Brain Cancer Symptoms

Not all brain tumors cause symptoms, and some (such as tumors of the pituitary gland) are found mainly after death. The symptoms of brain tumors are numerous and not specific to brain tumors, meaning they can be caused by many other illnesses as well. The only way to know for sure what is causing the symptoms is to undergo diagnostic testing.

• The symptoms are caused by the tumor pressing on or encroaching on other parts of your brain and keeping them from functioning normally.
  
  
• Some symptoms are caused by swelling in the brain caused by the tumor or surrounding inflammation.
  
  
• The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar.

The following symptoms are most common:

• Headache
  
  
• Weakness
  
  
• Clumsiness
  
  
• Difficulty walking
  
  
• Seizures

Other nonspecific symptoms and signs include the following:

• Altered mental status: changes in concentration, memory, attention, or alertness
  
  
• Nausea, vomiting: especially early in the morning
  
  
• Abnormalities in vision
  
  
• Difficulty with speech
  
  
• Gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity

In many people, the onset of these symptoms is very gradual and may be overlooked by both the person with the brain tumor and the family. Occasionally, however, these symptoms appear more rapidly. In some instances, the person acts as if he or she is having a stroke.

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Brain Cancer - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of brain cancer can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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