Brain Cancer is a collection of abnormal cells or mass in the brain, which when grows, increases the pressure inside the brain. This increased pressure results in various clinical problems for the patient, including brain damage, and at times, death. It is important to be able to understand and address the indicators of a brain tumour. Timely detection and a team of medical experts from the field, like at
Omega Hospital Banjara Hills can give the patient a fighting chance against the disease.rnThe extent and nature of symptoms vary with the type, size, stage, and location of the brain tumour. In some cases, no signs or symptoms are present, and the only way the tumour can be detected is through diagnostic testing.rnThere are many Brain Cancer symptoms, but every person is not likely to experience all of them.
Worsening Headaches
Worsening headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a Brain Cancer. A tumour inside the brain can put pressure blood vessels and sensitive nerves. This could result in new headaches, or change in the pattern of your headaches, or worsening of the existing headache.rnLookout for headaches that are -
Not going away with medication
Accompanied by persistent pain, but not like a migrainernAccompanied by other neurological symptoms or vomitingrnEspecially intense on waking up in the morningrnWorse when there is a change in position, when coughing, or after working outrnOther Reasons:rnPlease note that a worsening of headache does not necessarily mean there is a tumour inside your brain. This could happen due to a lot of other factors, which is why it is recommended to address the problem and get yourself checked.
Mood Swings
A tumour inside the brain can disrupt the functioning of the brain, which may have an impact on your personality and your behaviour. Your unexplained mood swings could be a result of this disruption in your brain being caused by cancer.rnOther Reasons:rnPersonality change and mood swings can be due to substance abuse, mental disorders, or any other disorder related to the brain.
Seizures
A brain tumour can push on some nerve cells resulting in seizures. This may be one of the first signs of brain cancer in many cases. When seizure of any kind starts to surface, the best approach is to get in touch with a healthcare provider who has the skills and expertise to be able to provide a precise diagnosis and treatment approach for the symptom. Omega Hospital Banjara Hills is equipped with a team of experts who are specialised in handling & management of such symptoms and diseases associated with them.rnOther Reasons:rnSeizures can also be caused by drug withdrawal, or other neurological & brain diseases.
Nausea & Vomiting
A hormonal imbalance caused due to the brain tumour, can result in nausea or vomiting in the early stages of the cancer.rnOther Reasons:rnNausea and vomiting can be caused by a number of other factors including pregnancy, food poisoning, or influenza.
Cognitive IssuesrnA tumour in the temporal or frontal lobe can have an adverse effect on memory, decision making, and reasoning of an individual, including -rnUnusual confusion regarding basic thingsrnShort-term memory issuesrnConcentration issuesrnDifficulty in planning and multitaskingrnThese symptoms can get worse with fatigue.rnOther Reasons:rnCognitive issues on a mild level can be a result of emotional/mental disorders, medications, or vitamin deficiency.
Depression
Depression is a common condition among individuals who have been diagnosed with Brain Cancer, and even their caregivers. Depression includes -rnInsomnia or trouble sleepingrnLack of energyrnFeeling of sadness for an unusually long periodrnFeeling of worthlessnessrnFeeling of guiltrnSuicidal or self-harming thoughtsrnLoss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Fatigue
Fatigue is characterized by -rnInability to focusrnFeeling weak in your body and heavy on the limbsrnUnusual and frequent naps during the dayrnFeeling exhausted most of the timernFeeling unusually irritable and zoned outrnOther Reasons:rnFatigue can be caused on account of autoimmune conditions, anaemia, and other neurological conditions.
Weakness & Numbness
Brain tumour can result in a feeling of weakness overall, and sometimes bring about tingling or numbness in the limbs.rnOther Reasons:rnWeakness and numbness can be caused by Guillain Barre Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, or Diabetic Neuropathy.
Most of these symptoms can also be side-effects of the cancer treatment that the individual may be undergoing.
What to expect from your doctor appointment?
The doctor will need to take a look at your medical history and a detailed account of your symptoms, including their extent & duration. You may also have to undergo neurological tests to enable the doctor to make a complete diagnosis.rnMoreover, if a tumour is located in the brain, a tissue sample may be taken to determine its nature and characteristics.
The final treatment approach prescribed by the doctor is based on the patient’s medical history, their health, and the stage, type, size & location of the tumour. The treatment options typically include either, or a combination of Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery, or experimental therapies.