The most common symptom of a benign brain tumour is headaches! These headaches can be so severe that they can wake you up from sleep. 

Hence, any adult who has a new onset of severe headaches should see their primary care physician to rule out a brain tumour. 

What Is A Brain Tumor?

It is an abnormal growth or mass of cells in or around your brain. These growths can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).  

Malignant brain tumours are classified as primary, originating within the brain itself, or secondary, when they spread from cancer elsewhere in the body.  

Researchers have identified more than 150 different brain tumors. 

It is a long list so that is why, every year on June 8th, the world unites to raise awareness about brain tumours on World Brain Tumor Day. 

This international day serve as a powerful platform to educate the public, advocate for improved patient care, and celebrate the resilience of those living with this challenging condition. 

Brain Tumor in Women

Did you know that women are at an increased risk compared to men for developing two types of benign brain tumours: meningioma and pituitary adenomas? 

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour, accounting for more than 30% of all brain tumours. It originates in the meninges, the outer three layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain just under the skull. 

About 85% of meningiomas are noncancerous, slow-growing tumours and almost all meningiomas are considered benign, but some meningiomas can be persistent and come back after treatment. 

Growth of meningiomas can increase during hormonal changes such as pregnancy, changes in menses, menopause, and also exogenous use of hormones (fertility medications). 

One theory about why women develop more benign brain tumours is that women have higher levels of estrogen than men.  

P.S. “Not cancerous” does not mean “no treatment needed.” All known brain tumors should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon, and some may need to be removed. 

Asides severe headaches, other signs and symptoms caused by brain tumors may include: 

Nausea or vomiting 

Eye problems, such as blurry vision, seeing double or losing sight on the sides of your vision 

Losing feeling or movement in an arm or a leg 

Trouble with balance 

Speech problems 

Feeling very tired 

Confusion in everyday matters 

Memory problems 

Having trouble following simple commands 

Personality or behavior changes 

Seizures, especially if there is no history of seizures 

Hearing problems 

Dizziness or a sense that the world is spinning, also called vertigo 

Feeling very hungry and gaining weight 

Pituitary adenomas, on the other hand, can cause changes in the pituitary gland, which can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. These tumours also can cause loss of peripheral vision or blurry vision. Pituitary tumours also can cause changes in weight, energy levels, thirst, urination, and shoe size. 

Treatment Options for Benign Brain Tumors 

Nonsurgical treatments

If the tumour is small and not causing any symptoms or posing an immediate threat, you do not have to do surgery. The tumour can be monitored over time to ensure that it doesn’t grow or start to cause issues. This process is called active monitoring. It can continue for many years if the tumour remains stable in size and the patient does not develop new or worsening symptoms. 

Surgical treatments

Large tumors or those that are putting pressure on critical areas of the brain – such as those that control motor function, speech, or vision – will have to be surgically removed. Today, surgeons have smaller tools and more precise techniques than ever before, resulting in faster recovery times.