What are the symptoms of brain cancer?
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The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar. The following symptoms are most common: headache, weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking and seizures. Other nonspecific symptoms and signs include: altered mental status or changes in concentration, memory, attention or alertness, nausea, vomiting (especially in the morning), abnormalities in vision, difficulty with speech, and gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity. In many people, the onset of these symptoms is very gradual and may be overlooked by both the person with the brain tumor and the person's family members, even for long time periods. Occasionally, however, these symptoms appear more rapidly. In some instances, the person acts as if he or she is having a stroke.
The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar. The following symptoms are most common: headache, weakness, clumsiness, difficulty walking and seizures. Other nonspecific symptoms and signs include: altered mental status or changes... More -
Dr. Patrick Maguire answered:Some patients with brain cancer present with symptoms that are dependent upon the location of the lesion(s) in the brain. Some with tumors near areas that control motor skills will have difficulty with the arms or legs. Others may have a headache that doesn't go away with pain relievers. Still others may present with a seizure or symptoms that resemble a stroke, including difficulty speaking or finding words. Any of these symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor or emergency room, depending upon severity.Some patients with brain cancer present with symptoms that are dependent upon the location of the lesion(s) in the brain. Some with tumors near areas that control motor skills will have difficulty with the arms or legs. Others may have a... More -
Brain tumors may have a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to stroke. Symptoms that immediately raise the question of a brain tumor include a new seizure in an adult, gradual loss of movement or sensation in an arm or leg, hearing problems, unsteadiness or imbalance (especially if it is associated with headache), loss of vision in one or both eyes (especially if it is more peripheral vision loss), unexplained nausea or vomiting, double vision (especially if it is associated with headache), hearing loss with or without dizziness, and speech difficulty of gradual onset.
Headache: Headache is probably the most common symptom of a brain tumor. Generally, individuals with headaches, even persistent or severe headaches, do not have a tumor; however, some kinds of headache may be particularly worrisome. A steady headache that is worse in the morning than the afternoon, a persistent headache that is associated with nausea or vomiting, or a headache accompanied by double vision, weakness, or numbness all suggest a possible tumor.
Behavioral changes: A change in behavior may also be caused by a brain tumor. The development of an "I don't care" attitude, memory loss, loss of concentration, and general confusion may all be subtle signs.
Hormonal changes: Infertility or amenorrhea (abnormal cessation of menstruation).
Others: Some health conditions that appear to be other diseases, but may in fact be tumors include stroke and unexplained falls. Sometimes a fall can come from a seizure caused by a tumor, and a pituitary tumor can act like a subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of stroke).
Not all brain tumors cause symptoms, and some (such as tumors of the pituitary gland) are found mainly after death.
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Brain tumors may have a variety of symptoms ranging from headache to stroke. Symptoms that immediately raise the question of a brain tumor include a new seizure in an adult, gradual loss of movement or sensation in an arm or leg, hearing... More
