Overview
Brain cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the brain or nearby structures. Some tumors begin in the brain itself, while others spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body. Because the brain controls movement, speech, vision, memory, and many body functions, even a small tumor can cause major symptoms depending on where it is located.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms can develop gradually or appear more suddenly. Common warning signs include persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, weakness or numbness, speech or vision changes, and changes in memory, thinking, mood, or personality. Symptoms depend on the tumor's size, growth rate, and location.
Causes and Risk Factors
Often, the exact cause of a brain cancer is not known. Risk may be higher in some people with certain inherited genetic conditions or previous exposure to radiation to the head. Brain metastases are more likely in people who already have cancer elsewhere in the body, such as lung, breast, melanoma, kidney, or colon cancer.
Who Is Affected
Brain cancer can affect children and adults, but the types of tumors seen often differ by age. Some tumors are more common in older adults, while others are seen more often in children. Anyone with new neurological symptoms should be medically assessed, especially if symptoms are worsening.
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors usually start with a medical history, neurological exam, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. Additional tests may be used to understand the tumor's effect on brain function. In many cases, a biopsy or surgery is needed to confirm the exact tumor type and guide treatment planning.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the tumor type, grade, location, symptoms, and the person's overall health. Common treatment categories include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and medicines to help control symptoms such as swelling or seizures. Care is often provided by a team that may include neurosurgeons, cancer doctors, radiation specialists, rehabilitation professionals, and palliative care specialists.
Living With It
Living with brain cancer can affect physical ability, speech, work, emotions, memory, and independence. Rehabilitation such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy may help with function and daily activities. Emotional support, practical help from caregivers, and discussions about goals of care can be important parts of treatment.
When It May Be an Emergency
A brain tumor can sometimes cause life-threatening complications. Get urgent medical help for a first seizure, repeated seizures, sudden weakness on one side, confusion, fainting, severe or rapidly worsening headache, trouble speaking, sudden vision loss, or reduced alertness. These symptoms can also happen with stroke or bleeding in the brain and need immediate assessment.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask what type of tumor is suspected or confirmed, whether more tests are needed, and what the treatment goals are. It can also help to ask about possible benefits and risks of each treatment option, likely effects on thinking and daily life, and what symptoms should prompt urgent care. If possible, bring a family member or friend to appointments to help take notes.