Brain Tumors: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
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Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths in the brain or surrounding tissues. They may originate there or spread from another organ and may be benign or malignant. Type, location and molecular features guide assessment and treatment.
What is Brain Tumors?
Benign does not mean harmless: a tumor may compress critical structures or obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow. Brain tumors do not all follow the staging system used for cancers of other organs.
Related reading: How do I give seizure first aid, and when should I call an ambulance?.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include new seizures, weakness or numbness, visual or speech changes, impaired balance or memory, or progressive headache with vomiting. Headaches have many common causes; their timing alone cannot identify a brain tumor.
Causes
Primary tumors arise from altered nervous-system cells, usually without an identifiable cause. Metastases originate from cancer elsewhere. Certain inherited syndromes and previous radiation exposure increase the risk of particular primary tumors.
Risk factors
Risk factors vary by type and include age, previous head irradiation and some inherited syndromes. Cancer elsewhere changes the likelihood of brain metastasis. Most patients have no clearly identifiable modifiable cause.
Diagnosis
Assessment starts with a neurological examination. MRI usually characterizes the lesion; CT may be used urgently. When safely obtainable, tissue establishes tumor type, grade and molecular markers. Suspected metastasis may require investigation outside the brain.
Treatment
Options include surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatments chosen for the particular tumor. Surgery aims for safe removal while preserving function. Cancer medicines, steroids and antiseizure drugs are not required for everyone; each needs a specific indication and monitoring plan.
Complications
Possible consequences include raised intracranial pressure, seizures and difficulties with movement, communication or thinking. Rehabilitation, psychological support and symptom management can help. Recovery and prognosis differ substantially between tumor types and individuals.
Prevention
Most primary brain tumors have no proven preventive strategy, and routine imaging screening is not recommended for asymptomatic people at average risk. Known genetic syndromes may need tailored surveillance. Discuss necessary imaging rather than avoiding it without clinical advice.
When to see a doctor
A first seizure, sudden weakness, altered awareness or abrupt severe headache requires emergency assessment. New symptoms in someone with a tumor may also reflect stroke, infection or treatment complications rather than tumor growth.
Scientific references
- Adult central nervous system tumors: patient treatment summary — National Cancer Institute
- Adult central nervous system tumors: professional treatment summary — National Cancer Institute
- How brain tumors are diagnosed and treated — National Cancer Institute
- Managing symptoms of brain and spine tumors — National Cancer Institute