Brain Tumors
The brain controls the body. Each part of the brain has a role. When you have a tumor, the part of the brain surrounding it may be damaged. Then the brain can’t do its job properly.
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| A tumor and the surrounding brain structures |
What Is a Brain Tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. There are many types of brain tumors. They may be primary (starting in the brain) or metastatic (traveling to the brain from another site in the body). All brain tumors are either benign (slow-growing, not cancerous) or malignant (growing quickly, cancerous).
What Causes Symptoms
Along with its location, the way a tumor grows can affect the symptoms you have. A tumor may affect the brain in one or more ways. It may:
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Destroy normal brain tissue.
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Compress normal brain tissue.
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Increase pressure within the brain.
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Excite brain cells and produce seizures.
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Cause bleeding in the brain.
Symptoms You May Have
The most common symptoms of brain tumors are:
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Headaches that may be worse in the morning
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Trouble thinking, remembering, or talking, or changes in personality
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Vision problems
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Seizures or convulsions causing numbness, weakness, or loss of consciousness
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Paralysis or weakness in one part or on one side of the body
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Loss of balance or lack of coordination
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Nausea and vomiting that may be worse in the morning
Publication Source:
Maity A, Pruitt AA, Judy KD, Phillips PC, Clinical Oncology, 3rd ed., Chapter 69 - Cancer of the central nervous system, 2004, pp 1357-1362
Publication Source:
Ullrich NJ, Ferri's Clinical Advisor, 1st ed., Brain Neoplasm, 2008, pp 135-136
Online Medical Reviewer:
Bromley, Steven MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
9/28/2005