Modern science still has not been able to identify the exact causes of most brain tumors. A few risk factors are known to exist, but for the most part, brain tumors just appear out of nowhere without any cause.
Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can wreak havoc on a person’s productivity and life. Even benign brain tumors can cause serious or fatal health consequences, depending on their size and location. Malignant brain tumors are a form of cancer and may or may not be treatable.
A tumor is a mass of tissue that exists due to an accumulation of abnormal cells. These cells do not age, die and get replaced like healthy cells. They are mutated cells that do not expire, but rather form a conglomerate of unhealthy, cancerous cells into what we know as a tumor. The tumor increases in size as more abnormal cells are added to the mass.
Types of Brain Tumors
There are multiple kinds of tumors that can affect the brain. The area of the brain affected and the type of symptoms can vary based on the type of tumor that exists.
- Primary brain tumors: Cells that make up the central nervous system and the brain comprise a primary tumor. This is the most common type of brain tumor and can be diagnosed as either an astrocytic tumor or glioma. This type of tumor affects the nerves.
- Meningeal tumors: These are the second-most common tumors diagnosed in the brain and develop in the meninges -- the thin tissue that covers the spinal cord and brain itself.
10 Symptoms of a Brain Tumor
How do you know if you have a brain tumor? There are some symptoms that, while easily caused by another condition, could signal a brain tumor. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with your physician about whether you need additional testing to rule out or identify a tumor.
- Headache: If you experience more frequent and severe headaches, especially those that occur early in the morning hours or after any type of activity, tell your physician.
- Sensory changes: If you have a tumor, you may experience unexpected issues with your vision, sense of smell, hearing or physical sensations. These changes may be the result of a certain type of seizure linked to brain tumors.
- Seizures: Brain tumors can cause seizures. Due to the serious and troubling nature of this particular symptom, most people seek medical intervention right away. Your doctor will do a series of tests to determine the root cause of your seizures, either ruling out a brain tumor or confirming it.
- Memory loss or personality changes: A brain tumor can wreak havoc on so many aspects of mental function. It is possible that someone with a brain tumor will act differently, experiencing a sudden and bizarre shift in personality. Memory loss is sometimes linked to a brain tumor, although there are other causes for this symptom.
- Loss of balance or compromised fine motor skills: If the tumor is located in the cerebellum, this symptom may present itself. If you feel you’ve been unable to use your fine motor skills fully to complete normal daily tasks or have problems with balance, seek advice from your physician.
- Weakness on one side of the body or body confusion: Another common side effect of a brain tumor is a feeling of weakness in the leg or arm on one side of the body. In addition, the affected individual may also have trouble identifying the left and right sides of the body. This ailment typically is associated with tumors in the parietal lobe or frontal lobe of the cerebrum.
- Difficulty swallowing or double vision: Both of these symptoms may be particularly alarming and warrant immediate medical attention -- they may also be important warning signs for other serious health concerns. A brain stem tumor may be the culprit for these complaints.
- Spontaneous lactation and/or altered menstruation: Women with brain tumors in the pituitary gland may experience lactation when they are not pregnant or breast feeding. In addition, the menstrual cycle can be disturbed by a mass growing in this area of the brain. In both women and men, adult growth of the hands and feet can be caused by pituitary tumors.
- Fatigue: Although fatigue can be related to a number of illnesses, it should not be overlooked. If you feel that you are more exhausted than normal or appropriate, talk to your doctor and identify any other related symptoms.
- Nausea or vomiting: Again, this is a fairly common side effect for a multitude of physical afflictions but also could indicate the presence of a brain tumor. Never overlook even what you may consider to be small complaints. They may be helpful in leading your physician more quickly and accurately to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Be sure to disclose any pertinent physical, mental and/or emotional changes or concerns to help with the process of diagnosis and talk openly with your healthcare team about any changes that occur between appointments. The more proactive you are with your health, the better!