Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. They can develop in the brain tissue or the covering of the brain. Sometimes, tumors can spread from other parts of the body to the brain. People of any age can get brain tumors.
Brain tumors come in many types, and some are not cancerous (benign). Others are cancerous (malignant) and can grow rapidly, posing a greater risk to life. Both types can grow and put pressure on surrounding areas of the brain, leading to symptoms that affect normal functioning.
Symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, weakness in certain parts of the body, and other issues that depend on the affected area of the brain. It's important to see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor will assess if you need tests for a brain tumor and refer you to a cancer specialist (oncologist) if necessary. The oncologist will determine the type of brain tumor and recommend the best treatment option for you.
You may have headaches, a seizure, weakness in a part of your body or other issues depending on what part of the brain the tumor is affected. See a doctor as soon as possible. They can determine if you need to get testing for a brain tumor and should see a cancer specialist (oncologist). If you do, they will determine the type of brain tumor you have and the best treatment option for you.
Most common symptoms
Brain tumors can cause a range of symptoms depending on their location in the brain. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, and specific symptoms like arm weakness or difficulty speaking, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and more. If the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, which directs hormones, it can cause breast discharge or abnormal periods in women. These symptoms can be wide-ranging, so it's important to consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms. For instance, a persistent headache may indicate a brain tumor or other issues. Therefore, if you have unusual symptoms that persist, seek medical attention.
Main symptoms of brain tumors may include headache, seizure, drowsiness, hearing loss on one side, weakness in an arm or leg, vision loss, blurry vision, and unexplained nausea or vomiting.
Main symptoms
- Headache
- Seizure
- Drowsiness
- Hearing loss on one side
- Weakness in arm or leg
- Vision loss or blurry vision
- Unexplained nausea/vomiting
Pro Tip
Ask your doctor about what new treatment options are available. Or if you qualify to participate in a clinical trial. Participating in a clinical trial gives you the opportunity to potentially receive a new treatment. It also allows you to help others with a similar condition. —Dr. Walcott
Next steps
If you start getting a headache that does not subside with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, see or talk to a doctor.
Go to the emergency room If you have weakness in an arm or leg, a seizure, persistent drowsiness, sudden loss of vision, severe persistent nausea/vomiting.
Brain tumor causes
The cause of brain tumors that originate in the brain is not entirely known. Scientists believe that they may occur because of changes to cell DNA (genetic instructions for how the cell functions). These changes may be partly due to environmental factors like pesticides. The DNA changes cause brain cells to grow and multiply unchecked.
Cancers can also travel to the brain from other parts of the body (metastasis). These cancer cells also have genetic changes that allow them to safely travel through the bloodstream and invade the brain, without being detected by the body’s normal defenses.
Dr. Rx
Radiosurgery is a kind of radiation that is given in a single, focused dose—it has revolutionized the treatment for many brain tumor types. It is completely non-invasive, meaning that there is no incision and no pain. Your doctor can advise whether radiosurgery is an option for your tumor type. —Dr. Walcott
Brain tumor treatments
To determine the type and stage of a brain tumor, an oncologist will first diagnose it using an imaging scan such as a CT or MRI. This will help identify the tumor's appearance and location.
If a slow-growing tumor (either benign or cancerous) is not causing significant functional issues, your doctor may recommend a "watch and wait" approach. This involves getting regular scans every year to monitor the tumor. Treatment is only necessary if the tumor starts to grow.
In some cases, a neurosurgeon may perform a biopsy to collect a small tissue sample from the tumor for analysis to determine whether the cells are cancerous.
Fast-growing tumors are more likely to be cancerous, requiring immediate treatment. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the tumor's location, size, and the risks and benefits associated with different treatments.
Brain cancer surgery
If surgery is recommended, patients are typically admitted to the hospital for the procedure. An MRI helps figure out the surgery plan. The goals range from confirming a diagnosis (biopsy) to removing the tumor completely.
Your treatment team will include a neurosurgeon and oncologist. Together you will decide on the best combination of therapies and surgeries for treating the tumor. Unfortunately, some aggressive cancers have no cure but can be treated to improve symptoms and help patients live longer.
Brain tumors in children
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Still, they are extremely rare. Treatment depends on what type of tumor it is and how it is affecting your child’s development. You should call your doctor if you notice symptoms like difficulty moving one side of the body or favoring one side of the body, ongoing head pain, or dizziness. A brain tumor could also contribute to developmental delays, like not moving or crawling on their own.
Brain tumor risk factors
Cancerous brain tumors are very uncommon. The chance you will develop a cancerous brain tumor is less than 1%. The most common reason for a brain tumor is when cancer from somewhere else in the body, like breast cancer or lung cancer, travels through the bloodstream and into the brain. There are generally no known risk factors for developing a brain tumor that starts within the brain tissue itself. There are some extremely rare genetic conditions that may be associated with certain types of brain tumors. Some medical treatments, such as scalp-specific radiation treatments, may increase the risk of brain tumor.
Follow up
There are many types of doctors involved in the management of brain tumors. This includes neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists.
Depending on the type of tumor and where it is in the brain, eye doctors (ophthalmologists), gland specialists (endocrinologists), and other doctors will help manage symptoms and treatment.
In addition, you may work with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist to regain function. In some cases, a successful surgery may affect other parts of your body, such as your sight or speech. Treatment goals and plans will continually be discussed with you and your treatment care team.
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