Perhaps one of the most serious and critical diagnoses that someone can receive is that of a brain tumor. Needless to say, this diagnosis can be frightening and could be the beginning of a long and arduous treatment process. One of the most difficult things about a brain tumor is that often the patient is not symptomatic or aware that anything is wrong until the tumor has progressed.
Two types of brain tumors
There are actually two main types of brain tumors that have been classified. The first type is called primary, and it is a tumor that originated from the brain itself or the immediate surroundings. The second type is called metastatic. This is a tumor that has originated somewhere else in the body but then mutated and migrated to the brain. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that about one in every four cancer patients will eventually develop metastatic brain tumors, including about 40 percent of these patients coming from patients diagnosed with lung cancer.
What are possible warning signs?
Much like all cancers, tumors occur when there is damage to a cell. That cell will then multiply at a far more rapid rate than the healthy cells around it and push the healthy cells away, thus taking over your body. Some tumors also have the ability to create immune system blocking substances, which will allow them to grow unchecked. Early detection plays a big part in a more positive survival outcome. Like all cancers, brain tumors do come with warning signs.
The sudden onset of seizures can often be the first clue into something that’s not quite right. Dr. Theodore Schwartz of the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center explains that, “irritation from the tumor makes the neurons fire uncontrollably, and you get abnormal movements.” The seizures can take different forms, ranging from a complete full-body seizure to “simple” jerking movements on one side of the face. A generally well coordinated person can begin to be confused or stumble when walking. Symptoms can also include trouble with speaking and swallowing as well as difficulty controlling facial expressions.
One of the big problems with a brain tumor is that it can also cause issues with the way your brain functions. Mainly, this manifests itself in a sudden, seemingly random personality change (your normally sweet grandma suddenly started swearing like a sailor and being angry at everyone? Time to get her checked.). Along with a personality change, a brain tumor can also cause issues simply with the way a person thinks, such as developing amnesia and showing signs of general confusion, and trouble remembering things.
Additional physical signs
Other muscular issues can include general muscle weakness and fatigue. Feeling tired even after a deep night’s sleep, or having trouble opening a jar that normally is a piece of cake to open can sometimes be a preliminary sign of a brain tumor.
Although not a symptom of a brain tumor alone, anxiety and depression are also common symptoms that occur, due to changes in the way your brain works. In addition, someone could be aware of their personality changing and experience depression as a result, plus anxiety about why certain symptoms are occurring.
The most common symptom of a brain tumor that people are familiar with are headaches. Either you suddenly start having frequent headaches, or the ones that you do have become even more frequent and more severe. This generally sends people to their doctor to rule out a migraine, but generally a brain tumor will occur with at least one other symptom. As always, at the first sign you think something might be wrong with your health, it is always a wise idea to go to your doctor to get it checked out because the earlier something is caught, usually the more treatable it is.
