Signs of brain tumour
Brain tumour is one of leading causes of death worldwide. It occurs when the cells in the brain multiply and grow in an abnormal, uncontrollable way. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there are over 150 different brain tumors, classified into two main groups: Primary and metastatic brain tumours.
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Primary vs secondary brain tumours
According to the Mayo Clinic, some brain tumours are benign and non-cancerous, whereas some brain tumours can be malignant.
Tumours that begin and grow in the brain are called primary brain tumours. These are different from the tumours that spread to the brain from other parts in the body, also called secondary brain tumours.
Common symptoms
The symptoms of brain tumour may differ, depending on the location of the tumour, says the UK National Health Services (NHS).
However, some of the common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Seizures (fits)
- Persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness
- Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality
- Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Vision or speech problems
The signs that appear towards the final weeks
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) explain, "Brain tumour patients tend to develop significant and progressive neurological symptom burden in the final weeks of life."
“Drowsiness or loss of consciousness is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in the final weeks of a brain tumour patient’s life.
“Lethargy, confusion, and night/day reversal are often early signs of decreasing levels of consciousness.
“Drowsiness and lethargy progress and tend to increase significantly in the last week of life. Ultimately, the patient passes into a deep coma in the last few days," the institution adds.
The dangers of glioblastomas
As discussed, there are more than 150 types of brain tumour. However, glioblastomas is said to be the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults.
Glioblastoma is cancer that originates as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, explains the Mayo Clinic.
"It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. Glioblastoma can happen at any age," the health body explains.
Early diagnosis is key
If you suspect a tumour in the brain or notice any neurological changes, get yourself examined by a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist.
A neurological exam, a head CT scan, brain MRI, PET scan of the brain or a biopsy are some of the ways to detect brain tumour. Because brain tumours and cancer are not likely to spread, they do not have stages like other cancers. However, an early treatment is key to survival.