Brain cancer and brain tumors are often assumed to be the same, even though they have distinct characteristics. Brain tumors can be benign or malignant, while brain cancer always refers to malignant cell growth that is aggressive and has the potential to spread rapidly. Understanding this difference is essential because it affects symptoms, disease progression, and treatment options. Common symptoms that may appear include severe headaches, seizures, visual disturbances, speech difficulties, and changes in behavior or cognitive function.
To provide clearer insight, neurosurgeon Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—widely known as Dr. Joy—from RS Mandaya Puri, explains in detail the differences between brain cancer and brain tumors, including how each condition develops and its impact on the nervous system. This article will help you recognize these differences so you can make the right medical decisions.
Contents
Differences Between Brain Cancer and Brain Tumors According to Dr. Joy from RS Mandaya Royal Puri
According to Dr. Joy, the main difference between a brain tumor and brain cancer lies in the speed of cell growth and the brain’s ability to contain its spread.
A brain tumor occurs when brain cells mutate and divide slowly. Because of this slow growth, the brain is still able to adapt by forming a “boundary” around the abnormal tissue. In other words, the tumor can still be contained and does not immediately infiltrate other brain structures. Tumors may be benign or malignant, but what differentiates them from cancer is their non-aggressive growth pattern.
Meanwhile, brain cancer occurs when mutated cells divide very quickly and uncontrollably. This aggressive growth makes it impossible for the brain to form natural boundaries, allowing cancer cells to infiltrate various areas of the brain without resistance. This is what makes brain cancer more dangerous—it spreads rapidly and can impair brain function in a short period of time.
Dr. Joy emphasizes that brain cancer can occur due to various factors, including congenital abnormalities, certain genetic predispositions, and lifestyle-related risk factors such as consuming processed foods, smoking, and unhealthy habits. However, to this day, research has not identified a single definitive cause because the development of brain cancer is a complex process.
Profile and Expertise of Dr. Joy from RS Mandaya Royal Puri
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—better known as Dr. Joy—is a Neurosurgeon with a subspecialty in Cerebrovascular Surgery, recognized for his outstanding academic and clinical achievements. He earned his doctoral degree (PhD) from the University of Helsinki, Finland, completing the program in just 18 months and 12 days. This achievement earned him a MURI record as the fastest graduate of a Doctoral Program in Medical Science in Indonesia.
In addition to treating patients, Dr. Joy is also active in academia and public health education. He is the author of the books Aneurisma Otak 1 & 2, which comprehensively discuss various cerebrovascular conditions. His clinical expertise includes the treatment of brain aneurysms, cerebral artery stenosis, brain hemorrhage, benign tumors such as meningiomas, and brain cancer.
Dr. Joy’s educational and training journey spans many prestigious medical centers and universities worldwide, including:
- Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jakarta
- Neurosurgery Specialist Program – Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran / RS Hasan Sadikin, Bandung
- WFNS Skull-base Surgery Fellowship – Keio University Hospital, Tokyo
- Cerebrovascular Clinical Fellowship – Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
- Neuro-endovascular / Neurointerventional Clinical & Research Fellowship – Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
- PhD Program in Clinical Science – University of Helsinki, Finland
- Board-certified Vascular Neurosurgery Subspecialist, Indonesia
- Board-certified Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship, Indonesia
With extensive international experience, deep subspecialty expertise, and strong dedication to patient care, Dr. Joy is recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading neurosurgeons, especially in managing complex cerebrovascular cases.
Dr. Joy’s Schedule at RS Mandaya Royal Puri
The practice schedule of Dr. Joy (Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS) at RS Mandaya Royal Puri is as follows:
- Monday: By appointment
- Tuesday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
For an easier visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter mobile app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to check queue numbers and access complete information.
