Sudden headaches. Dizziness. Sudden memory loss. These can seem like ordinary issues in most people. However, if they continue or worsen, then it could signal to something much more severe: a brain tumour.
But what is a brain tumour? It is a growth of abnormal tissue in the brain where cells grow out of control. There are some that grow slowly and are benign and others that grow rapidly and are malignant. Even benign tumours, though, can be fatal based on where they are situated.
To make sure that you're not in such a situation, you should know about the causes of brain tumours, the different types of brain tumours, and what the most common brain tumour symptoms are.
In this blog, we'll discuss everything you need to know about brain tumours.
While the exact brain tumour causes are not always known, several risk factors have been identified through medical research.
Alterations in the DNA of the brain cells can make them grow uncontrollably. A few such mutations are inherited through generations, but a few happen during one's lifetime.
There are a few brain tumours that are caused by inherited disorders such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis. If there has been a close relative with a brain tumour, your risk may be slightly greater.
Individuals who are exposed to ionising radiation, either from cancer therapy or environmental contamination, are also at higher risk. Ionising radiation can cause DNA damage and the development of tumours.
Individuals with HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppression therapy (e.g., following organ transplant) are potentially more vulnerable to some brain tumours, particularly those that are virus-related.
Brain tumours can be seen at any age but are more prevalent in some at younger ages (e.g., medulloblastomas) and others, such as glioblastomas, primarily in adults. Men have a higher likelihood of gliomas, but women are more likely to develop meningiomas.
There are mainly two types of brain tumours. These are:
These are in the brain itself. Here are some of its subtypes:
Secondary brain tumours are cancers that develop somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain. Lung, breast, kidney, and melanoma cancers are the most common brain tumour causes.
All these types of brain tumours have different characteristics, growth patterns, and treatment suggestions.
The earlier the brain tumour symptoms are detected, the better the chances of effective treatment. Symptoms largely vary with tumour growth rate, site, and size. Here are the most common brain tumour symptoms:
They worsen when waking up or when lying down. They differ from ordinary headaches in that they are recurrent and growing, and they do not respond to ordinary painkillers.
One of the most significant brain tumour symptoms, particularly among adults with no history of seizure. Tumours may interfere with brain electrical impulses.
Double vision, blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, or hearing loss in one ear may be indicative.
Generally caused by increased intracranial pressure, particularly if noted in the morning for no obvious reason.
You may start to have memory issues, confusion, or personality changes. They are usually first detected by family and friends.
Clumsiness, walking difficulties, or weakness on one side of the body could be a sign of a cerebellum or frontal lobe tumour.
Trouble with words, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding words are warning signs, particularly if they happen suddenly.
If you experience any of the following symptoms of a brain tumour, immediately visit a neurologist. Diagnosis is normally:
Treatment depends on the tumour's type, size, location, and whether it’s benign or malignant. Common options include:
Dealing with a brain tumour, whether it’s benign or malignant, isn’t easy. Treatment may affect your physical abilities, emotions, and even personality. Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy), mental health support, and regular monitoring are essential parts of long-term care.
Brain tumours are usually not fatal, but can be if they progress and spread to other parts of your body. Hence, you should know about the brain tumour causes and be able to spot the brain tumour symptoms early. With timely intervention, advanced medical support, and a strong support system, many patients live productive lives post-diagnosis. If you or someone close is experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms, don’t ignore them and book a Full Body Checkup with Pathkind Labs as soon as possible. Early diagnosis will help you get treatment early and stay safe.