Brain Tumour: Symptoms and Causes

In the United States, about 88,000 brain tumour cases are diagnosed yearly. Like other diseases, it is getting younger, and while the disease used to affect people 40+ years of age, today, the early symptoms of a brain tumour can be detected as early as 30 years of age. 

The fact is that the first symptoms of a brain tumour resemble fatigue, depression and anxiety disorders. And with complaints of headaches, insomnia and loss of attention, it is usually advised to take a vacation rather than an MRI, especially for people at a young age. 

That’s why it’s so easy to miss the onset of the disease.

How to know if you have a brain tumour? What are the other symptoms, and more importantly, what are the causes of a brain tumour? If you want to know the answers to all of these questions, read our article below and find out everything you need to know about brain tumours.

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is the formation or growth of abnormal cells in the brain or inside the skull. This problem can be just two types of brain tumours: cancerous and noncancerous. We will look at each of these in more detail later so that you can be better oriented in this direction.

Brain tumours can originate in the brain (primary brain tumours), or cancer can originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain (secondary or metastatic). Cancerous brain tumours can be fast-growing or slow-growing.

Primary brain tumours account for about 1% of all cancers. Most primary brain tumours are cancerous. They are usually graded on a scale of 1 to 4, with grade 4 being the most aggressive. Tumours that start in the brain are more common than those that spread there.

Cancers that start in another body part and spread to the brain are much more common. They account for 10% to 15% of all brain cancers.

General Symptoms of Brain Tumour

The most common early symptom of a brain tumour is a headache. It is important to note that not all headaches are the first symptoms of a brain tumour, but if you experience any of the following symptoms along with a headache, it is recommended that you see a doctor. So, it’s worth thinking about going to the doctor if you feel a headache that:

• Worsens over time.
• Wakes you from your sleep.
• Worsens in the morning.
• Worsens when you cough, sneeze or bend over.
• Associated with nausea or vomiting.
• Accompanies you with dizziness or vertigo.
• Accompanied by visual problems, such as blurred vision or vision loss.
• Accompanied by a change in the level of consciousness, such as confusion or drowsiness.

Other symptoms of brain tumours include:

• Seizures (convulsions).
• Personality changes.
• Mood swings.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Muscle weakness.
• Loss of balance and coordination.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes and determine if you have a brain tumour.

Symptoms Based on Tumour Location 

The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on the location of the tumour. The most common areas of the disease are:

Frontal lobe: The frontal lobe controls many essential functions, such as movement, speech, emotions, and behaviour. Tumours in this area can cause problems with these functions. 

Temporal lobe: The temporal lobe controls hearing, memory, and language. If you have a tumour in this part, there will be problems with hearing and speech.

Parietal lobe: The parietal lobe controls sensation and movement. Tumours in this area can cause problems with these functions, such as paralysis of one side of the body.

Occipital lobe: The occipital lobe controls vision. Tumours in this area can cause problems with vision.

Cerebellum: The cerebellum controls balance and coordination. If there is a brain tumour here, it can cause coordination problems.

Brain stem: The brain stem controls many vital functions, such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Tumours in this area can cause problems with these functions.

Types of Brain Tumour

As we have written before, there are two types of brain tumours: cancerous and noncancerous.

Cancerous brain tumours contain abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissue. They can be fast-growing or slow-growing.

Fast-growth brain tumours are highly likely to spread to other parts of the brain or spine. They are also more likely to come back after treatment. Slow-grade brain tumours are less likely to spread and are more likely to be cured by surgery.

Noncancerous brain tumours do not contain cancerous cells. Noncancerous brain tumours can still cause problems because they can press on surrounding areas. The most common type of noncancerous brain tumour is meningioma. Meningiomas are usually slow-growing and usually occur in middle-aged women. Noncancerous brain tumours are generally not life-threatening.

What Can Cause a Brain Tumour?

Looking for an answer to what can cause a brain tumour? We are sorry to tell you that the cause of most brain tumours is unknown. However, some risk factors may increase your chances of developing a brain tumour. Risk factors for brain tumours include:

Radiation exposure: Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, can increase the risk of developing a brain tumour.

Family history: If you have a family member with a brain tumour, you may be at increased risk.

Age: Brain tumours are more common in older people.

Gender: Brain tumours are more common in women than in men.

Ethnicity: Brain tumours are more common in white people than other races.

FAQs 

• What were your first signs of a brain tumour?

The first signs of a brain tumour can vary depending on the location of cancer. Common early symptoms include headaches, seizures, and problems with vision or balance.

• How serious is a brain tumour?

Brain tumours are severe. They can cause problems with vital functions, such as movement, speech, emotions, and behaviour. Tumours in some regions of the brain can be particularly dangerous.

• Can brain tumours be cured?

Yes, brain tumours can be cured. However, the chances of a cure depend on the type of tumour, its location, and how early it is detected. Cancerous brain tumours are more challenging to treat than noncancerous brain tumours.

• Can you live from a brain tumour?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. It all depends on the type of brain tumour and how early it is detected. Cancerous brain tumours are more challenging to treat and are more likely to be fatal. Noncancerous brain tumours are usually slow-growing and can be cured by surgery.

• Who is likely to get a brain tumour?

There is no definitive answer to this question. However, some risk factors may increase your chances of developing a brain tumour, such as exposure to ionizing radiation, family history of brain tumours, age, gender, and ethnicity.

• Can you get a brain tumour from stress?

Yes, stress can be a risk factor for developing a brain tumour. However, the exact relationship between stress and brain tumours is not fully understood.