Brain Tumour

Also known as: brain tumor, brain growth, intracranial tumor, brain mass, brain neoplasm, brain cancer

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Key Points

Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
Symptoms depend heavily on the tumor's size and location in the brain
Treatment often combines surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
Early diagnosis improves treatment options and outcomes
Not all brain tumors need immediate surgery

Overview

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells that grows within the skull, either originating in brain tissue itself or spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body. Tumors can press on nearby structures or interfere with normal brain function depending on their size and location. Some grow slowly and may be monitored over time, while others grow quickly and require prompt treatment. Diagnosis typically involves imaging and, in many cases, tissue sampling to determine the exact tumor type.

Signs and Symptoms

People with a brain tumor may experience:

Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning
Seizures that occur without a prior history
Nausea or vomiting unrelated to other illness
Vision, hearing, or speech changes
Weakness or numbness in part of the body

Things That Increase the Risk

Factors that may increase the risk of developing a brain tumor include:

Exposure to ionizing radiation
Family history of brain tumors or genetic syndromes
Increasing age
Weakened immune system
Prior history of certain cancers

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

Neurological examination
MRI or CT brain imaging
Biopsy to determine tumor type
Blood tests to rule out other causes
Additional imaging to check for spread, if malignant

Treatment & Management

What You Can Do

While medical treatment is essential, patients can support their recovery through rest, nutrition, and consistent follow-up care.

Follow the prescribed medication schedule closely
Attend all follow-up imaging appointments
Maintain a supportive routine of rest and light activity
Seek emotional or counseling support if needed

Medical Options

Treatment is guided by tumor type, size, and location, and often involves a combination of approaches from a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team.

Surgical removal of the tumor
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy for certain tumor types
Ongoing monitoring for slow-growing tumors

Prevention

Steps that may help reduce risk include:

Most brain tumors cannot be directly prevented, since the exact cause is often unknown, but certain steps may help reduce risk.

Limiting unnecessary exposure to radiation
Following workplace safety guidelines around chemical exposure
Seeking genetic counseling if there is a strong family history
Attending regular health checkups for early detection

Cost of Treatment in India

Quick Info

Type:

Benign or Malignant

Affected Areas:

Brain, Nervous System

Common Age:

Any age, more common over 40

Cost in India:

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