Brain tumor is one amongst the most silent diseases. It is a cluster of dead cells inside the brain interfering with the traditional functioning of the body systems. Cancer is the prolonged condition of a tumor. The symptoms of brain tumor look a lot like other everyday ailments, ranging from headaches to depression. Hence it is essential to look out for the silent warning signs of a brain tumor. The good news is that brain cancer affects less than 1% of the world’s population. But, the bad news is that very few silent symptoms often accompany it.
1. Persistent headache
It can be challenging for even doctors to tell the difference between headaches and migraines. The best indication is a new headache every day that won’t go away. It is one of the most important warning signs of a brain tumor. These headaches get worse over time. They are a result of increased intracranial pressure from lying in bed for an extended time. This pain can vary significantly regardless of a headache.
2. A subtle loss of vision
Particular brain tumor symptoms may not be aware at all. They may not even notice an alteration in their vision quality until they continually bump into things on one side of their body, relating to vision loss or have repeated car accidents on the side of loss. This particular vision of impaired peripheral vision is Bitemporal hemianopia.
3. Weakness and lethargy
The motor cortex of the brain controls muscle movement throughout the body. The left motor cortex controls the right and vice-versa. If the tumors are present anywhere along the pathway of the motor cortex, the signals are interrupted resulting in loss of function. So, if you have a brain tumor, you may not experience pain in your limbs, but your left and right leg/arm may not respond the way they are supposed to.
4. Difficulty in forming words
Another common symptom of a brain tumor is slurred/stuttering speech. Language problems and difficulty in naming the objects and understanding what others say are the key symptoms of a tumor in frontal/temporal lobes, areas of the brain associated with motor function of speech and language comprehension. The ‘Word Salad‘ can describe this phenomenon’.
The two speech centers in the brain are present on the left side: Wernicke’s area, which allows us to understand and comprehend speech and Bronchial area, which activates the muscles that create sound. When a tumor is present, the abilities are obstructed.
5. Loss of balance
One of the many tasks where the brainstem plays a vital role in motor functioning. If you find difficulty in walking, especially in the dark, and you tend to lean towards one side, this could be a symptom of a brain tumor. The cerebellum is the region of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.
Is lifestyle a warning sign of a brain tumor?
- Smoking: It is a well-known reason for developing lung cancer. Cancer can metastasize to other organs and, in some events, can even reach the brain causing brain cancer. Nicotine is responsible for smoke addiction. But, Nicotine is not the killer here, whereas the cyanide, carbon monoxide, and other components of a cigarette are the culprits. They mess with hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain resulting in cancer.
- Exposure in personal and professional fields: Exposure to lead, rubber, plastic, and petroleum can also trigger brain cancer. Working in mines with Silica dust is also a possible explanation for developing brain cancer.
- Electromagnetic radiation: Frequent and prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can also cause cancer. Ionizing radiation can break chemical bonds between the DNA strands resulting in mutations. In the event of unrepaired mutations, the cells can die and eventually lead to cancer.
Besides, cancer can develop with age. Moreover, females are more likely to develop a brain tumor compared to males.
What are the other causes of a brain tumor?
- Metastasized cancer: An individual can be susceptible to cancer if they are previously diagnosed with lung, kidney, breast cancers.
- A viral infection: A viral species like Epstein-Barr virus can also trigger cancer. It causes mononucleosis. A considerable amount of Cytomegalovirus is also present. Other viruses that increase the susceptibility are the Hepatitis virus, HIV, Human Papillomavirus, and Herpes virus.
- Family history: An significant underlying cause of a tumor is family history. The genetic studies show conditions like Neurofibromatosis, Turcot syndrome, and Carcinoma syndrome pass on to future generations by genes and heredity.
- Melanoma: Patients diagnosed with Melanoma are more susceptible to develop a brain tumor. It is the leading cause of tumors around the world.
- Head injury and seizures: The relationship between seizures and brain tumors is under research. Seizures are a symptom of a brain tumor. If a seizure escalates, the risk of a brain tumor is still under study.
