Brain cancer symptoms

Not all brain tumours cause symptoms, and some (such as tumours of the pituitary gland) are found mainly after death. The symptoms of brain tumours are numerous and are not specific to brain tumours, meaning they can be caused by many other illnesses as well. The only way to be absolutely sure what is causing the symptoms is to consult a doctor and undergo diagnostic testing.

• Symptoms are caused by the tumour pressing on or encroaching on other parts of your brain and preventing them from functioning normally.
• Some symptoms are caused by swelling in the brain caused by the tumour or surrounding inflammation.
• The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar.

The following symptoms are most common:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Clumsiness
• Difficulty walking
• Seizures

Other nonspecific symptoms and signs include the following:

• Altered mental status - changes in concentration, memory, attention, or alertness
• Nausea, vomiting - especially early in the morning
• Abnormalities in vision
• Difficulty with speech
• Gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity

In many people, the onset of these symptoms is very gradual and may be missed by both the person with the brain tumour and the family. Occasionally, however, these symptoms appear more rapidly. In some instances, the person has symptoms or signs that resemble those of a stroke.

Brain cancer symptoms: when to seek medical care

Seek immediate medical advice if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Unexplained, persistent vomiting
• Double vision or unexplained blurring of vision, especially on only one side
• Lethargy or increased sleepiness
• New seizures
• New pattern or type of headaches

Although headaches are thought to be a common symptom of brain cancer, they may not occur until late in the progression of the disease. If any significant change in your headache pattern occurs, your doctor may suggest that you go to hospital.

If you have a known brain tumour, any new symptoms or relatively sudden or rapid worsening of symptoms warrants a trip to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department. Be on the lookout for the following new symptoms:

• Seizures
• Changes in mental state, such as excessive sleepiness, memory problems, or inability to concentrate
• Visual changes or other sensory problems
• Difficulty with speech or in expressing yourself
• Changes in behaviour or personality
• Clumsiness or difficulty walking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden raised temperature, especially after chemotherapy.