a brain tumour occurs when the cells in the brain no longer grow or behave normally and form a mass that can block the flow of fluid and increase pressure inside the skull. these cellular changes, which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) can occur at different rates — and produce different symptoms — depending on the region of the brain in which they form,
according to the canadian cancer society.
tumours that begin in the brain are known as primary brain tumours and those that originate elsewhere before migrating to the area are called secondary (or metastatic) brain tumours. although any cancer can spread to the brain, the types that commonly do so include melanoma and breast, colon, kidney and lung cancers.
prognosis and treatment of a brain tumour depends on a number of factors, such as the type, grade and location of the tumour, but all forms of this type of cancer can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms. the most common type of primary malignant brain tumour is glioblastoma, which carries an average survival rate of less than a year, even with aggressive treatment.
what are the symptoms of a brain tumour?
although signs and symptoms of this disease can vary from patient to patient, you should consult a doctor if you are persistently experiencing any of the following: