An abnormal mass of cells growing inside or outside the brain is called a brain tumor. Brain tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While some tumors enlarge swiftly, others may have a gradual process. Around one-third of brain tumors are malignant. However, whether or not they are cancerous, they can affect brain functions if enlarged to the point where they strain nearby nerves, blood vessels, and tissues.

Early warning symptoms of brain cancer
The signs of a tumor vary depending on its size and location in the brain.

It is thought that people with brain tumors frequently experience severe, ongoing headaches that may not be connected to an underlying condition, such as migraine. Morning pain may be more severe, and it may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Brain tumor-related headaches typically worsen when you cough, move around or exercise. Temporary pain relievers might not be effective in treating these headaches.

Another typical situation where a brain tumor is first discovered is a normal healthy person suddenly developing seizures or fits.

Some of the first symptoms of brain cancer include:

Apathy, irritability, sleepiness, or forgetfulness
Arms or legs that are numb or tingly
Dizziness
Partial loss of hearing or vision
Depressive symptoms, mood swings, or hallucinations
Changes in personality, including deviant and unusual behavior
Alterations in intelligence or memory issues
Speech difficulty, uncoordinated movements, instability, or weakness on one side of the body
A diminished sense of smell
Nipple discharge, excessive body hair, and lack of menstruation are further warning signs of brain tumor symptoms in women

Types of brain tumor
Many distinct forms of brain cancer, lesions, and cysts can be distinguished based on the location of development and the cells that make them up. The majority of some tumor types are benign, whereas the majority of others are malignant. Others might be equally likely to be malignant.

Some common types of brain tumor include:

Meningioma
The primary brain tumor is a meningioma where tumors develop in the meninges, the three outer layers of tissue that enclose and shield the brain beneath the skull. This condition is mostly seen in women than in men. The majority of meningiomas are slow-growing, noncancerous tumors. Although the majority of meningiomas are benign, some of them might persist and recur following therapy.

Pituitary adenoma
The pituitary tumor is an adenoma, which develops in glandular tissues. These tumors originate in the pituitary gland and often advance slowly. They may result in endocrinological and visual issues. Adenomas are benign and treatable with surgery and/or treatment, which is good news for those impacted by them.

Schwannoma
The nerve that connects the ear to the brain has benign, slow-growing tumors called acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas). They frequently result in hearing loss, typically appear in middle-aged adults, and grow on the nerve sheath, the covering around the nerve fibers. Schwannomas can potentially impact the trigeminal nerve and can induce facial pain, known as trigeminal schwannomas. They are far less common than vestibular schwannomas.

Craniopharyngioma
These benign tumors, which can form solid tumors or cysts, develop close to the pituitary gland. As the condition progresses, craniopharyngiomas frequently strain the nearby nerves, blood vessels, or brain tissue. They can also lead to endocrinological and visual problems, like adenomas. They typically impact those over the age of fifty in addition to kids and teenagers.

Neurofibroma
Neurofibromas are benign tumors that can develop on any part of the body’s nerves and are often painless. These fleshy, soft growths can occasionally form on the spinal cord, cranial nerves, or the brain. A hereditary condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1 is characterized by many neurofibromas (NF1).

Hemangioblastoma
Hemangioblastomas are blood vessel benign tumors that can develop in the brain. Surgery is frequently an option for removing these types of tumors. Rarely, they may show up in many places and signify a hereditary condition called Von Hippel-Lindau. If so, several tests and consultations with a professional, like an ophthalmologist or geneticist, may be advised.

Chondroma
Chondromas, a rare form of brain cancer, are benign cartilage tumors. They can occur in the paranasal sinuses and the skull base, but they can also affect other body regions, including the hands and feet. Patients between the ages of ten and thirty are most frequently affected with chondromas. Despite the tumors’ gradual growth, they may eventually lead to bone fractures or excessive growth that puts pressure on the brain.

If a brain tumor is diagnosed, managing the symptoms will still play an important role in the care and treatment. Palliative or supportive care are two main options that depend on the requirement of the patient. It frequently begins as soon as a diagnosis is made and continues during therapy. Make sure to discuss the symptoms, including any new ones or ones that have changed during the course of treatment.