What factor may contribute to the development of brain tumors?

Radiation exposure is a well-documented factor that may contribute to the development of brain tumors. Specifically, individuals who have undergone radiation therapy to the head for previous cancers are at a higher risk for developing secondary brain tumors later in life. This is due to the damaging effects of ionizing radiation, which can cause genetic mutations in cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

In contrast, the other factors listed are not strongly associated with brain tumor development. For example, untreated liver conditions and psoriasis primarily impact other systems in the body and do not have a direct link to brain tumors. Similarly, while depression is a significant mental health concern, it has no established causal relationship with the formation of brain tumors. Therefore, understanding the role of radiation exposure is essential in assessing risk factors related to brain tumor development.