A brain tumor forms when abnormal cells grow, multiply and accumulate in the brain. Primary brain tumors can develop anywhere in the brain. For instance, pituitary tumors occur in the pituitary gland, medulloblastoma tumors occur in the cerebellum or brainstem and meningiomas occur in the protective lining of the brain (meninges). The symptoms and treatment options can vary depending on the type, location and size of the tumor. Approximately 80% of primary brain tumors are benign.

Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors originate in another part of the body, such as a lung, breast or kidney, and then spread to the brain. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and circulate throughout the body to reach distant organs and tissues. Approximately five times more common than primary brain tumors, secondary brain tumors are always cancerous.

A thoughtful young woman looks out a window

Early warning signs of a brain tumor

The initial symptoms of a brain tumor can vary widely depending on its type, size, location and growth rate. In many cases, the first warning sign is a persistent headache, which may occur as a growing tumor presses on sensitive brain tissues.

Common symptoms of a brain tumor

A brain tumor may create pressure within the brain, which can interfere with certain functions and cause noticeable symptoms.

What does a brain tumor feel like?

A headache caused by a brain tumor might feel like a migraine, sinus pain, eye pain or a tension headache. In many cases, the pain is more pronounced in the morning and worsens with coughing or straining. It can also disrupt sleep.

In addition to a headache, other brain tumor symptoms can include:

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Vision loss
Blurred or double vision
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty hearing
Memory loss
Confusion
Difficulty swallowing
Impaired balance
Mood and personality changes
Seizures

What is it like to have a seizure caused by a brain tumor?

Brain tumors are sometimes associated with tonic-clonic seizures, which can lead to convulsions and loss of consciousness. More often, though, they are associated with focal (partial) seizures, which can cause:

Feelings of being absent or “spaced out”
Feelings of having been in the same place or done the same thing before (déjà vu)
Feelings of experiencing familiar things for the first time (jamais vu)
Intense emotions
Hallucinations and visual disturbances
Unusual smells or tastes
Inability to speak or understand speech
Repetitive movements
A sensation of limb enlargement
A rising feeling in the stomach
Numbness, tingling and burning sensations
Muscle twitching or stiffness

What does a brain tumor look like?

In medical images, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, a brain tumor may show up as a mass in the brain tissue. The appearance of the tumor can vary based on its type and location and whether it is benign or malignant.

Symptoms of an advanced brain tumor

As a brain tumor progresses, its symptoms will usually become more pronounced. Additional symptoms may develop if the tumor causes a paraneoplastic syndrome by releasing certain hormones or proteins into the bloodstream. A paraneoplastic syndrome can also occur if the immune system produces antibodies to destroy the brain tumor and those antibodies damage healthy cells.

Paraneoplastic syndromes can cause various symptoms based on the organs and tissues affected:

Endocrine glands – Elevated blood pressure, weakness and unintended weight gain
Skin – Itching, redness and benign skin lesions

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s highly acclaimed Neuro-Oncology Program takes an individualized approach to diagnosing and treating brain tumors. If you are experiencing brain tumor signs and symptoms, you can request an appointment with a specialist at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

Symptoms