Brain tumour, malignant (cancerous)
Diagnosis
See your GP if you developany of the symptoms of amalignant brain tumour , such as a persistent and severe headache. Your GP willexamine you and ask about your symptoms. They may also carry out a simple neurological examination (see below). If they suspect you may have a tumour, or they are not sure what's causing your symptoms, you'll probably be referred to a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist). Neurological examination Your GP or neurologist maycarry out a test of your nervous system, called a neurological examination, to look for problems associated with abrain tumour. Thismay involve tests of your: hand and limb strength reflexes, such as your knee-jerk reflex hearing and vision skin sensitivity balance and co-ordination memory and mental agility (using simple questions or arithmetic) A neurologist may also recommend one or more of the tests mentioned below. Further tests Other tests you may have to help diagnose a brain tumour include: a computerised tomography (CT) scan this produces a detailed picture of your brain using a series of X-rays a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan this produces a detailed picture of your brain using a strong magnetic field and radio waves an electroencephalogram (EEG) where electrodes attached to your scalp record your brain activity to look for any abnormalities If a tumour is suspected, a biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of tissue) may be taken to establish the type of tumour and the most effective treatment. Under anaesthetic, a small hole (known as a burr hole) is made in the skull and a very fine needle is used to obtain a sample of tumour tissue. You'll probably need to stay in hospital for a few days afterwards.
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Introduction
A malignant brain tumour is a fast-growing cancer that spreads to other areas of the brain and spine.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a malignant brain tumour depend on how big it is and where it is in the brain.
Causes
Most malignant brain tumours are caused by a cancer that started somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain, through the bloodstream.
Diagnosis
If you develop the symptoms of a brain tumour, such as a persistent and severe headache, see your GP.
Treatment
If you have a malignant brain tumour, you'll usually need surgery to remove as much of it as possible.
Recovery and follow-up after brain tumor
Malignant brain tumours often grow back after treatment, so regular follow-up appointments will be recommended to look for signs that this may have happened.
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