Head tumors can be either benign or noncancerous or malignant or cancerous. According to the "Merck Manuals," head tumors are generally more common in men than women. Head tumors can be either primary tumors or metastases from other tumors that spread from other parts of the body. The symptoms of a head tumor mainly depend on the size of the tumor, its growth rate and its location.
Headaches
A common first symptom in a head tumor is a headache, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. These headaches tend to be worse in the morning, and sometimes wake a person. This symptom is related to the increase pressure inside the skull. Most people with headaches do not have tumors, but if a person suffers persistent headaches, headaches associated with nausea and vomiting or headaches with double vision or numbness, he should contact a physician for further evaluation.
Personality Changes
If a person develops a change in personality, like a nonchalant attitude, memory loss or confusion, she person should be evaluated for a head tumor, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. Consultation with a neurologist and head imaging may be an important next step.
Seizures
The American Brain Tumor Association says that about one-third of those afflicted do not realize that they have a tumor until they have a seizure. Abnormal disruptions of electrical activity can cause a seizure. A new seizure in a patient generally requires a workup, including head imaging, to determine the cause.
Mass Effect
Mass effect occurs from is increased pressure in the brain when a mass or masses are growing in the skull. The symptoms associated with this condition include nausea and vomiting, double vision or loss of peripheral vision. The American Brain Tumor Association says these symptoms occur because the parts of the brain that controls these functions are compressed. With with slow-growing brain tumors, doctors may be able to see optic nerve swelling, called papilledema, in patients who have increased pressure in the brain. These symptoms require immediate treatment to prevent future damage.
Localized Symptoms
Some symptoms of head tumors are more specific to the location of the tumor. The American Brain Tumor Association says that symptoms like hearing problems, lack of coordination or muscle weakness may suggest where the lesion is located in the head. Brain imaging is required to confirm the presence and location of a head tumor.
