Brain Tumors Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

If you’re facing a brain tumor diagnosis, it’s normal to have questions. Here, we explain the basics of brain tumors, including the most common symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and, most importantly, how they’re treated.

A brain tumor can be a frightening diagnosis, but understanding what it is, how it’s detected, and the treatment options available can help you feel more informed and empowered.

At Link Neuroscience Institute, our neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating brain tumors with the latest technology.

If you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor, read on to learn everything you need to know about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within your brain or its surrounding structures. Your age, your genetics, and exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing a brain tumor.

There are over 100 different types of brain tumors, but they all fall into one of two categories:

Benign, which is noncancerous and often slow-growing
Malignant, which is cancerous and potentially more aggressive

The overwhelming majority (72%) of brain tumors are benign. The most common brain tumor is meningioma, which is a tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord. The most common malignant tumor is a glioblastoma.

Brain tumors can also be described according to where they started growing. Some tumors originate in the brain (primary tumors), while others spread from cancer elsewhere in the body (secondary or metastatic tumors).

Common symptoms of brain tumors

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size, type, and location. Common warning signs of a brain tumor include:

Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning
Nausea or vomiting
Seizures or convulsions
Vision or hearing changes
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Speech difficulties
Changes in mood, memory, or personality
Balance or coordination problems

Because other conditions can also cause these symptoms, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation here in our Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California, office if they persist or worsen.

How brain tumors are diagnosed

Brain tumors can’t be diagnosed just by looking at your symptoms. Instead, our team uses a multifaceted approach to diagnose brain tumors.

During your appointment, we may:

Conduct a neurological exam to test your reflexes, strength, balance, and coordination
Order imaging tests, such as MRI or CT to help visualize the tumor’s size and location
Perform a biopsy to determine whether it’s benign or malignant
Order additional testing, such as blood work or genetic testing to help guide treatment decisions

The bottom line: At Link Neuroscience Institute, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to provide accurate results quickly and safely. Not only do these imaging and diagnostic techniques confirm if there’s a tumor, but they also confirm what kind of tumor.

Treating brain tumors

Once you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor, our team shifts the focus to treatment. There isn’t just one type of treatment. Instead, the best treatment for you depends on the tumor type, size, and location, as well as your overall health and preferences.

Your options may include:

Surgery to remove the tumor (when feasible)
Radiation therapy to target tumor cells with high-energy beams
Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
Targeted therapy, which includes medications designed to attack specific tumor features

In addition to these treatments, you may also benefit from supportive care to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

When to seek help

If you experience any persistent neurological symptoms, such as unexplained headaches, seizures, or changes in vision or coordination, don’t wait. The sooner you get the answers you need, the sooner you can start treatments.

You’re not alone

Brain tumors can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Link Neuroscience Institute, our experts provide comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment and follow-up.

If you or a loved one is concerned about neurological symptoms, call Link Neuroscience Institute today to schedule a consultation.

You can also call our Camarillo, Santa Barbara, or Oxnard, California, office directly.