According to MedlinePlus, brain tumors can be classified into two basic types: primary and metastatic tumors. Primary tumors start in the brain whereas metastatic tumors start elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. Primary brain tumors are further classified depending on whether they are malignant or benign, their location and the type of brain tissue involved. Each brain tumor is different and may cause a range of symptoms according to its size and location; however, there are several symptoms that are common to most tumors.
Headaches
According to the American Brain Tumor Association, headaches that are worse in the morning are a common initial symptom of a brain tumor. Often the headache cannot be treated with pain medication and may get worse with exercise or changing the position of the head. One of the major causes of these headaches is increased pressure inside the skull due to the growth of the tumor cells, blockage of the fluid that moves around inside the skull or swelling of the brain. The headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Seizures
In 30 to 50 percent of cases, the occurrence of a seizure may be the first indication that a person has a brain tumor, says Dr. van Breeman and colleagues in the May 2007 issue of Lancet Neurology. The tumor can cause damage to the brain tissue surrounding the lesion. This interferes with the normal electrical processes of the brain and results in sudden bursts of increased electrical activity. Depending on the location of the tumor, this abnormal brain activity may result in convulsions, loss of consciousness or unusual sensations in different parts of the body.
Changes in Personality and Mental Function
Depending on the location of the tumor and the amount of pressure that builds up inside the skull, a range of personality changes and problems with mental function can occur in people with primary brain tumors. These include forgetfulness, confusion, loss of concentration and changes in behavior, such as the development of an indifferent attitude, says the National Brain Tumor Society.
Location-Specific Symptoms
Beside the initial symptoms of headaches and seizures, there are some very specific symptoms that can occur due to a tumor growing in particular brain structures. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, a tumor in the brainstem, an area which controls basic survival functions such as breathing and consciousness, can result in vomiting and problems with coordination as well as difficulties swallowing and speaking. Tumors in the area of the brain that interprets visual images can result in selective blindness and other visual problems. Equally, a tumor in the areas of the brain involved in language and speech can result in the loss of the ability to read or understand other people when they talk.
References
- MedlinePlus: Brain tumor -- primary -- adults
- American Brain Tumor Association: Symptoms
- "Lancet Neurology"; Epilepsy in Patients with Brain Tumours: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Management; Melanie van Breeman MD, Erik Wilms PharmD, Charles Vecht MD; May 2007
- National Brain Tumor Society: Symptoms & Diagnosis
