Brain cancer, also called malignancy of the brain, is a serious and life-threatening disease. It is the growth of abnormal cells in different parts of the brain that can affect its functions.

Brain cancer can develop in any one of the brain’s four major lobes, including the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, and temporal lobes.

The symptoms of brain cancer vary depending on the size, location, and the type of the tumor. However, the early symptoms may go unnoticed or mistaken for another medical condition.

For this reason, it’s important to know the early symptoms of brain cancer so that you can get prompt medical attention.

Headaches That Get Worse Over Time

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain cancer. A headache that gets more severe over time and becomes frequent should be taken seriously.

Headaches that are often caused by brain cancer usually occur in the morning after waking up, and they may get worse with activities like coughing, sneezing, or bending forward. These headaches may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Seizures and Convulsions

A seizure is a sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, and muscle jerking.

Seizures are another common symptom of brain cancer, especially when the tumor is located in the cerebral cortex or near it. Seizures may occur only once in a while or multiple times a day. For some people, seizures may be the first sign of brain cancer.

Changes in Vision and Hearing

Brain cancer can also affect your senses, such as vision and hearing. The first noticeable sign is a blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one eye. You may also experience sensitivity to light, dim vision or even complete vision loss.

In some cases, ringing in the ears, loss of hearing in one or both ears or hearing strange noises even though there’s no external source of sound can occur.

Mental Changes: Confusion and Memory Loss

Brain cancer can also interfere with your mental clarity and memory. People with brain cancer may experience frequent confusion, difficulty concentrating or thinking, an altered sense of reality, or memory loss beyond typical occurrences.

In advanced stages of brain cancer, behavior and personality may change as well as mood swings and depression can arise.

Difficulty in Mobility

Another early symptom of brain cancer is difficulty in mobility on one side of the body. For instance, you may find it challenging to move your arm, leg, face, or hand on one side of your body.

This symptom is caused by the tumor pressing on the nerves that control movement. You may also experience clumsiness or lack of coordination, making it difficult to walk or hold things.

Fatigue and General Weakness

Brain cancer can also cause fatigue and weakness in the body. When cancer attacks the brain, it uses up a lot of the body’s resources and energy, leaving the body in a weakened state.

Even though you have been resting or sleeping, you still feel exhausted.

Speech and Language Difficulties

A tumor located near the areas of the brain that control speech may result in difficulty with speech. It is common for people with brain cancer to have trouble forming words or speaking clearly or coherently.

They may also have challenges in understanding the language due to their inability to process the words effectively.

Unusual Swelling of the Head or Face

If you notice swelling in your head or your face, it could be a telltale sign of brain cancer. Swelling is often caused by increased pressure inside the skull due to the growth of the tumor, which can cause headaches as well.

Personality Changes

A significant symptom of brain cancer is the change in personality, mood, and behavior of the person. A brain tumor may cause sudden mood swings, irritability, or worsening of current mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Loss of Consciousness

In advanced stages of brain cancer, when the tumor’s size and activity are at their maximum, there could be complete or partial loss of consciousness or coma.

This symptom is rare, but if you experience sudden unconsciousness, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Early diagnosis, proactive treatment, and regular check-ups can improve the prognosis and quality of life with brain cancer along with other neurological diseases.