Brain Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the tumor's size and location. A growing tumor will often have surrounding fluid buildup called edema. Edema puts pressure on the brain. Symptoms may develop gradually or rapidly.

Symptoms may include:

• Headache—Most headaches are not caused by brain tumors. Headaches due to brain tumors tend to have the following features:
  • Progressively worse over a period of weeks to months
  • Worse in the morning or cause you to wake during the night
  • Different than a normal headache
  • Worsens with change of posture, straining, or coughing
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness in arms and/or legs
• Loss of sensation in arms and/or legs
• Difficulty walking
• Vision changes
• Speech problems
• Drowsiness
• Memory problems
• Personality changes

Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be performed. You will have a neurologic exam. It will test muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, response to stimuli, and alertness. The doctor will also look into your eyes to check for signs of brain swelling.

Tests may include:

• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body.
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body.
• PET scan —a test that detects levels of metabolic activity by tracking a radioactive sugar molecule. PET scans are not approved to look at primary brain tumors. They can be helpful if the doctor is trying to find out if symptoms are related to a tumor or injury from treatment.
• Arteriography —a test that uses x-rays to make pictures of blood vessels in the brain. The vessels are highlighted by contrast material that is injected before the test.
• Biopsy —removal of a sample of brain tissue to test for cancer cells. It may involve a small needle being inserted into the brain or it may involve surgery.
• Stereotaxis—use of a computer-assisted CT or MRI scan to locate the tumor and take a biopsy . The doctor drills a small hole in the skull, inserts a needle, and withdraws the sample tissue.