Brain tumors

The symptoms of brain and nervous system tumors are due to the pressure on the cerebral tissue. The symptoms depend on the localization and the growth rate of the tumor more than on its nature. The analysis of the dysfunctions resulting from the presence of the tumor permits its localization in the brain. Symptoms tend to occur gradually for adults but appear suddenly for children. The symptoms of brain and nervous system tumors merely depend on the size and the location of the tumors within the brain and not really on the type of tumor. Here is a list of general symptoms:

• Persistent headaches that tend to increase in intensity at night and in the early morning.  Generally this kind of headaches is new and different from usual headaches;
• Vomiting and nausea due to increased pressure in the skull;
• Loss of appetite;
• Problem balancing or walking;
• Vision problems: flashing lights, blurring, and floaters;
• Visual, hearing or smelling hallucinations;
• Speech problems including slurring the words, slow speech and difficulty to find words;
• Change in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate;
• Learning and cognitive problems;
• Convulsions or seizure;
• Drowsiness and/or lethargy.

Spinal cord tumors

Depending on the localization of the tumor, the following symptoms may appear:

• Pain
  • Pain in the thorax for tumor localized at the level of the chest;
  • Pain in the neck, arms, back and legs for tumors localized in the neck or the back.
• Weakness of limbs and trunk
  • Numbness, tingling, decrease sensibility to changes in temperature;
  • Muscles contractions of spasms;
  • Issues involving urination or bowel movements;
  • Impotence.

All of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. A doctor should be consulted by people who notice any of the listed symptoms.

References