Signs of Brain Tumor

Signs of Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a group or mass of abnormal cells found in the brain. A primary brain tumor is a tumor that starts in the brain as opposed to metastasizing from another group of abnormal cells and spreading to the brain. There are many different kinds of brain tumors and therefore, signs of brain tumor can vary depending on the location in the brain, whether the tumor is malignant or benign, if they are formed by membranes, nerves or glands and many other factors. Signs of brain tumor are often misdiagnosed at first. Often, until a test such as an MRI or CT scan is performed, signs of brain tumor can be mild and unnoticed by physician or patient. Some brain tumors have been present since birth, cause no signs of brain tumor , and remain undiagnosed if no problems, test results, or signs of brain tumor present in medical exams or testing.

If a brain tumor is large, or rapidly increases in size, signs of brain tumor felt by a patient can include severe headache, visual disturbances, weakness, changes in mental functions, and seizures. Seizures, commonly occur amongst older adults, but can occur in children as well.

When signs of brain tumor include headache, the pain can be worse in the morning and clear up in a few hours; occur during sleep; cause vomiting, confusion and double vision; and become worse when a person changes body position such as getting up from a chair or turning the body around quickly.

If a tumor is found on a pea-sized gland called the pituitary, in most cases the tumor is benign but signs of brain tumor on the pituitary can be significant and varied. The pituitary regulates the hormonal functions in our bodies. Many signs of brain tumor of the pituitary are mistaken for menopause, abnormal sensitivity to climate and temperature changes, menstruation problems, and obesity.

Signs of brain tumor pressing or in close proximity to the optic nerve can cause the eyes to droop, the pupils to become uneven in size, uncontrollable movement of the eyes, dizziness, and many other visual disturbances.

Primary brain tumors have such varying signs of brain tumor that it is important to see a physician if confusion, numbness, vertigo, loss of coordination or balance, sensation loss on just one side of the body, difficulty in reading, writing and speaking, or dizziness occur. There are many other signs of brain tumor that can manifest an early diagnosis and treatment usually increases the chances of a good outcome.

While many brain tumors are benign, they can cause annoying and irregular symptoms such as sensitivity to hot and cold, mood and personality changes, irregular hair growth and other attributes one may not think signs of a brain tumor would produce but need to be addressed for other conditions such as hyper-or hypothyroidism.

So, while abnormal symptoms may not be signs of brain tumor, it would be advisable to be in touch with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.