A headache that keeps coming back, unexplained vomiting, a new seizure, or vision changes can be worrying. In most cases, these symptoms are caused by conditions other than a brain tumour. However, when symptoms are new, unusual, persistent, or getting worse, they should not be ignored.
Brain tumours can be benign or malignant, and their symptoms can vary depending on where the tumour develops, its size, and how it affects the brain.
In this blog, we explain the warning signs to look out for and when you should see a doctor.
What Is a Brain Tumour?
A brain tumour develops when abnormal cells grow in or around the brain. Some tumours are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Others are malignant, which means they are cancerous.
Brain tumours are part of a broader group called central nervous system (CNS) tumours. CNS tumours can develop in the brain or spinal cord. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies these tumours based on their appearance, cell type, and molecular features.
Early Signs of a Brain Tumour
The symptoms of a brain tumour are not the same for everyone. They can develop slowly over time or, in some cases, appear suddenly.
1. Persistent or worsening headaches: Headaches are common and usually have causes unrelated to brain tumours. However, talk to a doctor if your headache:
- Keeps coming back or becomes more frequent
- Gradually becomes more severe
- Feels different from your usual headaches
- Occurs with vomiting, vision changes, weakness, or seizures
- Is worse in the morning, especially if accompanied by vomiting
A brain tumour can sometimes increase pressure inside the skull, which may contribute to headaches.
2. Seizures: A seizure can sometimes be the first noticeable sign of a brain tumour. It may cause jerking movements, body stiffening, staring spells, loss of awareness, or unusual sensations.
However, most seizures are not caused by brain tumours. A first-time seizure still needs prompt medical evaluation.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Repeated nausea or vomiting, especially when it occurs with headaches or other neurological symptoms, should be checked by a doctor.
In some cases, a brain tumour can increase pressure inside the skull and cause nausea or vomiting.
4. Changes in vision: You may notice:
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty seeing clearly
- Loss of part of your field of vision
- Problems with eye movements
These symptoms can depend on which part of the brain or nearby nerves are affected.
5. Weakness or numbness: A brain tumour affecting areas involved in movement or sensation can cause weakness or numbness. This may sometimes affect one side of the body.
Sudden weakness, facial drooping, or sudden numbness should be treated as an emergency because these symptoms can also be signs of a stroke.
6. Problems with balance or walking: You may feel unusually unsteady, stumble more often, or have difficulty coordinating your movements.
These symptoms can have many causes, so they do not necessarily mean you have a brain tumour. However, persistent or worsening problems should be assessed by a doctor.
7. Changes in speech or understanding: Some people may have difficulty finding the right words, speaking clearly, understanding speech, reading, or communicating normally. These changes can occur when areas of the brain involved in language are affected.
8. Changes in memory, personality, or behaviour: A person may develop:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Unusual mood changes
- Changes in personality or behaviour
- Confusion or increasing drowsiness
These changes may be subtle at first. If they continue or become worse, speak to a doctor.
When Should You See a Doctor?
See a doctor if you develop symptoms that are new, persistent, unusual, or getting worse. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- A first-time seizure
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden severe vision problems
- Loss of consciousness
- A severe headache with other neurological symptoms
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have a brain tumour. They can also occur with other serious conditions that need immediate treatment.
How Is a Brain Tumour Diagnosed?
There is no routine screening test for brain tumours in people who do not have symptoms. Doctors usually investigate when symptoms or examination findings raise a concern.
Diagnosis may involve:
Neurological examination: The doctor may check your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, strength, sensation, and other brain functions.
Brain imaging: An MRI or CT scan can help doctors look for an abnormal growth in the brain. MRI is often preferred when detailed images are needed.
Biopsy: In some cases, doctors may take a small sample of the tumour. The sample is examined in a laboratory to determine the type and characteristics of the tumour.
Is a Brain Tumour Cancer?
Not always.
Some brain tumours are benign, while others are malignant. Even a benign tumour can cause problems if it grows in an important part of the brain or puts pressure on surrounding tissues.
Malignant tumours are cancerous and may grow or spread more aggressively.
The exact type of brain tumour matters because different tumours can behave differently and may need different treatments.
What Does Stage 4 Brain Tumour Mean?
The term “stage 4 brain tumour” can be confusing.
Unlike many other cancers, primary brain tumours are generally not described using the usual stage 1 to stage 4 system. Doctors may instead describe them using factors such as tumour type, grade, location, molecular features, and how the tumour behaves.
For example, glioblastoma is classified as a WHO grade 4 tumour. Grade and stage are not the same thing.
If a medical report mentions “grade 4”, ask your doctor what it means for the specific type of tumour.
Brain Tumour Prognosis: What Does It Depend On?
Prognosis means the expected course or outlook of a disease.
There is no single prognosis for all brain tumours. Doctors consider several factors, including:
- Type and grade of the tumour
- Location and size
- Molecular features
- Whether the tumour can be safely removed
- How much tumour remains after surgery
- Age and overall health
- How the tumour responds to treatment
This is why two people with brain tumours may have very different treatment plans and outcomes.
Treatment Options for Brain Tumours
Treatment depends on the type, location, grade, molecular features, symptoms, and overall health of the person.
Surgery: When possible and safe, surgery may be used to remove as much of the tumour as possible. It may also be performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis.
Radiotherapy for Brain Tumour: Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy or control tumour cells.
It may be recommended after surgery, instead of surgery in selected cases, or to control a tumour that cannot be completely removed. The type and amount of radiotherapy depend on the tumour and the person's overall treatment plan.
Chemotherapy and other medicines: Some brain tumours may be treated with chemotherapy, targeted medicines, or other treatments.
Depending on the tumour, treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, medicines, or a combination of these approaches.
Conclusion
A headache, dizziness, or occasional nausea does not mean you have a brain tumour. These symptoms are common and can have many other causes.
What matters is paying attention to new, persistent, unusual, or worsening symptoms and getting them checked by a doctor when needed.
Early evaluation can help identify the cause and ensure that appropriate treatment is started if required.
How PB Health Can Support You
PB Health has team of Neurosurgeon and Neurologist who can evaluate symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, balance problems, and other neurological changes, and guide you on the next steps when further evaluation is needed.