Brain tumors or brain cancer are serious conditions that can affect a person’s body functions and quality of life. Because the symptoms often appear gradually and subtly, many patients only realize their condition when it has already worsened.
Dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—better known as Dr. Joy from Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri—explains several common and specific signs that need to be recognized early to detect brain tumors as soon as possible.
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Explanation of Brain Tumor Signs and Symptoms by Dr. Joy
Here are the signs and symptoms of brain tumors explained by Dr. Joy that are important to watch out for:
1. Chronic and Worsening Headaches
Headache is the most common symptom of a brain tumor or brain cancer—but not an ordinary headache. According to Dr. Joy, headaches caused by brain tumors are chronic and progressive, meaning they persist for a long period—sometimes months or even years—and gradually worsen over time.
The pain often feels like pressure and does not improve with regular pain relievers. If headaches persist without a clear cause, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
2. Projectile Vomiting
Another frequent symptom is vomiting. The characteristic of vomiting caused by brain tumors is projectile vomiting, meaning the vomit is forcefully expelled without preceding severe nausea.
This happens due to increased pressure inside the skull caused by the growing tumor mass pressing against brain tissue.
If you experience unexplained and recurrent vomiting, especially accompanied by severe headaches, seek medical evaluation immediately.
3. Vision Disturbances
Brain tumors can also cause visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision, or partial loss of visual fields. This occurs due to increased intracranial pressure or because the tumor presses on the optic nerve. If you frequently experience blurred vision without any clear reason—especially with accompanying headaches or vomiting—consult a neurologist right away.
4. Weakness in Limbs (Motor Disorders)
If a tumor grows in the part of the brain responsible for body movement, symptoms may include weakness on one side of the body, such as the hand or leg.
Patients may find it difficult to grip objects, walk, or move certain body parts. These symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for simple fatigue.
5. Numbness or Tingling (Sensory Disorders)
Besides motor issues, tumors in the sensory areas of the brain can cause numbness, loss of sensation, or tingling in certain body parts. These symptoms typically appear gradually and persist rather than being temporary, like when a hand is compressed.
If numbness or tingling recurs in the same area and does not go away, it’s important to get checked immediately.
6. Speech Difficulties
A tumor located in the brain’s speech center can cause speech or language difficulties. The patient may have trouble pronouncing words, stutter, or find it difficult to understand others’ speech. This symptom often indicates a disruption in specific brain regions and should be evaluated by a neurologist.
7. Cognitive and Behavioral Changes
When a tumor affects the frontal lobe, which governs cognition and behavior, the patient may show personality changes, reduced concentration, or memory problems.
These changes can manifest as sudden mood swings, lack of focus, or irritability without clear reason.
Such symptoms often go unnoticed as they appear gradually, but they can indicate a problem in the frontal region of the brain.
8. Seizures
Seizures are one of the most significant signs of a brain tumor. People with no history of epilepsy may suddenly experience seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain triggered by tumor growth.
Seizures may appear as uncontrolled body movements, blank stares, or brief loss of consciousness. If seizures occur without an apparent cause, an MRI or CT scan is strongly recommended.
Seek Medical Attention If You Experience These Symptoms
Brain tumors or brain cancer can affect anyone and often show no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
If you or someone close to you experiences chronic headaches, projectile vomiting, vision disturbances, or unexplained seizures, get checked at a hospital equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities such as Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
Early detection is crucial to ensure the tumor can be treated properly before causing more serious complications.
MRI Facilities for Brain Tumor and Cancer Detection at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is equipped with MRI/MRA technology to detect brain tumors and cancers accurately.
1. Brain MRI: Detailed Visualization of Brain Structure and Tissue
A Brain MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of the entire brain. This imaging helps differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues, including tumor masses, edema (swelling), or bleeding.
MRI procedure:
- The patient lies on the MRI table, which slides into a large magnetic tube.
- The patient must remain still during the scan to prevent blurry images.
- Brain images are taken in multiple slices from various angles.
- Sometimes, the doctor injects a gadolinium contrast agent through an IV to make the tumor appear brighter than surrounding tissue, helping identify its location, size, and characteristics.
Functions of MRI in brain tumor detection:
- Determine the tumor’s size, shape, and location.
- Differentiate between benign and malignant tumors based on tissue characteristics.
- Assess whether the tumor is pressing on surrounding brain tissue.
- Help doctors plan surgery or radiotherapy with greater precision.
2. Brain MRA: Visualizing Brain Blood Vessels
MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is an imaging technique similar to MRI but focuses on brain blood vessels. This scan evaluates whether a tumor affects or compresses nearby blood vessels.
The procedure is similar to MRI but uses special settings to make blood flow visible in the images. In some cases, a contrast agent is also used to enhance vascular clarity.
Functions of MRA in brain tumor detection:
- Assess the blood supply to the tumor (as tumors often develop abnormal new blood vessels).
- Detect narrowing or disruption of blood flow caused by tumor growth.
- Assist in surgical planning, helping surgeons avoid critical blood vessels during brain surgery.
For more information or consultation about brain tumors and brain cancer, visit Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
You can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter App, available on Google Play and App Store, to easily schedule visits, check queue numbers, and get complete information about hospital services.
