Brain Tumors - Early Signs, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained

Overview: What is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or nearby structures. Some tumors grow slowly and are not cancer (benign), while others grow faster and may be cancer (malignant). Even non-cancerous tumors can cause problems because the brain is such a delicate and important organ. Both types can cause serious health issues because the brain controls essential functions like movement, speech, memory, and breathing.

In the United States, brain and other nervous system tumors make up about 1.3% of all new cancer cases each year, but their impact is significant due to the sensitive location. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 25,000 new cases of malignant brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed annually.

Early detection matters because timely treatment can reduce complications, preserve brain function, and improve survival rates.

What Are the Types of Brain Tumors?

There are more than 120 types of brain tumors, but the most common are:

• Gliomas: Tumors that begin in glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. Subtypes include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas.
• Glioblastoma (GBM): A fast-growing, aggressive form of glioma and the most common malignant brain tumor in adults.
• Meningiomas: Tumors that form in the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). They are usually benign but can press on brain structures.
• Pituitary Tumors: Found in the pituitary gland, often affecting hormone production.
• Medulloblastomas: Fast-growing tumors more common in children.
• Metastatic (Secondary) Brain Tumors: Cancers that spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the lungs, breast, or skin.

What Are the Causes of Brain Tumors?

The exact cause of brain tumors is not fully understood. In most cases, tumors develop due to genetic mutations that make cells grow uncontrollably. Some suspected causes include:

• DNA damage from aging
• Inherited genetic disorders
• Exposure to high doses of radiation
• Cancer spreading from another part of the body

What Are the Risk Factors for Brain Tumors?

Most people with brain tumors have no known risk factors. Having one of these risk factors only means the risk is a little higher, not that you will definitely get a brain tumor.

• Age: Brain tumors are more common in older adults, though some types occur in children.
• Family history: A small percentage of cases are linked to inherited gene mutations.
• Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head or accidental radiation exposure may raise risk.
• Weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS or on long-term immunosuppressive drugs have a higher chance.
• Environmental exposure: Prolonged contact with carcinogenic chemicals may increase risk, though evidence is limited.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Tumors?

Brain tumor symptoms vary depending on size, location, and growth rate.

Common early signs include:

• Persistent headaches, especially worse in the morning
• Nausea or vomiting without a clear cause
• Blurred or double vision
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating

Advanced symptoms may include:

• Seizures
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Speech problems
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Personality or behavior changes

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but if persistent, they should be evaluated by a doctor.

How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed?

Doctors use several tests to diagnose brain tumors:

• Neurological exam: A doctor performs a thorough neurological exam to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, vision, hearing, and balance.
• MRI Scan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a primary tool for detecting tumors, as it provides detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. An MRI can help determine the tumor's size and location.
• CT Scan: Computed Tomography uses X-rays to create images of the brain. A special dye may be injected beforehand to highlight abnormal tissue.
• PET Scan: Positron Emission Tomography uses a radioactive tracer that attaches to and highlights fast-growing tumor cells, making them stand out on the scan.
• Biopsy: A small sample of tumor tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the type and grade. This step is crucial for making a definitive diagnosis, determining if the tumor is benign or malignant, and assessing its aggressiveness (grade).
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): A needle is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back. The fluid is tested for cancer cells, which is important if there's a risk the tumor has spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.

Not all tests are needed for every patient. Your doctor will choose the safest and most accurate tests for your situation.

Staging of Brain Tumors

Unlike many cancers, brain tumors are not usually staged (since they rarely spread to distant organs). Instead, doctors use grading to describe how abnormal the tumor cells look:

• Grade I: Cells look nearly normal and grow slowly.
• Grade II: Cells look slightly abnormal and may spread within the brain.
• Grade III: Abnormal cells that grow more aggressively.
• Grade IV: Very abnormal, fast-growing cells (example: glioblastoma).

These grades help determine the treatment approach, ranging from surgery and monitoring for low-grade tumors to multi-modal therapies like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for high-grade tumors.

What Are the Treatment Options for Brain Tumors?

Treatment depends on tumor type, size, location, grade, and overall health of the patient.

• Surgery: The most common primary treatment, surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Surgery can relieve pressure, improve symptoms, and increase survival. Some surgical techniques include craniotomy and neuroendoscopy.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): A non-surgical radiation therapy that uses multiple, precisely focused radiation beams to deliver high doses of energy to a localized area, like a tumor, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. It is a highly accurate technique that utilizes 3D imaging to target lesions in the brain, spine, or other parts of the body.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It is often used when surgery is not possible or after surgery to kill remaining cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. These can be taken orally or intravenously. Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and risk of infection.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to attack specific mutations or proteins in tumor cells, sparing normal brain tissue.

Proton Therapy: When Is It Applicable?

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays. It is more precise and may reduce damage to surrounding brain tissue, making it useful for children or tumors in sensitive brain areas.

It is used in the treatment of brain tumors as it offers high precision for sensitive areas, fewer complications, and has benefits for younger patients.

What Is the Prognosis for Brain Tumors?

Survival rates depend on tumor type, grade, patient age, and response to treatment. For example, the 5-year survival rate for glioblastoma is about 7%, but for low-grade meningiomas, it is over 90%.

Factors affecting prognosis include:

• How much of the tumor can be removed
• Tumor location and grade
• Molecular characteristics of the tumor
• Overall health of the patient

Screening and Prevention of Brain Tumors

There are currently no standard screening tests for brain tumors in people without symptoms. However, people with strong family history or genetic syndromes may benefit from periodic MRI scans. Preventive strategies include reducing radiation exposure, managing overall health, and regular health checks.

For International Patients

People from around the world come to Apollo Hospitals for the treatment of brain tumors. Our international patient services team will guide you all the way from seeking the first virtual connect all the way to treatment in India and then returning home post treatment.

Services include:

• Medical opinions and scheduling
  • Pre-arrival medical review of reports and imaging.
• Travel and logistics
  • Assistance with visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and nearby accommodation options.
  • Dedicated international patient coordinators to guide through each step.
• Language and cultural support
  • Interpreter services in multiple languages.
  • Clear, simple explanations at every stage with written care plans.
• Financial coordination
  • Transparent treatment estimates and packages when possible.
  • Support with international payment methods and insurance coordination.
• Continuity of care
  • Shared records, imaging, and treatment summaries for home doctors.
  • Telemedicine follow-ups for convenience after returning home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the survival rate for brain tumors?

It depends on the type. Low-grade tumors may have survival rates above 80–90%, while aggressive tumors like glioblastoma have lower survival rates.

2. What are the common treatment side effects?

Surgery may cause temporary weakness or speech issues. Radiation can cause fatigue and hair loss. Chemotherapy may lead to nausea and lowered immunity.

3. Can brain tumors recur after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible, especially in high-grade tumors. Regular follow-up scans are essential.

4. What is the recovery time after brain surgery?

Most patients spend 3–7 days in the hospital. Full recovery can take weeks to months depending on the procedure and overall health.

5. Can brain tumors be cured?

Some benign tumors can be completely cured with surgery. Malignant tumors may not be fully curable, but treatment can control growth and improve quality of life.

6. How much does brain tumor treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on type, hospital, and treatment plan. At Apollo, costs are significantly lower compared to the US or Europe, while maintaining international standards.

7. Are there ways to prevent brain tumors?

There is no guaranteed way, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding unnecessary radiation, and managing overall health may reduce risk.