Brain tumors are an overgrowth of abnormal cells that form into a mass. They may be cancerous or benign (non-cancerous), but both take up space in the brain and may interfere with the nervous system, affecting important functions like movement, talking, hearing, and eating. There are two kinds of brain tumors, primary and metastatic brain tumors. Primary brain tumors develop in the brain and usually stay inside it while a metastatic brain tumor is caused by a cancer that spread to the brain from another part of the body. Brain tumors are rare. An estimated 24,000 adults and 3500 children (under the age of 15) in the United States will be diagnosed with primary brain tumors this year. There are several options for people diagnosed with brain tumors, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Nausea
- Vision changes
- Trouble thinking and memory issues
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Trouble hearing
- Feeling off balance
- Personality disturbances
- Trouble walking Headaches that are chronic and not relieved by medication
- Weakness in the extremities
The presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate a brain tumor and should be evaluated by a doctor for a diagnosis.