Diagnosing a brain tumor has become easy — CT scan and MRI are now available across the country, in every divisional and district city. But the moment people hear “brain tumor”, they panic. In this video Prof. Dr. A. F. M. Momtazul Haque explains why there is often nothing to panic about, using the example of a tumor with a very good outcome: meningioma.
What is a meningioma?
The brain is covered by three layers of membrane (the meninges) — dura, arachnoid and pia. A meningioma grows from the middle, arachnoid layer, outside the brain, and presses on it, causing headache and vomiting or temporarily disturbing brain function. It is a benign tumor.
How it is recognised
A meningioma can usually be predicted from the MRI: it appears hypointense on both T1 and T2, but because it has a rich blood supply it enhances brilliantly with contrast. When these features are present, the patient can be reassured: if it is removed safely, they can recover completely.
A true story
In 2013, when the doctor was posted at the National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS) in Agargaon, a friend — herself a doctor from Dhaka Medical College — was admitted with sudden headache and seizures. The CT scan showed a tumor, and the family was very worried. An MRI confirmed a meningioma. Although she could easily have gone abroad, she trusted the team, had her operation here, and is still very well today.
Benign or malignant — that is the key question
If you are told you have a brain tumor, find out what type it is. Benign tumors such as meningioma, schwannoma and pituitary adenoma have very encouraging surgical results. So do not lose hope.
This article is for general awareness only; it is not a substitute for direct medical advice.
