7 Most Common Signs of a Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are the 22nd most common type of cancer worldwide but rank number 12 in terms of mortality (1). That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms of a brain tumor early on. May is brain tumor awareness month, and the most common signs of a brain tumor are things you should be aware of.

Anyone Can Get A Brain Tumor

Brain tumors can happen to anyone at any time, just ask Maria Menounos. Maria was diagnosed with a brain tumor while caring for her sick mother who had stage 4 brain cancer (2). (You might recognize Maria as a TV host who’s worked for a number of entertainment news organizations including Extra, Access Hollywood, and most recently E! News (2). Maria had to quit her position as co-anchor at E! News when she unexpectedly developed her brain tumor (2)).

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Luckily, her tumor turned out to be benign

she is now slowly recovering from her brain surgery that removed the tumor (3). Maria postponed the MRI that detected her tumor several times despite the fact that she was experiencing brain tumor symptoms similar to what her mom had experienced (3). This was a total shock for Maria, and after receiving her diagnosis she stated, “I didn’t cry. I actually laughed. It’s so surreal and crazy and unbelievable that my mom has a brain tumor – and now I have one too?” (2).

Benign VS Cancerous Tumors

Benign and cancerous tumors represent distinct categories of abnormal cell growth within the body. In benign tumors, cells closely resemble normal tissue cells and tend to exhibit slow, controlled growth. These tumors typically maintain a well-defined structure and are contained within a fibrous capsule, limiting their local impact without spreading to other parts of the body. Conversely, cancerous tumors, or malignancies, possess cells that undergo uncontrolled and rapid division, infiltrating surrounding tissues and potentially metastasizing to distant organs. Recognizing the fundamental differences between benign and cancerous tumors is essential for accurate diagnosis and the development of appropriate treatment strategies.

7 Most Common Brain Tumor Symptoms

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with various other medical conditions, making it crucial for individuals experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms to seek prompt medical evaluation. Early detection and diagnosis are key factors in improving treatment outcomes for brain tumors.

1. Headaches

Headaches are the most common initial sign of a brain tumor (4). The headaches you experience when you have a brain tumor will not respond to headache remedies typically used (4). If you notice pattern changes in your headaches and that they are becoming more frequent, this can also be a sign of a brain tumor (5).

2. Vision Changes

Vision changes are symptoms indicative of a brain tumor that has formed in the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, or brain stem (6). Vision changes include loss of some vision, double vision, or blurred vision (6).

3. Nausea

Persistent feelings of nausea, queasiness, or feeling sick to your stomach have been associated with brain tumors (7). If you experience unexplained nausea frequently, don’t ignore it!

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4. Clumsiness

If you feel lightheaded and have experienced clumsiness in your hands, arms, or legs, you should be concerned about the possibility of having a brain tumor (7). Having difficulty controlling facial expressions, verbally communicating, or swallowing are also signs of a brain tumor (7).

5. Weakness

Experiencing weakness on one side of the body is indicative of a tumor in the frontal lobe area of your brain (8). The tumor will most likely be located on the opposite side of the weakness (8).

6. Memory Loss

If you’re having issues remembering things or often feel confused, this may be because of a brain tumor (7). Short memory lapses tend to be more noticeable than memory loss that takes place over a prolonged period of time, so pay attention to your symptoms (9).

Read: Before Dementia Sets in, Your Body Will Give You These 12 Early Warning Signs

7. Seizures

This is the symptom that is usually the most alarming for those with brain tumors. Seizures are sudden convulsions or attacks brought on by unusual electrical activity in the brain (9). They are characterized by involuntary body movements and a change in consciousness (9). Never rule out a brain tumor as being the cause of a seizure.

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