What are the types of brain tumors and what are their most prominent symptoms?

SadaNews - The German Brain Foundation stated that brain tumors are medically classified into two main types: primary tumors and secondary tumors. It clarified that primary tumors can be benign or malignant and arise from the cells of the central nervous system in the brain or spinal cord, while secondary tumors occur when cancerous cells spread from another part of the body to the brain.

The foundation, a German non-profit organization working to raise awareness, improve patient support, and finance brain tumor research, explained that secondary tumors are more common than primary tumors and are often associated with cancers of the breast, lung, kidney, or skin, which travel through the bloodstream to the brain.

The foundation reported that the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a brain tumor, and a doctor should be consulted immediately upon their appearance for medical examination and appropriate treatment:

Unexplained or recurrent seizures.

Severe headaches, especially if they are new or more intense in the morning.

Numbness or weakness in one side of the body or facial paralysis.

Dizziness and imbalance while walking.

Problems with hearing and speech or difficulty in expressing oneself.

Unexplained nausea and vomiting.

Vision disturbances such as double vision, spots, or blurriness.

Mental confusion and problems with concentration and memory.

Psychological changes and sudden behaviors such as irritability and apathy.

The foundation notes that neurological symptoms may vary depending on the tumor's location in the brain; tumors in the motor lobes may cause weakness in the limbs, while tumors near cognitive areas may lead to personality changes and cognitive disturbances.

It emphasizes the importance of early detection through neurological examination and modern imaging techniques like MRI, as early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment, which may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy depending on the type and grade of the tumor.

The foundation urged patients, doctors, and families to intensify awareness about these tumors, especially on World Brain Tumor Day, which is celebrated annually on June 8th to enhance public understanding and encourage scientific research.

Source: Al Jazeera + German