Early diagnosis of brain tumour is crucial
Having headaches, feeling dizzy or out of one's element may all seem normal until it's not!
Common signs of brain tumour can include these seemingly insignificant symptoms, which is why taking these signs seriously and visiting a doctor to get yourself diagnosed becomes extremely crucial.
A brain tumour is a mass or a growth of abnormal cells in the brain, which can either be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). A benign tumour can however grow in size, becoming lethal.
Signs and symptoms do not occur as and when the tumor originates. However, as the tumour grows, it may trigger certain symptoms.
When does a brain tumour start showing signs?
A brain tumour causes symptoms because of two reasons. As per Cancer Research UK, symptoms occur either because they take up space inside the skull when they grow or because of their position in the brain.
The duration of the growth can vary from person to person and can take from over some months to even years, depending on how fast it metastasizes.
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Do not take these signs lightly
According to Mayo Clinic, some of the general symptoms of brain tumour that can be ignored are as follows:
- Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
- Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or a leg
- Difficulty with balance
- Speech difficulties
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Confusion in daily matters
Brain tumours and seizures
As per Cancer Research UK, seizures happen in up to 8 out of every 10 people (up to 80%) with a brain tumour.
"You might have some jerking or twitching of your hands, arms or legs. Or your seizure might affect your whole body," the health body explains.
According to the US National Brain Tumor Society, seizures are a sudden attack or convulsion caused by abnormal bursts of electricity in the brain.
Signs include: muscle contractions, staring, loss of consciousness, as per the health body.
Behavioural and personality changes to note
Experts believe brain tumours can also cause personality changes and sudden mood swings.
This symptom is common in people whose tumour is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, which is the part that controls personality and emotions. It also helps regulate one's ability to control behaviour and manage it.
Who is at risk?
There's no way to predict who can and cannot get a brain tumour. However, there are certain risk factors to consider.
According to Mayo Clinic, exposure to radiation can make one prone to a tumour in the brain. "People who have been exposed to a type of radiation called ionizing radiation have an increased risk of brain tumor," experts from the health body explain.
Another reason could be a family history of brain tumours i.e. if one of the members of the family have had a brain tumor.