FAQ

Brain Tumours

What is a brain tumour? A tumour is a "lump" of cells that grow faster than the normal surrounding cells. Sometimes these cells look like normal cells but at other times they are bizarre and unrecognisable. A brain tumour is a tumour in the brain.

How do brain tumours damage the brain? Tumours damage the brain and can cause problems by

• stealing oxygen and nutrients from the surrounding normal tissue or
• compressing the normal tissue or
• what they secrete.

What causes brain tumours?

The short answer is that no-one knows why brain tumours occur. There are many theories, some of which are scientifically sound, others being nothing more than speculation. Here are some of those theories. Please remember that no definitive cause has been found and therefore we should not draw any firm conclusions based on non-factual information:

 Genetic Arguments for this theory are mostly based on the close
association between some congenital syndromes and brain tumours. There is a condition called neurofibromatosis(NF) that is characterised by multiple soft tissue tumours. The abnormal chromosome has been localised to chromosome 22 and 17. Those with NF1 may suffer from tumours anywhere along the visual tract and those with NF2 get tumours of the vestibular nerve. Also, some people with brain tumours have an over-expression of certain growth factors (PDGF) and cancer genes (proto-oncogenes) and a depletion of tumour suppressor genes. These genes and growth factors are found in many people without cancer.

Ionising Radiation Ironically, radiation that is given in limited doses to treat patients with malignant tumours, may also cause malignant brain tumours when given in higher doses.

Electromagnetic Radiation The Scandinavians first alerted us to the adverse effects of very low frequency EMR. They showed quite conclusively that people who lived close to high tensile electrical wires were at greater risk of developing cancers, including brain tumours. To extrapolate this data to other electrical appliances may be over-reacting but it is generally accepted that one should try to limit exposure. Mobile phones emit EMR. More info.

Immunosuppression The scientific community accepts unequivocally that the immune system plays an important role in the genesis and control of any malignancy. The relative importance is disputed. Some people with brain tumours do have deficiencies in their immune system, but the majority are not immunosuppressed. Dr Teo is a strong believer in the importance of keeping the immune system primed. This can be done with exercise, a diet rich in anti-oxidants, positive thought, reduced stress and laughter.