Brain Tumours Cancer

Overview

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. When we talk about a cancerous brain tumour, we mean a malignant tumour that grows quickly and can invade or damage nearby brain tissue. Some brain tumours are benign (not cancer), but this article focuses on cancerous brain tumours.

Brain tumours are less common than many other types of cancer, but they can affect people of all ages. Each year, thousands of people are diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Anyone can get a brain tumour. Some types are more common in children, while others are more common in older adults. Certain rare genetic conditions and previous radiation therapy to the head increase the risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headaches that are worse in the morning or when you lie down
• Seizures (fits or convulsions)
• Nausea and vomiting without an obvious cause
• Blurred or double vision
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty with balance or walking
• Changes in personality or behaviour
• Difficulty speaking or finding words

Symptoms in children

• In babies: a bulging soft spot on the head, irritability, poor feeding, or an unusually large head
• In older children: headaches, especially in the morning with vomiting, unsteadiness, falling, changes in school performance, or sudden squint

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory problems
• Personality changes or withdrawal
• Weakness or loss of function on one side of the body
• Difficulty with language or understanding
• New onset of seizures or unsteadiness

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of most primary brain tumours is not known. They start when cells in the brain develop changes (mutations) in their DNA, which causes them to divide and grow out of control.
• Secondary (metastatic) brain tumours occur when cancer cells from elsewhere in the body, such as the lung or breast, spread through the bloodstream to the brain.

Risk factors

• Previous exposure to high-dose radiation to the head, such as from past radiotherapy
• A family history of brain tumours in rare cases
• Inherited genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, or Li-Fraumeni syndrome (very rare)
• Weakened immune system, which may increase risk of certain lymphomas in the brain

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a seizure for the first time
• If you have sudden weakness, numbness, speech problems, or visual changes
• If your headaches are severe and come with vomiting or drowsiness

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent headaches that are getting worse or are different from your usual headaches
• If you notice gradual changes in balance, vision, speech, memory, or personality
• If you have new weakness or unsteadiness lasting more than a few days

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a neurological examination, checking your vision, reflexes, balance, coordination, and muscle strength. If they suspect a brain tumour, they will refer you to a specialist for brain imaging.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (a special X-ray that creates cross-section images of the brain)
• MRI scan (uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain)
• Biopsy (a small sample of tumour tissue is removed and examined under a microscope, often during surgery)
• Lumbar puncture (a sample of spinal fluid may be tested, but this is not always needed)

What to expect at your appointment

If a tumour is found, you will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team — a group of specialists that meets to agree the best plan for you. You will be offered tests to find out the exact type, grade (how aggressive it is), and spread of the tumour. Bring a family member or friend to appointments to help listen and take notes, and ask as many questions as you like.

Treatment

Treatment for a brain tumour depends on the type, size, location, grade, and your overall health. The main approaches are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. You may have one of these or a combination. Steroids are often used to reduce swelling in the brain and relieve symptoms.

Self-care at home

• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as your doctor advises
• Rest when you need to and do not push yourself too hard
• Ask for practical and emotional help from family and friends
• Keep a diary of symptoms to report to your care team
• Talk to your team about any side effects — many can be managed

Medical treatments

Surgery is often the first step if the tumour can be removed safely. The surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumour as possible, without damaging important brain areas. Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and is often given after surgery. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines (taken by mouth or through a drip) to kill cancer cells and may be used alone or with radiotherapy. Newer treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are available in some situations and are being researched. Your team will talk through the most suitable options, what they involve, and the possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be recommended if the tumour is in a place that can be reached without serious risk. Sometimes the whole tumour can be removed; other times only a part can be safely taken out to reduce pressure on the brain. Surgery can also provide tissue for a precise diagnosis.

Living with this condition

Living with a brain tumour can bring fatigue, memory problems, and changes in mobility. A rehabilitation team may help you with speech, movement, and daily activities. Keep to a gentle routine, prioritise what is important, and don't be afraid to accept help.

Lifestyle tips

• Try light physical activity, such as short walks, if you feel able
• Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up too late
• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs — they can interact with treatments and make symptoms worse
• Plan your day to balance activity with rest

Diet and exercise

Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink enough water. If you have swallowing problems, ask to see a dietitian. Gentle exercise can help maintain strength and mood, but always check with your care team before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A brain tumour diagnosis can affect your emotions, thinking, and sense of identity. It is normal to feel anxious, scared, frustrated, or low. You are not alone — talk to your care team, and ask about counselling or advice. If you are in urgent emotional distress, please reach out to a friend, relative, or your local emergency mental health service.

Prevention

Most brain tumours cannot be prevented because their causes are not clearly understood. You can reduce your general cancer risk by not smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, but these actions are unlikely to specifically prevent a brain tumour.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for brain tumours. The best approach is to be aware of unusual or persistent symptoms and seek medical advice early.

Complications

If left untreated

• A growing tumour can increase pressure inside the skull, causing severe headaches, drowsiness, and vomiting
• It can damage brain tissue, leading to permanent weakness, speech problems, memory loss, or personality changes
• It can cause seizures that are difficult to control
• If pressure becomes very high, it can lead to coma and death

Long-term outlook

The outlook for brain tumours varies greatly. Some types can be cured, and many others can be controlled for years with treatment. Your specialist team will explain how your specific tumour is likely to behave and what to expect. Many people live active, meaningful lives after a brain tumour diagnosis, thanks to advances in treatment and supportive care. Hope and quality of life are important parts of the journey.

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