The occurrence of brain tumors around the world is increasing rapidly. A large number of cases of brain tumors are reported each year among people of different age groups. In 2018, brain tumors were on the 10th position in the list of most common kinds of tumors among Indians. The International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) got that there are more than 28,000 cases of brain tumors reported in the country each year, and more than 24,000 deaths happened due to brain tumors annually. Brain tumors occur in all shapes and sizes, and so do their warning signs. According to healthcare experts, the warning sign of a brain tumor very much depends upon the location of the disease.
Some malignant tumors begin in the brain (known as primary brain cancer). Sometimes, cancer starts from another part of the body and reaches to the brain causing a secondary brain tumor. For example, if a tumor is present in the part of your brain responsible for controlling your arms or your eyesight, your warning signs can be a weakness in the limbs and blurry vision.
There are various symptoms or warning signs of brain tumors, but a single person is unlikely to have them all. Also, symptoms depend upon where the disease is growing in the brain and how large it is.
WARNING SIGN OF BRAIN TUMOR
HEADACHE
Headache is the most common symptom, affecting around 50% of people with brain tumors. A tumor in the brain can damage sensitive nerves and blood vessels. This can result in the following:-
- You have severe pain, but it’s not like a migraine.
- Severe pain while getting up in the morning.
- It gets worse when you do physical activities, cough, or change sides.
- You have vomiting or new neurological symptoms.
- Over-the-counter pain medications don’t provide relief at all.
Even if you’re dealing with more severe headaches or getting worse than they used to be, it doesn’t mean you have a brain tumor. People usually get headaches due to various reasons, from an unbalanced diet or lack of sleep to concussion or stroke.
SEIZURES
Brain tumors can damage nerve cells in the brain. This disease can occur with electrical signals and cause a seizure. A seizure is sometimes the initial warning sign of a brain tumor, but it can disturb your brain nerves at any stage. About 50% of people with the disease notice at least one seizure. Seizures don’t always occur from the tumor. Other causes of seizures are neurological issues, brain diseases, and drug withdrawal.
CLUMSINESS
If you are suffering from missing steps, or struggling with your balance, that sort of clumsiness in your body parts could be a sign of trouble. Speech issues, swallowing, or handling your facial expressions are some of the ways clumsiness could rise in your head.
PERSONALITY CHANGES OR MOOD SWINGS
Tumors in the brain can harm brain function, affecting your behavior and overall daily activities. They can also raise unexplained mood swings. These changes can occur initially, but you can also notice these signs from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Personality changes and mood swings can also occur due to mental illness, substance abuse, and other diseases involving the brain.
MEMORY LOSS AND CONFUSION
Memory issues can occur due to a brain tumor in the frontal or temporal lobe. A tumor in this location can also damage reasoning and decision-making. This problem can happen with a brain tumor at any stage of life. It can also be a side effect of radiation, chemotherapy, or other cancer treatments. These issues can occur by fatigue. Mild cognitive issues can arise due to various reasons other than a brain tumor. They can be due to medications, vitamin deficiencies, or emotional disorders, among other things.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
You can experience nausea and vomiting in the early stages because a tumor is raising a hormone imbalance. During treatment for a cancerous brain tumor, nausea and vomiting could happen from chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments. You can also experience nausea and vomiting due to some other reasons, including influenza, food poisoning, or pregnancy.
EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRAIN TUMOR
What causes a tumor? Some genetic diseases can cause brain tumors. But most of the tumors arise in people with no known complications or predisposing reasons. Children and adults over 60 are more likely to have brain diseases, but there is a risk of brain tumor at any stage of life.
Despite the myths related to tumors, cell phones are not a known reason. It is a common misconception, but there’s no real evidence that shows a link between cell phones and tumors. For critical brain tumors, treatments include surgery, medications, radiation, or chemotherapy.
The good news is that not all brain tumors are critical. Many tumors are smaller in size and there is no need for treatment for them.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?
If you experience the signs and symptoms listed above, it doesn’t mean you are suffering from a brain tumor.
Because these symptoms overlap with some other conditions, it’s vital to get the correct diagnosis from the best team of brain doctors at Narad Hospital And for many disorders, early diagnosis and treatment can help a lot. Make an appointment to have a suggestion from the best brain specialists in Hoshiarpur.