Warning Signs of a Brain Tumour: What Should Know

In all medicine, there is almost no more severe diagnosis than a brain tumour. Knowing and not ignoring possible signs of a brain tumour is a big step toward taking care of your health. There are many types of brain tumours. Some are cancerous (malignant), and some are noncancerous (benign).

There are also many potential symptoms of brain tumours, but one person probably won’t have them all. Also, symptoms vary depending on where the tumour is growing in the brain and how big it is. For example, a frontal lobe tumour’s symptoms will differ from the temporal lobe, but you might not have any symptoms if the tumour is small and noncancerous.

Continue reading as we review some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with brain tumours.

Risk Factors of Brain Tumour

There are many possible risk factors for developing brain tumours, but not all are definitively linked to developing these neoplasms. However, some risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing a brain tumour.

Age: Most brain tumours are diagnosed in people over 55.

Gender: Signs of a brain tumour are more common in women than men. But this difference is not too significant.

Family history: A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with a brain tumour increases your risk somewhat.

Radiation exposure: People exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as from X-rays or nuclear power plants, may show early signs of a brain tumour.

Prior cancer: People with certain cancers, such as Hodgkin’s disease, have an increased risk of developing brain tumours.

Warning Signs of a Brain Tumour

There are many possible early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour. However, remember that other conditions can also cause these signs and symptoms. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed below, make an appointment with your doctor to be examined:

Headaches: A headache is one of the most common first signs of a brain tumour. It is important to note that not all headaches cause concern. If you are experiencing severe or throbbing headaches that are not relieved by prescription, you should see your doctor.

Vomiting: Many people with brain tumours experience nausea and vomiting. It is often caused by tumour pressure on brain areas that control these functions. If you experience nausea and vomiting that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications, you should see your doctor to determine if you have a brain tumour.

Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of brain tumours. It is often caused by cancer or the treatments used to fight it. If you are experiencing fatigue that is not relieved by rest, you should see your doctor to determine if you have a brain tumour.

Vision changes: Brain tumours can cause changes in your vision. You may experience blurry vision, double vision, or lose your peripheral vision. If you experience any changes in your vision, you should see your doctor to determine if you have a brain tumour.

Speech difficulties: Brain tumours can sometimes cause problems with speech. It can manifest as difficulty understanding others or difficulty speaking for oneself. If you experience speech difficulties, it’s essential to see a doctor.

Seizures: Seizures are another common early symptom of brain tumours. It is often caused by the pressure of the tumour on the parts of the brain that control these functions. If you experience seizures, it’s essential to see a doctor.

First Signs of Brain Tumour in Children

If you are worried about your children, it is essential to know that brain tumours in children are relatively rare. However, there are some warning signs and symptoms that may indicate a brain tumour in a child.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your child, you should see your doctor. While these signs and symptoms may indicate a brain tumour, they can also be caused by other, less severe conditions. Therefore, it is essential to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.

Read about types of brain tumor in our other article.

Areas of the Brain: Structure and Functions

The brain is a complex organ that controls many different functions. To understand the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the structure and function of the brain.

The brain is divided into four main parts: frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal. Each of these parts has different functions. Let’s see what each part of the brain does:

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is the most significant part of the brain. It is located at the front of the head, just behind the forehead. The frontal lobe controls many vital functions, so symptoms of a frontal lobe tumour can be uncomfortable. What the frontal lobe controls: motor functions, speech, emotions, and memory.

Parietal Lobe

What the parietal lobe controls: the parietal lobe is located behind the frontal lobe. It controls some of the same functions as the frontal lobe but also has unique parts: sensation and vision.

Temporal Lobe

What the temporal lobe controls: the temporal lobe is located below the frontal and parietal lobes. It is responsible for some of the same functions as these lobes but has some unique functions: hearing, language, or memory.

Occipital Lobe

The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain. It is responsible for vision. It includes the ability to see objects and interpret what we see.

When you Should See a Doctor

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of a brain tumour, you should see your doctor. It is essential to do this at the first symptoms because the sooner the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may also order tests, such as imaging tests or a biopsy. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can help show if there is a tumour in the brain.

Bottom Line 

Our Lone Neurology Star clinic offers you the best possible treatment for brain tumours. If you or your loved one is experiencing signs and symptoms of a brain tumour, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful in better understanding brain tumours and the signs and symptoms to look out for.

FAQs 

• What are the last stage symptoms of a brain tumour?

The last stage symptoms of brain tumours are coma and death.

• How does a person act with a brain tumour?

There is no one answer to this question, as every person is different. However, some common signs and symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, vomiting, seizures, and memory problems.

• When should I be concerned about a brain tumour?

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of a brain tumour, you should see your doctor. It is essential to do this at the first signs and symptoms because the sooner the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.

• Can a child have a brain tumour without symptoms?

A child can have a brain tumour without symptoms. However, if signs or symptoms are present, it is essential to see a doctor so the disease can be appropriately diagnosed and treated.

• At what age do children get brain tumours?

There is no one answer to this question, as brain tumours can occur at any age. However, brain tumours are most common in children under 5 and adults over 55.