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What You Need To Know About™

Brain Tumors

    Posted: 03/31/2003



Introduction






The Brain






Understanding Cancer






Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors






Tumor Grade






Primary Brain Tumors






Secondary Brain Tumors






Brain Tumors: Who's at Risk?






Symptoms






Diagnosis






Treatment






Getting a Second Opinion






Preparing for Treatment






Methods of Treatment






Side Effects of Treatment






Surgery






Radiation Therapy






Chemotherapy






Supportive Care






Rehabilitation






Followup Care






Support for People with Brain Tumors






The Promise of Cancer Research






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Symptoms

The symptoms of brain tumors depend on tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. They also may be caused when the brain swells or fluid builds up within the skull.

These are the most common symptoms of brain tumors:

  • Headaches (usually worse in the morning)

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Changes in speech, vision, or hearing

  • Problems balancing or walking

  • Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate

  • Problems with memory

  • Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)

  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

These symptoms are not sure signs of a brain tumor. Other conditions also could cause these problems. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

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