The increasing number of children and young adults is being diagnosed with brain tumors, once the elderly were affected to a great extent in a situation.

In recent years, doctors across India are looking at a disturbing trend: more cases of brain tumors between children and individuals are being detected in their 20 and 30s, many of which are being diagnosed too late for optimal treatment.

While most cases cannot be indicated, doctors say that raising awareness, timely medical intervention and parents’ vigilance can reduce this dangerous tendency.

“Although brain tumors are more common in adults, even young children can be affected by this condition. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, about 5.7% of all primary brain tumors occur in children and adolescents in children and adolescents. These tumors can be benign or fatal, but either, medical care is important.

Symptoms of brain tumors in children can often mimic more common conditions, which can delay diagnosis.

Dr. Saxena explains that in infants, abnormal skull growth may be an early indication, while older children may show symptoms such as seizures, excessive crying, unanswered or vision issues.

For adolescents, persistent headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or coordination problems may indicate the presence of a tumor.

Early diagnosis in children is particularly important, as their developing minds are more vulnerable to damage. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scan in the foundation of identifying these tumors remains.

“Sometimes, benign tumors can be completely removed through surgery. But to avoid long-term damage, it is necessary to catch these conditions quickly,” Dr. Saxena said.

The pattern is not limited to children alone. The increasing number of young adults, especially people between the ages of 20 to 40, is also being diagnosed with brain tumors, a shift called medical experts “dangerous”.

“Brain tumors have been historically seen as a problem that is mainly affecting old adults,” Dr. Vindera Paul Singh, called Neurosurgeon in Medanta. “However, data and clinical evidence now indicate a dangerous increase in brain tumors in persons aged 20 to 40. This shift asks for a renewed approach to brain health awareness within the youth population.”

Dr. Singh explains that there are better detection rates during improving imaging techniques like MRI, they cannot explain the growing numbers alone.

Environmental factor, lifestyle related stress and genetic epithelial are also considered to contribute, although more research is required to confirm this.

An important challenge, they say, it is that symptoms in small adults, such as fatigue, nausea, or mild behavior changes, often related to stress or lifestyle are brushed.

“Because these changes are often subtle, many young patients completely ignore their symptoms, causing no attention to the tumor. It is important to educate both public and primary care providers that the brain tumor can be at any age,” Dr. Singh says.

In children, also, signs can be subtle, but should never be ignored. Dr. Shji Chalipat, pediatric neurologist at Ankura Hospital for women and children, highlights that the attention of immediate medical attention can be throughout the lifetime.

“Parents need to be active when they talk about their child’s health. Like adults, brain tumors are a common phenomenon in children. Unfortunately, these tumors are attached to high sickness and mortality, which makes initial diagnosis and treatment significant to improve the quality of life,” she says.

Dr. Chalipat has underlined several red flags for parents:

Advertisement
• Vomiting and headache: Constant vomiting, especially in the morning or when coupled with headache, can increase pressure inside the skull.
• Sensory loss: Difficulty with vision, hearing, or speech may indicate the development of tumors depending on its location.
• Issues of balance and coordination: Tumors that affect the brainstame may result in imbalance or trouble walking.
• Behavior change: Sudden mood, irritability, or return should not be rejected only as tantrums.
• Seizures: Especially if they are new or unexplained, seizure is a strong warning signal and requires immediate evaluation.

Treatment plans often include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation based on tumor size, location and type.

“Parents play an important role in recognizing and reacting these warning signals,” Dr. Chalipat advised. “With quick action, we can ensure that children get the right medical and surgical care, and have the best possible opportunity in recovery.”

The growing prevalence of brain tumors in both children and young adults makes a reminiscent of the need to be cautious. Whether it is showing symptoms of imbalance or a young professional struggling with constant headaches, the message of doctors is clear: do not ignore the signals.

Early diagnosis may be a difference between life and death or permanent damage and complete recovery.