The National Cancer Institute reports that more than 35,000 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year. The brain controls the thinking process, behavior, emotions, and detection of the senses, such as smell, touch, taste, and hearing. Brain cancer can grow and destroy brain tissue, either directly or indirectly by increasing the pressure in the brain. Because the brain controls so many parts of the body, the signs and symptoms of brain cancer vary widely based upon the type of tumor, the location, and its rate of growth.
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
The University of Alabama (UAB) Health System reports that increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can have detrimental effects on the brain, and cause multiple different signs and symptoms. According to UAB, the normal skull is filled with brain tissue and cerebral spinal fluid that normally circulates through the brain. If brain cancer causes an increase in pressure, the fluid may become blocked and cause the following signs and symptoms: headache, vomiting, nausea, personality changes, depression, irritability, drowsiness, and slower heart and breathing rate. If the pressure is not treated, coma and death may follow.
Cerebrum
According to the National Cancer Institute, the cerebrum collects information from the senses, and tells the body how to respond. The UAB notes that brain tumors in the cerebrum can cause disturbances of the senses, such as vision problems and slurred speech. Merck Manuals reports that brain cancer may also cause difficulty in detecting pressure, temperature, or sharp objects. Other signs and symptoms of a tumor in the cerebrum, according to UAB, include: weakness or paralysis, drowsiness, confusion, changes in personality, and seizures.
Brain stem
The National Cancer Institute describes how the brainstem is the part of the brain that connects the brain and the spinal cord. It controls the temperature of the body, breathing, and blood pressure. UAB reports that symptoms of a tumor in the brain stem include: seizures, regulation of hormones, visual disturbances (such as doubled or blurred vision), headaches, changes in rate of breathing, and paralysis.
Temporal Lobe
Merck Manuals reports that the temporal lob is located on the side of the head, above the ears. Tumors in this area of the brain can result in seizures and/or the inability to understand language and speak.
Occipital Lobe
According to Merck Manuals, the occipital lob is in the back of the head, and controls vision. Tumors in this part of the brain can result in partial or total loss of vision in one or both eyes.
