Brain tumours

There are two types of brain tumours:

• Malignant (cancerous) brain tumours – these tumours grow and spread very rapidly through your blood stream or lymph system. They can also spread and damage healthy cells. Cancerous brain tumours can be a result of cancer spreading from other parts of your body. These tumours are known as secondary tumours.
• Benign (non-cancerous) brain tumours – these tumours are slow growing and usually remain in one area. Left untreated benign tumours can increase in size putting pressure on an area of your brain and causing damage to healthy cells.

The symptoms of brain tumours vary according to the location and size of the tumour. Often symptoms develop due to increase pressure in your brain as the tumour grows including:

• Headaches
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting
• Seizures (fits)
• Feeling sleepy more frequently
• Vision problems
• Dizziness (balance problems)
• Rapid change in your behaviour or personality

Symptoms related to the position of a tumour within your brain also vary since each part of the brain controls a different area of your body. Your consultant will carefully note your symptoms and assess any changes you have noticed before making a diagnosis. They may also order other diagnostic tests or a CT or MRI scan.

A variety of treatments are used to treat brain tumours including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Your specialist consultant will recommend treatment(s) that are most appropriate for the type and location of your tumour.

Our experienced consultants can diagnose and treat brain tumours in a hospital near you.