Can Headaches Be A Sign Of Brain Cancer?
We all experience headaches from time to time, but what if there’s a more serious underlying cause? While it’s extremely rare, persistent headaches can sometimes indicate brain cancer. Most are harmless, but knowing the difference between a typical headache and one that requires medical attention is vital. Read on to learn when a headache might warrant further investigation.
What Your Headache Might Signal
Headaches can be a symptom of brain cancer, but it’s important to note that most headaches are not caused by brain tumors. Most headaches result from primary headache disorders, such as migraines or tension headaches, rather than brain tumors. Headaches worsening over time can be a common brain tumor symptom.
Five common reasons for headaches are:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Lack of Sleep
- Poor Diet
- Environmental Factors
Early Indicators of Brain Cancer
Many people overlook a few signs and symptoms of brain cancer, as brain cancer can feel like a common headache or pressure. If you experience any of the following unusual changes, it’s important to seek medical attention from your Primary Care Physician, as they could be brain cancer symptoms.
Headaches – Most headaches are not caused by tumors, but headaches that tend to get worse over time are a common symptom, occurring in about half of brain cancer patients. They may be persistent, worsen over time, happen more often in the morning, or include symptoms like seizures or personality changes.
Seizures – Approximately 50% of individuals with brain tumors will experience seizures at some point. Seizures may sometimes be the initial indication of a brain tumor, although less than 10% of first-time seizures are attributable to brain tumors.
Nausea and vomiting – As a brain tumor grows larger, it increases pressure in the head and leads to feelings of nausea. For a full list of signs and symptoms, please review our dedicated Brain Cancer and Glioblastoma pages.
Not All Brain Tumors Are Cancerous
Did you know that all brain cancers are tumors, but not all brain tumors are cancerous? According to the National Brain Tumor Society, there are over 120 different types of brain tumors. This article will touch on a few of the most common cancerous brain tumors.
Not all brain cancer starts in the brain. Primary brain cancer starts in the brain, while metastatic brain cancer begins elsewhere and spreads to the brain. An estimated 1 million Americans are currently living with a primary brain tumor.
The most common primary brain tumors, meningiomas, originate from the meninges, the protective layers covering the brain. The majority of meningiomas are benign (noncancerous) and grow slowly. According to Brain Tumour Research, meningiomas account for approximately 30–37% of all adult central nervous system tumors.
Glioblastoma (also known as GBM) is a malignant grade 4 brain tumor that develops from abnormal astrocytic cells. GBM is the most common and deadliest of malignant primary brain tumors in adults because of its aggressiveness.
Five Common Questions Answered
- What causes brain cancer? The reason behind the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells is unclear, but doctors believe it involves genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both. Potential causes for brain tumors may include cancers that spread from other areas of the brain or body, specific genetic conditions that lead to excessive cell production, and a side effect of exposure to certain types of radiation.
- Is brain cancer hereditary? While glioblastoma and brain cancers are not hereditary, our state-of-the-art genetic testing is an option for individuals with a genetic condition that may increase their risk of developing cancer such as tuberous sclerosis (noncancerous tumors growing in many parts of the body).
- How do you know if you have brain cancer? Your doctor may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan to detect tumors, hemorrhages, and structural abnormalities in different parts of the brain.
- Is brain cancer curable? Early detection of brain cancer is key. Recognizing symptoms like persistent headaches, nausea, coordination issues, and personality changes can lead to timely treatment.
- What does brain cancer feel like? The feeling may vary widely depending on the type of tumor, the location, and the size. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed in this article, we advise you to speak to your doctor.
Stay Aware
Consult a Neurologist or Cancer Specialist
While most headaches are benign, being aware of the potential link to brain cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding when to seek medical advice can make all the difference. Stay vigilant about your health, and never hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if your headaches are persistent or unusual.
If you are experiencing ongoing headaches, speak with your Primary Care Physician and they should direct you if you need to see a neurologist. If you are diagnosed with a brain caner and seeking cancer help, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute experts provide treatment options and clinical trials for brain cancer and central nervous system (CNS) cancers.
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