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Early Signs, Symptoms and Causes of Brain Tumor & Brain Cancer

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What are Brain Tumor Symptoms?

Both benign and malignant brain tumors show symptoms; however, they can be mild in the early stages, and therefore, often go unnoticed. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become apparent. The signs and symptoms of brain tumors may vary depending on the type of tumor. In some cases, patients experience some early symptoms of brain tumors, which can lead to early diagnosis and timely treatment.

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The following are the important signs and symptoms of brain tumors:

Headaches

Patients often experience persistent headaches or headaches that worsen over time. These headaches often come along with nausea and vomiting. This is one of the early symptoms of a brain tumor.

Seizures

Tumors forming in the brain can also lead to seizures wherein uncontrolled electrical activity is observed in the brain. Seizures are characterized by convulsions and abnormal body movements. Seizures are also one of brain tumor’s early symptoms.

Paralysis or Weakness in One Part or One Side of the Body

Patients with brain tumors also experience paralysis or weakness in one side of the body. This happens when the tumor exerts pressure on the areas that control muscle movements.

Dizziness

Brain tumor patients often experience light-headedness and spinning sensations or feel unsteady.

Vision-related Problems

Vision-related problems are also one of the early symptoms of a brain tumor. Patients experience double vision, blurred vision, and peripheral vision loss. Vision-related problems result from the tumor’s pressure on the optic nerves or areas responsible for visual processing.

Hearing Issues

Patients with brain tumors close to the auditory nerves, can experience hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and other issues related to hearing.

Numbness in the Face

Numbness in the face or a tingling sensation on one side of the face is also one of the common brain tumor or brain cancer symptoms.

Nausea or Vomiting

Patients with brain tumors also experience nausea and vomiting, which may or may not be associated with headaches. This is one of the most observed signs of brain tumors.

Mood Changes

Sudden mood changes, such as irritability, sadness, lack of motivation, or aggression, could also be a symptom of brain tumors.

These are some of the most commonly observed signs and symptoms of brain tumors in children, teenagers, and adults.

Specific Brain Tumor Symptoms (Location-based)

Frontal Lobe Tumors

Tumors present in the frontal lobe of the brain exhibit:

Poor concentration, planning, and problem-solving skills

Difficulty walking due to weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs

Changes in personality, mood, and behavior

Problems associated with speech and vision

Loss of smell

Parietal Lobe Tumors

Tumors forming in the parietal lobe present with:

Coordination-related problems

Poor spatial awareness

Sensory disturbances

Impaired reading and writing abilities

Language difficulties

Loss of sensation in one part of the body

Occipital Lobe Tumors

Occipital lobe tumors present with the following symptoms:

Visual problems, such as blurred vision, loss of vision, and difficulty processing the color and size of the object

Hallucinations

Temporal Lobe Tumors

Temporal lobe tumors can cause:

Memory problems

Speech and hearing-related problems

Seizures

Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices inside the head)

Brainstem Tumors

Brainstem tumors can present with:

Poor coordination and balance

Difficulty walking

Swallowing difficulties

Speech difficulties

Double vision

Loss of movement in facial muscles

Changes in breathing

Double vision

Hampered heart rate regulation

Pituitary Tumors

Since pituitary glands are responsible for hormone regulation, tumors that arise from pituitary glands may lead to specific brain tumor symptoms in women.

Hormonal imbalances that cause changes in the menstrual cycle, changes in weight management, sexual dysfunction, growth abnormalities, excessive sweating, thirst, and urination.

Headache

Vision loss

Causes of Brain Tumor

We have little information on what exactly causes brain tumors or brain cancer. However, if we are to wonder what causes brain tumors, researchers have found that certain factors can increase the risk of brain tumors.

Certain genetic conditions

Radiation exposure

Gender

Exposure to infections, viruses, and allergens

Home and work exposures

Race and ethnicity

Family history of brain tumors

Age

Head injuries and seizures

Electromagnetic fields

These risk factors or possible reasons for brain cancer only increase the chances of a brain tumor or brain cancer diagnosis. Those with the above-mentioned risk factors can be categorized as high-risk individuals, and they should consider talking to a doctor to get a better understanding of the degree of risk they carry and learn the best measures that can help them reduce their brain tumor or brain cancer risk.

Causes of Brain Tumors in Teenagers

Brain tumors are the most common type of solid tumors diagnosed among teenagers. The causes of brain tumors in teenagers may vary, and in most cases, the exact cause is unknown. Also, in the majority of pediatric brain tumor cases, identifiable risk factors are not found, indicating that there could be some undiscovered factors that could serve as potential causes of brain tumors in teenagers. More research is needed to understand the complex etiology of brain tumors in teenagers.

It is easy for brain tumor symptoms to be ignored in children and teenagers as they are always active, and therefore, it is important to pay extra attention when they are not normal. Some of the most common brain tumor symptoms in teenagers include headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, dizziness and drowsiness, challenges with vision, hearing, and speech, personality changes, and challenges with balance and coordination.

When to see a doctor?


When one has a high risk of developing brain tumors or is experiencing the signs and symptoms of brain tumors or cancer, it is important to see a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you detect brain cancer early?

There are no standard screening procedures available for brain cancers. Also, another factor that makes the early detection of this condition challenging is that its signs and symptoms often vary and can be similar to those of other less-severe brain-related conditions. One way to catch this cancer in its early stages is by being mindful of its symptoms and promptly seeking medical attention.

Brain cancer can form in any part of the brain. The most common type of brain tumor forms in the glial cells. However, brain cancers can form in the meninges, pituitary gland, pineal gland, Schwann cells, and more.

The speed at which brain cancer progresses largely depends on the type of brain cancer, the size of the tumor, and its exact location. Some tumors take years to develop and show symptoms, while others are aggressive and grow rapidly. Therefore, it is important not to ignore any potential brain cancer symptoms and promptly consult a doctor for appropriate medical guidance.

Headache is one of brain tumor’s early symptoms. The feeling of increased pressure inside the head and persistent headaches should never be ignored. Other common signs of brain tumors include seizures, problems related to vision and hearing, challenges associated with balance and coordination, and changes associated with cognitive and behavioral functions.

One important thing to note is that these symptoms are associated with other brain-related conditions as well, and therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a conclusive diagnosis.

There is no sufficient evidence to prove that stress has a direct impact on brain tumor development. Nevertheless, a few studies have found that stress can accelerate disease progression. Managing stress effectively can help lead a healthy life and promote overall well-being.

As we still do not know how brain tumors occur, there are no known ways to prevent brain tumors or brain cancer yet. However, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, avoiding prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, wearing protective headgear while taking part in activities that carry a risk of head injury, and being aware of the family history and opting for appropriate measures are a few ways you can reduce your brain tumor risk.

Also, along with these measures, it is important for you to be mindful of different signs and symptoms of brain tumors, and promptly see a doctor, when something is not normal.