Brain tumours

Broadly, brain tumours are categorised as either ‘benign’ or ‘malignant’; within each category, there are subtypes which have varying characteristics:³

• Benign tumours - Usually these types of tumours grow slowly and are less likely to spread to other parts of the body.
• Malignant tumours - These tumours are cancerous and are characterised by growing quickly and may spread within the brain and/or the spinal cord. 

In addition to the above mentioned categories, brain tumours are also classified as either ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ tumours, with differences being:^3,4

• A primary tumour starts in the brain
• A secondary (metastatic) tumour starts in another part of the body and then spreads to the brain.^3,4

Brain tumours may produce a number of different symptoms; these usually depend on the characteristics of the tumour and may include:^3,6

• Mild or severe seizures
  
• Headaches
• Weakness and reduction in function in parts of the body, such as the arms, legs or face
• Loss of balance
• Change in speech
• Decreased or double vision, disturbed hearing , smell or taste
• Difficulty with memory and concentration, and/or brain fog
• General irritability, drowsiness or a change in personality
• Nausea and vomiting

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are going to be diagnosed with a brain tumour. If you are unsure, speak with your GP or specialist if you have any concerns or questions.

The causes of brain tumours are not fully understood, however there are some factors which may increase the risk of developing a brain tumour may include:⁵

• Advancing age
• Family history of brain cancer
• People exposed to very high doses of radiation to the head

Having one or many of these factors does not necessarily mean that you will be diagnosed with a brain tumour. If you are concerned, please speak with your GP or specialist to discuss any questions that you may have.

There are several tests that doctors may perform to diagnose a brain tumour, these may include:⁷

• A physical exam – this may include checking your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes
• Imaging scans - such as computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or single photon emission CT (SPECT) scan
• Lumbar puncture – also known as spinal tap uses a needle to collect cerebrospinal fluid, which is then examined for any cancer cells that may be present
• Biopsy – a biopsy may be undertaken depending on the position of the tumour to help obtain a more definitive diagnosis of the type of tumour. This may be done separately to, or at the same time as, surgery to remove the tumour.

Aims to remove as much of the tumour as possible, ideally the entire tumour, while minimising damage to healthy parts of the brain. Surgery may also be suggested to help relieve pressure on the brain, and to help reduce the tumour size for further treatment via chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.

An approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

Sometimes recommended to help reduce inflammation around a brain tumour.