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Brain cancer
We offer a world-class service for brain tumours. Our specialist neuro-oncologists focus on proven techniques that treat tumours and preserve function wherever possible. Learn about symptoms, tests and treatments available from GenesisCare.
What is brain cancer?
Brain cancer is abnormal cells that form a tumour in the brain. If the tumour starts in the brain, it’s a primary tumour. If it spreads to the brain from another place in the body, it’s a secondary tumour or brain metastasis.
Brain and central nervous system tumours are the 9th most common cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. Brain cancer affects people of all ages, but the risk gradually increases from age 25.
Early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour
As a brain tumour grows it takes up more space, increasing pressure in the skull and causing symptoms. The exact symptoms depend on where the tumour is in the brain.
Brain tumour symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Changes to vision, speech and hearing
- Fits
Other brain cancer symptoms can include changes to personality or intellect, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, and hormonal imbalances. These are caused by tumours in specific parts of the brain.
Most brain tumours affect one side of the body more than the other.
When to see a doctor
If you are worried about signs of a brain tumour, it is important to see a doctor straight away. It might not be cancer, but it is always better to get checked so any treatment can start without delay.
You can see your GP, who may refer you to a specialist. If you have private medical insurance, or would like to self-pay, you may also be able to access a private GP quickly.
Types of brain tumours
There are over 130 types of brain tumours, which depend on the type of brain cells they affect. Not all brain tumours are cancerous.
The most common type of malignant brain tumour in adults is glioblastoma, making up around 4 in 5 cases of all malignant primary brain tumours. It starts in glial cells, which support neurons (nerve cells) and provide structure.
Other types of brain tumours include:
- Astrocytoma - a type of glial cell tumour, which can be cancerous
- Acoustic neuromas - a benign brain tumour starting in the ear
- Ependymoma - a rare brain tumour that usually grows quickly
- Glioma - the name for any type of brain cancer starting in glial cells
- Meningioma -usually benign cancer starting in the layers covering the brain
- Oligodendroglioma -a rare glial cell tumour that can grow slowly or fast
- Pituitary tumour- a rare, usually non-cancerous tumour that can affect hormone balance
At GenesisCare, we treat all types of adult brain tumours. For more information on treating brain cancer, see our brain cancer treatment page.
What causes brain tumours?
It's not usually possible to say why any one person develops brain cancer. It begins with mutations in the DNA that cause brain cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Research is looking to better understand why these mutations happen.
Certain genetic conditions can cause brain tumours:
- Neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 and type 2
- Tuberous sclerosis (TSC)
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL)
- Turner syndrome
- Turcot syndrome
- Gorlin syndrome
These are rare conditions usually causing non-cancerous (benign tumours).
Diagnosis and tests
Most people’s diagnosis of brain cancer starts with a visit to an emergency room. This is because symptoms can come on suddenly, including seizures. Some people start by seeing their GP for less severe symptoms.
If brain cancer is suspected, you will usually be referred to a specialist. They complete several tests and scans, which can include:
- Neurological test, including checking muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, eye tests and hearing tests
- Blood tests
- CT scans
- Brain MRI scan
- PET/SPECT scan
- Surgical biopsy
- Lumbar puncture
- Neuroendoscopy
Stages of brain cancer
Primary brain cancer is not staged like other cancers, because it behaves differently. It rarely spreads outside the brain, and the size does not always impact your outlook.
Brain tumours are graded depending on how fast they are growing. Grade 1 and 2 tumours are slow-growing and considered benign.
Grade 3 and 4 brain tumours are fast-growing and considered malignant. Like cancerous tumours, benign brain tumours may still need treatment.
The location of a brain tumour is a key factor affecting the outlook. A large brain tumour that is easy to reach may have more treatment options than a small one deep inside the brain.
Enquire now
If you would like to find out more, please contact us today. We are always happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
Brain tumour treatment
There are several treatment options for brain tumours. Sometimes, brain tumours can be removed completely with surgery.
When a cure is not possible, treatments aim to control your brain tumour – helping you live as well as possible for as long as possible. In the case of slow-growing tumours, this can mean years or decades.
The main treatments are:
- Surgery– removing part or all of the brain tumour
- Chemotherapy – anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs that destroy cancer cells
- Radiotherapy – high-energy radiation beams targeted at cancer cells
- Stereotactic radiosurgery – an advanced, accurate, high doses radiotherapy technique that can destroy brain tumours while ‘sparing’ or protecting healthy brain tissue
At GenesisCare, it’s our commitment to offer world-class care to every patient with cancer. For more information on treating brain cancer, see our brain cancer treatment page.
Make an enquiry
If you would like to find out more, please contact us today. We are always happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
Risk factors for brain tumours
Risk factors increase your chances of being affected by a brain tumour. Known risk factors for brain tumours include:
- Age – although brain tumours can start at any time, the chances increase as you age
- Being above your healthy weight – around 3 in 100 brain tumours are thought to be caused by being overweight
- Radiation exposure – rarely, brain tumours are linked to radiation exposure, such as from a previous treatment
- Genetics – some rare conditions can cause benign brain tumours
Prevention of brain tumours
Brain cancer can't usually be prevented. Maintaining a healthy BMI can lower your risk of meningioma, but these account for a small number of brain tumours and are usually benign.
You can, however, lower your risk of secondary brain cancer. This is brain cancer that starts somewhere else and spreads to the brain, most commonly from the lungs or breast. For example:
- Avoiding smoking – 4 in 5 cases of lung cancer are linked to smoking
- Exercise – regular activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lowering your risk of breast cancer and any cancer
FAQs about brain tumours
Never try to self-diagnose at home. Get to know the signs and symptoms of a brain tumour, and speak to your doctor if you’re worried.
The only way to know if you have a brain tumour is to speak to your doctor, and visit a specialist for test and scans, if appropriate.
Tumours in specific parts of the brain can affect your vision. This can be detected by an eye test, sometimes before you even notice symptoms.
Eye tests cannot detect all types of brain tumours. You should see a doctor if you are worried about symptoms, even if you’ve had a recent eye test.
Contact us today
We’re recognised by all private medical providers, including Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva and Vitality. We’re always happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
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