Risk Factors of Brain Tumour

Home And Work Exposures

There are cases when excessive exposure to pesticides, solvents, rubber, oil products, or vinyl chloride can increase the brain tumour risk. Though no scientific evidence confirms or proves the link, it is a commonly accepted risk factor by healthcare professionals. People often use these harmful chemicals and solutions at home for various purposes. Moreover, people working in the industrial sector, farming industry, or similar industries are regularly exposed to such solutions that can be harmful and have significant brain tumour risk.

Family History

At least 5% of all brain tumour cases are linked to hereditary or genetic factors. These factors include:

• Neurofibromatosis
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Turcot syndrome
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
• Gorlin syndrome
• Turner syndrome

Moreover, scientists have also found evidence of clusters of brain tumours in families with no link to these conditions. It is believed that if any of your ancestors or family members had a brain tumour, the chances or risk of you getting a brain tumour are also higher. Your risk of obtaining it is higher than the general population if your close relatives have had brain tumours. Parents, children, or siblings are considered close relatives.

Exposure To Viruses, Infections, And Allergens

A common risk factor for brain tumours is exposure to infections, allergens, or viruses. For example, several studies show that infections with EBV or Epstein-Barr virus can increase the chances of a brain tumour. EBV is a common virus that is known for causing mono or mononucleosis. Furthermore, other studies show that cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is another common virus in brain tumour tissues. Many viruses can cause brain tumours, as found through animal research. While more data will be needed to find the exact exposure and effect, it is evident that these allergens, infections, and viruses have some impact on the development of brain tumours.

Different studies also prove that patients with a history of skin conditions or allergies are more prone to glioma.

Electromagnetic Fields

Excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields is a potential risk factor associated with brain tumours. While it is constantly subjected to debate, there is conflicting information about electromagnetic fields resulting in brain tumours.

People who live close to high-voltage power lines or who use cell phones or other wireless devices are more prone to brain tumours. In addition, several studies show a link between gliomas and excessive use of cell phones. But it is critical to note that cell phones have only been available for a few years, and thus finding concrete evidence to prove the exact effect will take time. Nevertheless, even the WHO recommends minimising cell phone usage and using hands-free devices as much as possible.

Furthermore, electromagnetic fields do not only work alone but also work in conjunction with different other harmful exposures to increase the risk.

Ionising Radiation

Ionising or medical radiation is a type of radiation that is used by different medical scans. These scans include CT scans or x-rays. Such medical scans are critical in diagnosing various illnesses and diseases, including cancer.

According to a new study, 1 out of every 100 brain tumour cases is due to ionising radiation. These cases primarily occur with people who have already gone through radiation therapy treatments rather than from medical scans like CT scans or x-rays. Therefore, getting a brain tumour or, in general, the radiation risk from these scans are extremely low. The doctors will also minimise your radiation exposure as much as possible and only do these scans when necessary.

Head Injury or Seizures

Any serious injury or head trauma can also increase the brain tumour risk. Multiple studies show the relationship between meningioma and trauma. Furthermore, a history of seizures is also linked with a brain tumour, as brain tumours can also result in seizures. Though no concrete evidence exists that seizures result in brain tumours, seizures are believed to occur because of a brain tumour and are linked.

N-Nitroso Compounds

Many studies on vitamin supplements and diets highlight that consuming dietary N-Nitroso compounds can increase the risk of both adult and childhood brain tumours. These nutritional compounds are generally formed in the body from nitrates or nitrites present in various cured meats, cosmetics, or cigarettes. However, these links need to be further established with additional research.

Age

Older adults and children are more prone to brain tumours. Though people of any age can get a brain tumour, these age groups are more prone to developing cancer.

Gender

As per the trends, men are more likely to have brain tumours than women. But it is only limited to some specific types of tumours. For example, meningioma is more common in women as compared to men.