Brain Tumours: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Reduce the Risk

Research Consult Uganda | Health Education and Awareness

Introduction

The human brain is one of the most complex and important organs in the body. It controls movement, memory, emotions, speech, vision, coordination, and many essential functions required for survival. Like other organs, the brain can develop abnormal growths known as brain tumours.

A brain tumour occurs when cells grow and multiply abnormally within the brain or nearby structures. Some tumours are non-cancerous (benign), while others are cancerous (malignant). Their effects depend on their type, location, size, and rate of growth.

Brain tumours can affect people of different ages, including children and adults. Although it is not possible to prevent every brain tumour, understanding the known risk factors, recognising warning signs, and seeking timely medical attention can help improve outcomes.

1. What Is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal mass of cells that develops in the brain or its surrounding tissues.

Brain tumours are broadly classified into two major categories.

A. Benign brain tumours

Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths. They generally do not invade surrounding tissue in the same way as malignant tumours, but they can still be dangerous.

Because the skull is rigid, even a non-cancerous tumour can press against important brain structures, increase pressure inside the skull, and interfere with normal brain function.

Some meningiomas, which arise from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, are benign, although other forms can behave more aggressively.

B. Malignant brain tumours

Malignant brain tumours contain cancerous cells that may grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue.

One example is glioblastoma, an aggressive type of primary brain cancer. Malignant brain tumours can interfere with neurological functions and may require complex treatment.

Not all brain tumours originate in the brain itself. Cancer that begins in another organ, such as the lungs or breasts, can spread to the brain. These are known as secondary or metastatic brain tumours.

2. What Causes Brain Tumours?

In many cases, the exact cause of a brain tumour is unknown. Tumours develop when genetic changes affect the normal mechanisms that regulate cell growth and division.

Several factors may contribute to the development of certain brain tumours.

A. Genetic changes

Changes in the DNA of cells can interfere with the normal control of cell growth. Some genetic changes occur during a person’s lifetime, while others may be associated with inherited conditions.

Most people diagnosed with a brain tumour do not have a known inherited genetic disorder.

B. Exposure to ionising radiation

Exposure to ionising radiation, particularly radiation directed at the head, is an established risk factor for certain brain tumours.

For example, some people who received radiation therapy to the head for another medical condition may have an increased risk of developing a tumour years later.

Medical imaging procedures that use radiation should be undertaken when clinically appropriate. Their benefits and risks are assessed by healthcare professionals, and medically necessary scans should not be avoided because of unsupported fears.

C. Inherited medical conditions

A small proportion of brain tumours are associated with inherited genetic syndromes, including neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and von Hippel–Lindau disease.

These conditions can increase the risk of particular tumours, but they are uncommon.

D. Age and other factors

Different types of brain tumours occur more frequently in different age groups. Some are more common in children, while others are more frequently diagnosed in adults or older people.

Age influences the likelihood of certain tumour types, but a brain tumour can occur at almost any age.

Importantly, most brain tumours cannot be attributed to a specific behaviour or lifestyle choice. There is currently no convincing evidence that ordinary stress, eating a particular food, or using a mobile phone has been established as a cause of brain tumours.

3. Common Types of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours are classified according to the cells from which they arise and their biological characteristics.

A. Gliomas

Gliomas develop from glial cells or related cell types in the central nervous system. They include several tumour types, ranging from relatively slow-growing tumours to aggressive cancers.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of glioma.

B. Meningiomas

Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Many grow slowly and are non-cancerous, although some are atypical or malignant.

Symptoms depend on the tumour’s size and location.

C. Pituitary tumours

Pituitary tumours develop in the pituitary gland, which helps regulate hormones involved in growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other bodily functions.

Some pituitary tumours produce excessive hormones, while others interfere with normal hormone production or press against nearby structures, potentially affecting vision.

D. Vestibular schwannomas

These tumours develop from Schwann cells associated with the vestibular nerve, which is involved in hearing and balance.

They are generally non-cancerous and may cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or balance difficulties.

E. Secondary brain tumours

Secondary brain tumours develop when cancer spreads to the brain from another part of the body.

Cancers that can spread to the brain include lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and some other cancers.

Their treatment depends on the original cancer, the number and location of brain lesions, and the person’s overall health.

4. Symptoms and Warning Signs of Brain Tumours

Symptoms vary considerably because different regions of the brain control different functions. Some tumours produce symptoms gradually, while others cause more rapid changes.

Possible warning signs include the following.

A. Persistent or worsening headaches

A brain tumour may cause headaches, particularly when it increases pressure inside the skull or affects pain-sensitive structures.

However, headaches are extremely common and are usually caused by conditions other than brain tumours.

A new headache that progressively worsens, becomes persistent, or occurs alongside neurological symptoms deserves medical assessment.

B. Seizures

A seizure may be the first sign of a brain tumour in some people.

Possible features include involuntary movements, loss of awareness, unusual sensations, or episodes of confusion.

A first seizure requires urgent medical evaluation.

C. Changes in vision

Depending on its location, a tumour may affect the nerves or brain regions responsible for vision.

Symptoms can include blurred vision, double vision, or loss of part of the visual field.

D. Weakness or numbness

A tumour affecting areas responsible for movement or sensation may cause weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling one side of the body.

Sudden weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking may indicate a stroke or another emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

E. Problems with speech or understanding

Some brain tumours affect regions involved in language. A person may experience difficulty finding words, speaking clearly, reading, writing, or understanding conversations.

F. Changes in memory, behaviour, or personality

Depending on the affected brain region, a tumour may cause changes in concentration, memory, judgement, emotional regulation, or behaviour.

These symptoms can also occur in many other medical conditions and should not automatically be attributed to a tumour.

G. Nausea and vomiting

Raised pressure inside the skull can cause nausea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by headaches or visual disturbances.

Repeated vomiting without an obvious explanation, especially alongside worsening headaches or neurological changes, should be assessed promptly.

H. Problems with balance and coordination

Tumours affecting the cerebellum or associated pathways may cause unsteadiness, difficulty walking, or poor coordination.

5. Can Brain Tumours Be Prevented?

There is currently no proven method of preventing all brain tumours. Most occur without an identifiable cause, and many known risk factors cannot be changed.

Nevertheless, several practical measures can reduce certain avoidable risks and support general health.

A. Avoid unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation

Radiation exposure is an established risk factor for some brain tumours.

Medical imaging and radiation therapy can be lifesaving, so they should not be rejected when medically necessary. Instead, imaging should be appropriately justified, and healthcare professionals should use suitable techniques to minimise unnecessary radiation exposure.

Avoiding unnecessary radiation procedures is more useful than refusing essential investigations.

B. Follow workplace radiation safety procedures

People who work in environments involving ionising radiation should follow established occupational safety procedures.

These may include appropriate shielding, exposure monitoring, protective equipment, and compliance with workplace regulations.

Such precautions are particularly important in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and certain industrial settings.

C. Understand family history and inherited risk

Although inherited conditions account for only a small proportion of brain tumours, people with a strong family history of certain tumours or a known inherited cancer syndrome may benefit from genetic counselling.

A healthcare professional can help determine whether genetic assessment or specialised monitoring is appropriate.

D. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption for overall cancer prevention

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are established risk factors for several cancers and other serious diseases. However, they have not been established as major direct causes of primary brain tumours.

Avoiding smoking and limiting or avoiding alcohol are valuable measures for general health and prevention of other cancers, even though they cannot guarantee protection against brain tumours.

E. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve general well-being.

However, there is no specific diet, vitamin, herbal remedy, or supplement proven to prevent brain tumours. Healthy lifestyle choices should not be presented as a guaranteed way to avoid them.

F. Be cautious about unproven claims

Claims that particular foods, herbal mixtures, detox drinks, or supplements can prevent or eliminate brain tumours are not supported by reliable clinical evidence.

People should be cautious about products advertised as cancer cures, particularly when sellers promise guaranteed results or advise patients to abandon conventional medical care.

G. Seek medical assessment for persistent warning signs

Early diagnosis does not necessarily prevent a tumour from developing, but timely assessment can help identify a tumour or another serious condition and allow appropriate treatment to begin.

People should seek medical advice for persistent, progressive, unexplained neurological symptoms rather than relying on home remedies.

6. Does Mobile Phone Use Cause Brain Tumours?

The possible relationship between mobile phone use and brain tumours has been studied extensively.

Mobile phones use radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, which is non-ionising radiation. This differs from ionising radiation, such as X-rays, which can damage DNA at sufficient doses.

Current evidence has not established that ordinary mobile phone use causes brain tumours. Research continues, and scientific understanding may evolve as longer-term evidence becomes available.

People who wish to reduce radiofrequency exposure can use speakerphone or hands-free accessories, keep the phone away from the head during calls, and reduce unnecessary call duration.

These are optional exposure-reduction measures, not proven brain tumour prevention methods.

7. How Are Brain Tumours Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional may investigate a suspected brain tumour through several steps.

A. Medical history and neurological examination

The clinician asks about symptoms, their duration, their progression, medical history, and relevant family history.

A neurological examination may assess muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, sensation, memory, and vision.

B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is commonly used to investigate suspected brain tumours because it produces detailed images of the brain and surrounding structures.

Depending on the situation, a contrast agent may be administered to help distinguish abnormal tissue.

C. Computed tomography (CT)

A CT scan may be used in emergency situations or when MRI is unavailable or unsuitable. It can help identify certain tumours, bleeding, swelling, or other abnormalities.

D. Biopsy and laboratory examination

In some cases, a sample of tumour tissue is obtained through surgery or a specialised biopsy procedure.

A pathologist examines the tissue to establish the tumour type and relevant biological characteristics. Not every suspected brain tumour requires an immediate biopsy; the decision depends on the imaging findings and clinical circumstances.

8. How Are Brain Tumours Treated?

Treatment depends on the tumour’s type, location, size, grade, growth rate, symptoms, and the person’s general health.

A. Surgery

Surgery may be used to remove as much of a tumour as can safely be removed. It may also provide tissue for diagnosis.

Some tumours cannot be completely removed because they are located close to structures responsible for essential functions.

B. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted radiation to destroy tumour cells or slow their growth. It may be used after surgery, instead of surgery in selected cases, or to treat certain secondary brain tumours.

C. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Its use depends on the tumour type and its sensitivity to particular drugs.

D. Targeted therapy and other specialised treatments

Some tumours have molecular characteristics that make them suitable for targeted medicines or other specialised approaches.

Immunotherapy may be appropriate for selected conditions, but it is not effective for every brain tumour.

E. Monitoring

Some slow-growing, non-cancerous tumours that cause no significant symptoms may be monitored with periodic imaging rather than treated immediately.

This approach is appropriate only when recommended by a qualified specialist.

9. When Should Someone Seek Emergency Medical Care?

Certain symptoms require urgent medical assessment because they may indicate a serious neurological condition.

Seek emergency care if a person develops:

• A first seizure.
• A sudden, extremely severe headache.
• Sudden weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking.
• New loss of consciousness or severe confusion.
• Repeated vomiting accompanied by severe headache or worsening neurological symptoms.

These symptoms do not automatically mean a person has a brain tumour. They can also indicate a stroke, bleeding in the brain, infection, or other emergencies.

10. Common Myths About Brain Tumours

Myth 1: Every brain tumour is cancerous.

Fact: Brain tumours vary widely. Some are benign, while others are malignant or have intermediate biological behaviour.

Myth 2: Frequent headaches always indicate a brain tumour.

Fact: Most headaches are caused by conditions other than brain tumours. Persistent or progressive headaches accompanied by other concerning symptoms require assessment.

Myth 3: Eating healthy foods completely prevents brain tumours.

Fact: A balanced diet supports general health, but no particular food or dietary pattern has been proven to prevent all brain tumours.

Myth 4: Mobile phones have been proven to cause brain cancer.

Fact: Current evidence has not established a causal relationship between ordinary mobile phone use and brain tumours.

Myth 5: Herbal medicines can cure brain tumours without medical treatment.

Fact: No herbal remedy has been proven to cure brain tumours. Delaying effective medical care in favour of unproven treatments can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Brain tumours are abnormal growths that can affect important neurological functions, including movement, memory, vision, speech, and coordination. They range from slow-growing, non-cancerous tumours to aggressive malignancies that require specialised treatment.

Although most brain tumours cannot currently be prevented, people can take sensible steps to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, follow workplace safety measures, understand inherited risk when relevant, and seek medical assessment for persistent or progressive neurological symptoms.

The most important message is that there is no guaranteed way to prevent brain tumours, but accurate information, timely medical assessment, and evidence-based treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general health education and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Anyone experiencing concerning neurological symptoms should seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Published by: Research Consult Uganda

Website: https://www.researchconsultuganda.com

Promoting research, health education, and informed decision-making.