Brain Tumour: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth in the brain that may be benign or cancerous and requires specialist assessment.

Tumours that begin in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Tumours that arrive after cancer spreads from another organ are secondary tumours. Even a non-cancerous growth can cause serious problems if it presses on sensitive brain tissue or blocks the normal flow of fluid.

Brain tumours can present with persistent or changing headaches, a first-time seizure, nausea, weakness on one side, altered vision or speech, balance problems, memory changes, or changes in personality. The pattern depends on the tumour's location, size and effect on pressure inside the skull.

Seek emergency help for a first seizure, sudden weakness, new difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, or a severe rapidly worsening headache. These signs need urgent assessment because several neurological conditions can cause them.

A tumour develops when changes in a cell's genetic instructions allow it to grow and divide outside normal controls. The precise trigger is often unknown. Different brain and supporting cells can produce different tumour types, so their behaviour and treatment needs vary.

Some tumours grow slowly and remain confined, while others infiltrate nearby tissue. Symptoms may emerge gradually or appear abruptly when swelling, bleeding, fluid blockage or seizure occurs. Doctors use the tumour type, grade, location and imaging changes to judge its likely behaviour.

Relevant factors can include certain inherited tumour syndromes and previous therapeutic radiation to the head. Age patterns differ by tumour type. Having a risk factor does not establish that a tumour is present, and many people diagnosed with a brain tumour have no clear preventable cause.

Assessment usually begins with a neurological examination covering strength, sensation, vision, coordination, reflexes and thinking. Brain imaging shows the location and surrounding swelling. MRI often provides detailed views, sometimes before and after contrast material is given.

A tissue sample may be removed during surgery or by a targeted biopsy. A pathologist examines the cells and may test molecular features. This information distinguishes tumour types and helps the care team select treatment.

Treatment is tailored to the tumour type, grade, position, molecular findings, symptoms and general health. Surgery may remove all or part of an accessible tumour and can relieve pressure. Radiotherapy uses focused radiation, while stereotactic radiosurgery delivers highly precise treatment without an incision. Chemotherapy may be used for tumour types that respond to it.

Medicines can reduce swelling, control seizures or ease nausea. Observation with scheduled imaging may suit selected slow-growing tumours when immediate treatment would offer little advantage. Planning often involves neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, pathology and rehabilitation specialists.

Fatigue, concentration difficulties, seizures or movement changes can affect work, driving and independence. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological support can address specific challenges. Keep an updated medicines list and record new neurological symptoms for appointments.

Possible complications include seizures, weakness, communication problems, fluid build-up, treatment-related swelling and blood clots. Fever during cancer treatment, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, worsening drowsiness or a new neurological deficit warrants prompt medical advice; sudden severe symptoms need emergency care.

There is no established routine screening test or prevention method for most brain tumours. People with a recognised inherited syndrome may receive personalised surveillance. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation is sensible, while medically needed imaging or treatment should be considered according to its clinical benefit.

A neurologist may assess seizures or other neurological symptoms, and a neurosurgeon evaluates biopsy or removal. Neuro-oncology and radiation oncology teams guide additional treatment. For a confirmed tumour, ask whether the case will be discussed by a multidisciplinary team and who to contact if symptoms change.