What is a brain tumour and what are the symptoms?

A brain tumour is a mass, or lump in the brain which is caused when brain cells divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.

But what are the signs of the serious condition and how easy are they to spot? Here’s what we know and what to look out for…

What is a brain tumour?

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells that grow on the organ and multiply and spread in an uncontrollable way.

The growths can be benign, non-cancerous, which grow slowly and if treated are unlikely to reappear.

However, cancerous brain tumours are more serious and some can start in the brain or spread there from cancer elsewhere in the body.

Brain tumours are also graded on their seriousness, with grade one and two tumours being seen as low risk.

While grade three and four tumours are seen as high risk and likely to return after treatment.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?

According to the NHS, the symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its severity and which part of the brain is affected.

However, there are common signs that people can look out for if they are worried.

These include severe, non-stop headaches, seizures as well as nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.

Other signs can include vision or speech problems, paralysis and even changes to a person’s behaviour such as having difficulty remembering things.

These symptoms can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time.

The brain tumour charity has more information on symptoms on their website.

Who is more at risk of developing a brain tumour?

Anybody can develop a brain tumour but research has shown that there are factors that can increase the chances of developing one.

People who have previously suffered from cancer are more at risk as are the elderly and people who have a family history of brain tumours.

HIV/AIDS sufferers are also twice as likely to develop a brain tumour and exposure to certain types of radiation also account for some growths.

Model Caprice Bourret revealed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour

How can doctors treat brain tumours?

Treatment for brain tumours depends on where it is located and how advanced it is.

But the main treatment options include steroids, which can help to reduce the swelling around a tumour.

This can be followed up with surgery to remove the tumour if it is safe to do so.

Other treatment options include chemotherapy and radiotherapy to get rid of any remaining cells left behind from surgery.