How to Detect Brain Tumours: A Comprehensive Guide for Early Diagnosis
September 20, 2024

How to Detect Brain Tumours

Brain tumours can present a range of symptoms, often subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. Early detection is key to improving the chances of successful treatment. This guide provides essential information on recognising head tumour symptoms, the diagnostic process, and the next steps for those facing a possible brain tumour diagnosis.

1. Understanding Brain Tumour Symptoms

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain that can disrupt its normal functions. The symptoms of a brain tumour can vary depending on its location, size, and rate of growth. Recognising brain tumour early symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention.

Common Tumour Symptoms in Brain:

  • Persistent headaches: While headaches are common, those caused by brain tumours may be persistent, occur early in the morning, or worsen with physical activity.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Unexplained nausea and vomiting, especially when accompanied by headaches, can be a sign of increased pressure in the brain.
  • Seizures: Seizures, particularly in individuals with no prior history of seizures, may be a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain caused by a tumour.
  • Cognitive or personality changes: Sudden mood swings, memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating are concerning symptoms.
  • Weakness or numbness: Loss of sensation or weakness in an arm or leg may indicate that a tumour is affecting specific regions of the brain responsible for motor control.
  • Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or sudden vision changes are common symptoms, especially if the tumour is located near the optic nerves.

While these tumour symptoms may seem nonspecific, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if any of these signs persist or worsen. Early recognition of head tumour symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment.

2. The Diagnostic Process for Brain Tumours

If a healthcare provider suspects that you might have a brain tumour, several tests and procedures are required to confirm the diagnosis. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for planning effective treatment. Below are the common diagnostic procedures used to detect brain tumours.

a. Neurological Exam

A neurological exam assesses various brain functions to identify any abnormalities. The exam may include tests for vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. While a neurological exam doesn’t directly detect brain tumours, it helps doctors pinpoint areas of the brain that might be affected.

b. CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the brain. It’s typically the first imaging test performed if a patient experiences head tumour symptoms like persistent headaches or seizures. A CT scan can quickly detect abnormalities, but if a tumour is suspected, more detailed imaging may be necessary.

c. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI is the most common imaging test used to diagnose brain tumours. It provides a detailed picture of the brain and can differentiate between healthy tissue and tumour cells. Often, a contrast dye is injected to enhance the image clarity, making it easier to spot smaller tumours.

There are specialised types of MRI, such as:

  • Functional MRI: Shows which parts of the brain control essential functions like speech and movement.
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): Measures the chemical composition of the tumour cells.
  • Magnetic Resonance Perfusion (MRP): Evaluates blood flow within the tumour, helping doctors identify more aggressive areas.

d. PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

A PET scan involves injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream. Tumour cells absorb the tracer, and the PET scan detects areas of rapid cell division. PET scans are particularly useful for identifying fast-growing tumours, such as glioblastomas, but may not detect slow-growing or non-cancerous tumours.

e. Brain Biopsy

If imaging suggests the presence of a brain tumour, a biopsy may be needed to determine whether the tumour is benign or cancerous. A brain biopsy involves removing a small piece of the tumour tissue, either during surgery or via a needle procedure known as a stereotactic needle biopsy. This sample is then examined in a lab to determine the tumour’s grade and characteristics.

f. Tumour Grading

Brain tumours are assigned a grade based on how quickly the cells are growing and how different they appear from normal brain cells. Tumour grades range from 1 to 4, with grade 1 tumours growing slowly and grade 4 tumours growing rapidly and showing significant differences from healthy tissue.

3. Early Signs to Watch for in Brain Tumours

Early detection of brain tumour early symptoms can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, some brain tumours can grow quietly without causing noticeable symptoms until they are relatively large. However, paying attention to small, subtle changes can be key to early diagnosis.

Early Head Tumour Symptoms Include:

  • Morning headaches: Headaches that are worse in the morning and improve as the day goes on may be linked to increased pressure in the brain.
  • Gradual loss of coordination: Difficulty with balance, clumsiness, or problems with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning a shirt.
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding language: A tumour affecting areas responsible for speech can cause difficulty forming words or comprehending spoken language.
  • Sudden hearing changes: Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), particularly if it affects only one ear, can be an early warning sign.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, especially for malignant tumours.

4. How to Differentiate Between Common Headaches and Brain Tumour Symptoms

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, and not every headache indicates a brain tumour. However, recognising when a headache may be a symptom of something more serious is essential for timely intervention.

Key Differences:

  • Tumour-related headaches: Often constant and progressively worsen over time. They are typically worse in the morning, due to changes in pressure while lying down, and may worsen with coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.
  • Tension headaches: Usually caused by stress or muscle strain and tend to cause dull, aching pain.
  • Migraines: Typically come with throbbing pain on one side of the head and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.

While the occasional headache is likely harmless, persistent or unusual headaches should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

5. Treatment Options for Brain Tumours

Once a brain tumour is diagnosed, the healthcare team will recommend treatment options based on the tumour’s type, size, grade, and location. Treatment strategies may also depend on whether the tumour is cancerous or benign, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences.

a. Surgery

In many cases, the primary treatment for brain tumours is surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible. Depending on the tumour’s location, it may not always be possible to remove the entire tumour. However, even partial removal can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

b. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy tumour cells. External beam radiation is the most common form, often delivered in daily sessions over several weeks. A newer form, proton therapy, offers more precise targeting of tumour cells, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

c. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill fast-growing tumour cells. Depending on the type of brain tumour, chemotherapy may be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into the brain tissue during surgery.

d. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies attack specific molecules within the tumour cells, helping to inhibit their growth. These therapies are typically used for certain types of brain tumours, where specific genetic markers are present.

6. When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent tumour symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Symptoms like seizures, unexplained headaches, or changes in personality or cognitive function should never be ignored.

Consulting a healthcare provider early can lead to a faster diagnosis and more effective treatment, especially for high-grade or aggressive tumours. If diagnosed early, there are often more treatment options available, which can improve the prognosis.

Final Thoughts

Detecting a brain tumour early can make all the difference in treatment and survival. Recognising the brain tumour early symptoms and understanding the diagnostic process is the first step toward receiving the right care. If you are experiencing any concerning head tumour symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

For expert care and advice, visit MD.co.uk, where you can learn more about brain tumours, their symptoms, and treatment options available to you.