A Complete Guide to the Symptoms and Causes of Brain Cancer

Understanding Brain Cancer

We often think of cancer as affecting organs like the lungs, breast, or colon, but it can also affect the brain. Brain cancer is not as common as other types, accounting for approximately 1.4% of all new cancer cases in the United States in 2023 [1], but it is often one of the most complicated and emotionally difficult types to deal with for both patients and their families. Recognizing the potential signs and symptoms of a brain tumor can empower individuals to seek timely medical evaluation, which is critical for early diagnosis and optimal medical care [2]. This guide is intended for anyone who wants to understand more—whether they are a patient, a caregiver, or someone who has noticed subtle changes in their neurological function.

What Are Primary Brain Tumors?

Brain cancer is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain or nearby tissues, leading to the formation of a mass known as a tumor. These tumors are broadly classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary brain tumors originate within the brain tissue, while secondary or metastatic brain tumors are growths that have spread from a cancer in another part of the body (e.g., lung, breast). This discussion focuses primarily on primary brain tumors. The most prevalent types of primary brain tumors are:

• Gliomas (including astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma)
• Meningiomas
• Medulloblastomas (seen predominantly in pediatric populations)
• Adenomas of the pituitary gland

The behavior of these different tumor types varies significantly, which directly impacts treatment protocols and long-term prognosis.

Explore More : The Most Common Types of Cancer and Their Symptoms

What Causes Brain Cancer and What Are the Risk Factors?

Unlike some cancers with well-established primary causes (e.g., smoking and lung cancer), there is no single confirmed cause for brain tumors. However, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetic Changes: Alterations in the DNA of brain cells can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These genetic mutations can be inherited or occur spontaneously.
• Exposure to Ionizing Radiation: Long-term or high-dose exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly from past therapeutic treatments (like those for childhood cancers), is a well-established risk factor for developing certain brain tumors [3].
• Family History and Genetic Syndromes: Individuals with a strong family history of brain tumors or specific inherited genetic syndromes, such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and 2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or Turcot’s syndrome, have a slightly elevated risk [4]. However, these cases account for a small percentage of overall diagnoses.
• Age and Sex: Brain tumors can affect anyone, but some types, like medulloblastoma, are more common in children, while others, such as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)—the most aggressive and common primary adult brain tumor—are more prevalent in older adults [5]. Men are slightly more likely to develop brain tumors than women [1].
• Environmental Exposure: Some research suggests a possible, though controversial, link between long-term, high-level occupational exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., those in vinyl chloride, rubber manufacturing, or oil refining) and an increased risk, but definitive evidence is still lacking.

It is important to note that many patients diagnosed with brain tumors have no clear, identifiable risk factors.

Also Read : Different Types Of Radiation Therapy Used In Cancer Treatment

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

Symptoms of a brain tumor can be highly diverse because the brain regulates nearly all bodily functions. Signs can manifest slowly or appear abruptly. Key symptoms that warrant medical attention include:

• Persistent Headaches: These headaches often differ from typical tension or migraine headaches. They are frequently described as new, recurring, or changing in pattern. They are often worse in the morning but may improve as the day progresses and are not consistently relieved by common over-the-counter pain relievers [2].
• Unexplained Nausea and Vomiting: This is often a sign of increased intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull) and typically occurs without an apparent digestive cause or link to food intake.
• Visual or Hearing Changes: Symptoms can include blurry or double vision (diplopia), loss of peripheral (side) vision, new-onset hearing loss, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Seizures: New-onset seizures in an adult who has no history of epilepsy are a common and serious presenting symptom of a brain tumor. Seizures can involve sudden, uncontrolled jerking movements (generalized seizures) or subtle changes in awareness or sensation (focal seizures).
• Cognitive or Behavioral Changes: This can manifest as progressive memory loss, difficulty focusing or concentrating, uncharacteristic mood swings, personality changes (such as increased irritability or apathy), or confusion, especially in familiar settings.
• Motor or Sensory Deficits: New or worsening weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs, often restricted to one side of the body, can indicate a tumor pressing on motor or sensory pathways. Other signs include difficulty with balance, walking, or slurred speech (dysarthria).

If any of these symptoms are prolonged, recurrent, or progressively worsening, immediate consultation with a neurologist or oncologist is crucial for proper assessment. For expert evaluation and consultation, patients can connect with the following specialists:

Specialists & Consultation

Oncologist | Cancer Specialist in Pune

Oncologist | Cancer Specialist in Mumbai

How Brain Tumors Are Diagnosed

Doctors utilize a combination of neurological examination, advanced imaging, and tissue analysis (biopsy) to diagnose a brain tumor.

• Neurological Examination: This physical exam comprehensively assesses the patient’s vision, hearing, balance, reflexes, coordination, and mental status to pinpoint areas of the brain potentially affected by a lesion.
• Imaging Tests:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Considered the gold standard for brain tumor diagnosis. It provides detailed images that clearly define the tumor’s size, exact location, and extent of involvement with surrounding tissues.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A rapid imaging modality often used in emergency settings or when an MRI is contraindicated. It can quickly detect large masses or bleeding.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: This scan is utilized to assess the metabolic activity of a tumor, which can help differentiate tumor recurrence from treatment-related changes like scar tissue.

• Biopsy: This is the definitive diagnostic procedure. A small sample of the tumor tissue is surgically removed and examined by a pathologist under a microscope to determine the precise tumor type, its cellular grade (how aggressive it is), and specific molecular characteristics [6].

Once a brain tumor is suspected or identified, advanced imaging plays a critical role in confirming the diagnosis, staging the disease, and planning treatment. Among these tools, PET/CT scans are especially valuable for evaluating tumor metabolism, distinguishing active tumor tissue from post-treatment changes, and monitoring response to therapy. Access to reliable PET/CT imaging ensures timely and accurate diagnostic support for patients undergoing brain tumor evaluation. To support comprehensive diagnostic care, PET/CT scan services are available at the following centers:

PET/CT Scan Centers

Pet/CT Scan in Satara

PET/CT Scan – Chiplun

Pet/CT Scan in Talegaon

Pet/CT Scan in Pune

Brain Tumor Treatment Options

Treatment for a brain tumor is highly individualized and is determined by several factors: the tumor type, its location, size, grade, and the patient’s age and overall health status. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach.

• Surgery (Craniotomy): The primary goal is to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible (maximal safe resection) to relieve pressure and reduce the tumor burden. Following this procedure, adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy may be employed to target residual cancer cells [7].

• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy tumor cells. Options include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), highly targeted techniques like Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT), and in some cases, Proton Therapy [8]. Radiation is often used when surgery is not feasible or to treat remaining tumor cells.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapeutic agents, which may be administered intravenously (IV) or orally, work to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. A commonly used drug for glioblastoma is temozolomide (TMZ) [9].

• Targeted Therapy: These drugs are designed to interfere with specific molecular pathways or genetic changes identified within the tumor cells, potentially offering a more personalized treatment approach with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

• Immunotherapy: An emerging and exciting area of research, immunotherapy harnesses the patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This is frequently explored within the context of clinical trials.

Also Read : Fight The Fatigue Of Chemotherapy In 7 Powerful Ways

Life and Follow-Up After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

A brain tumor diagnosis is life-altering. However, with modern, personalized treatment and dedicated supportive care, many patients live long and meaningful lives.

Post-Treatment Care And Survivorship Protocols Include:

• Regular Surveillance: Routine follow-up imaging (MRI or PET scans) is essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to assess long-term treatment effects.

• Rehabilitation Services: Depending on the affected brain region, post-treatment recovery may require physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help the patient regain lost function and independence.
• Psychological Support: Comprehensive care addresses the mental health needs of both the patient and their caregivers, offering counseling to manage anxiety, depression, cognitive changes, and fear of recurrence.
• Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance: Personalized plans are developed to support the healing process, maintain immune function, and manage treatment-related side effects, such as fatigue and nausea.

Final Considerations: The Importance of Timely Consultation

Brain tumors do not always present dramatically. A persistent, unexplained headache or a noticeable change in cognitive function or personality may be the first warning. Timely awareness, prompt medical investigation, and engaging with a dedicated team of experts are pivotal factors that can significantly influence the outcome for patients facing a brain tumor diagnosis.

Onco-Life Cancer Centre: Your Partner in Care

If you or a loved one are seeking diagnosis, specialized second opinions, or comprehensive treatment for a brain tumor, the team at Onco-Life Cancer Centre is available to provide detailed information and supportive care. Our network of facilities offers a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostic technologies (including on-site MRI, CT, and PET), and access to various government health programs (such as MJPJAY and PM-JAYA).

Also Read : Government Health Insurance Schemes

References

1. American Cancer Society (2023). Cancer Facts & Figures 2023. Retrieved from the
   American Cancer Society website
2. National Cancer Institute (2021, July). Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults: Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from the
   National Cancer Institute website
3. World Health Organization Classification of Tumours Editorial Board (2021). Central Nervous System Tumours (5th ed.). Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. [Link to WHO Classification of CNS Tumours Overview] (Please note: The full text of this reference is typically a paid book/monograph, but the link is to a relevant official overview page).
4. **Ostrom, Q. T., Price, M., Pletsch, H., Kruchko, C., & Barnholtz-Sloan, J. S. (2023). Epidemiology of primary brain and central nervous system tumors. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 161(1), 1-13. The abstract is available on
   Springer Nature’s Journal of Neuro-Oncology website
5. **Dolecek, T. A., Propp, J. M., Magnuson, N. R., & Band, C. B. (2012). Epidemiological trends of primary brain and central nervous system tumors in the United States, 1985–2010. Neuro-Oncology, 14(Suppl 5), v1–v20.
   Link to Oxford Academic’s Neuro-Oncology Trends Article
6. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). (n.d.). Brain Tumor Diagnosis. Retrieved from the
   AANS Patient Information website
7. **Stupp, R., Hegi, M. E., Gorlia, T., Erridge, S. C., Perry, J., & Cairncross, J. G. (2017). Management of malignant glioma: current trends and future directions. The Lancet Neurology, 16(1), 51-64. The abstract is available on
   The Lancet Neurology website
8. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, June 16). Brain Tumor Treatment: Radiation Therapy. Retrieved from the
   Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information website
9. **Wen, P. Y., & Kesari, S. (2008). Malignant gliomas in adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(5), 492-507.
   Link to NEJM Malignant Gliomas Article

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is not intended to be a prescription, and no diagnosis or treatment should be started or stopped without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranties.

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