Brain Tumor Symptoms, Types, and Causes: All you need to know

Brain tumors have always been a critical challenge in medicine because the causes are vague, and you don't have any control over them. Understanding their early signs, types, and causative factors helps you to get treatment at the right time. 

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor? 

Brain tumor symptoms are rarely identical across individuals. Much depends on the tumor’s size, type, and its exact location within the brain’s complex landscape. 

Early Stages 

• Persistent headaches that are worse in the morning. 
• Headaches with coughing, sneezing, or exertion. 
• Nausea with or without vomiting. 
• Mild changes in personality or behaviour. 
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating. 
• Memory lapses or confusion during routine conversations. 
• Unexplained fatigue or daytime drowsiness despite adequate sleep. 

Advanced Stages 

• Seizures without epilepsy history. 
• Weakness or numbness. 
• Speech difficulties, such as slurred words or trouble finding words. 
• Blurred or double vision due to pressure on vision-related areas. 
• Balance and coordination problems occur if the cerebellum is involved. 
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing. 
• Facial weakness depends on nerve involvement. 
• Hearing problems occur if the tumor affects auditory pathways. 

What are the types of brain tumors? 

Brain tumors are categorised based on their origin, cell type, and malignancy potential. 

• Gliomas are among the most common malignant brain tumors. They originate from glial cells and include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas. Glioblastoma multiforme is aggressive and fast-growing. 
• Meningiomas are benign tumors arising from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While they grow slowly, their size can exert significant pressure on adjacent tissues. 
• Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors in the pituitary gland. Their hormonal impact often leads to symptoms of hormonal imbalance alongside headaches or vision problems, if large enough to press the optic chiasm. 
• Medulloblastomas are more common in children. These tumors arise in the cerebellum, affecting balance and coordination early in their course. 
• Schwannomas are tumors of the Schwann cells that form nerve sheaths. Vestibular schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma. It affects the nerve responsible for hearing and balance. 
• Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors are cancers from other body parts, such as the lung or breast, that can spread to the brain, forming metastatic tumors. It often multiplies and needs distinct treatment protocols. 

What are the causes of brain tumors? 

The precise cause is not defined in most brain tumor cases. However, certain risk factors are: 

• Genetic predisposition: Some inherited syndromes increase risk, including neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Turcot syndrome, and von Hippel-Lindau disease. 
• Radiation exposure: Prior exposure to ionising radiation, such as previous radiotherapy for other cancers, can raise the risk. 
• Age: Incidence increases with advancing age, though some types, like medulloblastomas, are predominantly seen in children. 
• Family history: If someone has a family history of cancer, they have a higher chance of getting it. 

Environmental triggers, lifestyle factors, or use of mobile phones have not shown definitive causal links in large-scale studies. 

How to prevent a brain tumor? 

As the exact causes of brain tumors are unknown, their prevention becomes more complex. Currently, no universal strategy exists to prevent brain tumors. However, early detection can help you start treatment early. Here are a few ways you can try to stay away from brain tumors: 

• For genetically predisposed individuals, periodic neurological evaluations and imaging will help in early detection.  
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation. 
• Lifestyle interventions like diet or supplements do not hold proven preventive value against brain tumors.  

Conclusion 

Brain tumors are serious and dangerous, with severe symptoms like cognitive changes and profound physical disabilities. Awareness of early signs and understanding the risk factors is important to start the treatment on time. If you or your loved one experiences persistent neurological symptoms, consult a specialist for evaluation. At Hinduja Hospital Mahim, our multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists provides comprehensive care for brain tumor diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. To consult our experts, book an appointment today. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Can you live a full life with a brain tumor? 

Medicines like chemotherapy can help treat brain tumors, but many also need surgery or radiation for effective treatment. 

Can a brain tumor be cured by medicines? 

Medicines like chemotherapy can help treat brain tumors, but many also need surgery or radiation for effective treatment. 

What is the first stage of a brain tumor? 

Brain tumors are graded, not staged. Early signs include headaches, seizures, memory or personality changes, and vision or balance problems. 

At what age can a brain tumor occur? 

Brain tumors can develop at any age. Some types are more common in children, while others affect mainly adults.