatic or secondary tumors).
Myth 1: Using Mobile Phones Causes Brain Tumors
The Truth: No conclusive evidence links mobile phones to brain tumors.
This is perhaps the most persistent myth. While mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation (radiofrequency energy), this type of radiation does not damage DNA the way ionizing radiation (like X-rays) does.
Myth 2: Head Injuries Can Cause Brain Tumors
The Truth: There is no strong evidence supporting this.
While head injuries may lead to complications like blood clots or long-term neurological effects, there is no direct causal link between trauma and the development of brain tumors.
Myth 3: Brain Tumors Are Always Genetic
The Truth: Genetics play a role, but most tumors are not inherited.
While certain rare genetic disorders like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis do increase the risk of brain tumors, they account for only a small fraction of all cases.
Myth 4: All Brain Tumors Are Cancerous and Deadly
The Truth: Many brain tumors are benign and treatable.
The word “tumor” often conjures fear, but not all brain tumors are malignant. In fact, meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumors in adults, are usually benign and slow-growing.
Even some malignant tumors, when caught early, respond well to modern treatments including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy.
Myth 5: Brain Tumors Only Affect Older Adults
The Truth: Brain tumors can affect any age group—even children.
While incidence rates may increase with age, brain tumors are among the most common types of solid tumors in children. Pediatric brain tumors like medulloblastomas and ependymomas require specialized treatment approaches and long-term care.
So, What DO We Know About Risk Factors?
While exact causes are still being studied, scientifically identified risk factors include:
Ionizing radiation: High doses from previous cancer treatments or nuclear accidents.
Genetic predisposition: Inherited syndromes like Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Immune suppression: People with HIV/AIDS or post-organ transplant recipients are more vulnerable.
Age: Certain types are more common in children, others in older adults.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Occupational exposure to substances like vinyl chloride or formaldehyde (though evidence is limited).
Medical science continues to evolve. Advancements in imaging, neurosurgery, and precision oncology have improved survival rates and quality of life for many brain tumor patients. Researchers are now exploring genomic mapping, and non-invasive treatments like focused ultrasound.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Symptoms of brain tumors can vary widely depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location in the brain.
Common signs include persistent headaches—especially if they worsen over time or are more severe in the morning—along with nausea, vomiting, vision problems, and unexplained seizures.
Some individuals may experience memory issues, personality changes, or difficulty with speech and coordination.
In children, symptoms like increased head size, irritability, or developmental delays can be warning signs. Because these symptoms often mimic other less serious conditions, it’s crucial not to ignore persistent or worsening signs and to seek medical evaluation promptly for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
