What I Treat
Brain Tumours
Growths in the brain
A brain tumour diagnosis raises the same question in almost every patient's mind within the first minute: is this cancer, and what happens now? The honest answer is that 'brain tumour' is not one disease but a large family of conditions, benign and malignant, that behave, and are treated, very differently depending on where they sit, what they are made of, and how they are growing.
Classification
Primary vs secondary
Brain tumours are grouped according to where they originate. Understanding this distinction guides the treatment approach.
Primary brain tumours
These start in the brain itself. They can be benign or malignant. Common types include gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas.
Secondary (metastatic) tumours
These spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body. Lung, breast, melanoma, kidney, and colon are common sources. Secondary tumours are more common than primary tumours.
Even benign tumours can cause significant problems by pressing on important structures within the skull. The brain has limited space, and any mass can raise pressure or disrupt function.
Clinical picture
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumour is.
- Headaches that are worse in the morning
- Seizures
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Difficulty with balance
- Personality changes
- Problems with memory or concentration
Work-up
How it is diagnosed
Neurological examination
A thorough neurological examination is the first step, followed by imaging. This assesses your nervous system function and helps guide which scans are most appropriate.
Imaging
MRI is the standard imaging tool for brain tumours. CT is used in emergency presentations. A biopsy may be needed to determine the exact tumour type and guide treatment.
Management
Treatment options
Surgery
The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as can be done safely. The approach is carefully planned to protect healthy brain tissue and preserve function.
Radiotherapy
Targeted radiation is used to shrink or control the tumour. It may be given after surgery to treat residual cells, or as the primary treatment when surgery is not suitable.
Chemotherapy
Medication that kills tumour cells or stops them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiotherapy, depending on the tumour type and grade.
Monitoring
For small, slow-growing tumours that are not causing symptoms, careful observation with regular scans may be the best approach — without immediate treatment.
Outcomes
What to expect
The path forward is different for everyone. After diagnosis, your scans will be reviewed with you in plain language, your options explained, and your questions answered.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own doctor or specialist with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.