Primary tumors of the brain and spine start within the substance of the brain, spinal cord or nerves. Some tumors which arise from the brain or spine coverings (meninges) are also considered primary brain tumors. Metastatic brain tumors have spread from cancer in other parts of the body, most frequently from the lungs, breast and colon.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
Depending on the location and size of the tumor, symptoms experienced by each patient may vary. Most of the common symptoms are due to increased intracranial pressure as the growing tumor affects surrounding structures:
- Frequent headaches (reported by 50% of patients)
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Personality or cognitive changes
