Brain cancers include primary brain tumours, which start in the brain and almost never

spread to other parts of the body, and secondary tumours (or metastases), which are
caused by cancers that began in another part of the body.

There are more than 40 major types of brain tumours, which are grouped into two main
types:

benign - slow-growing and unlikely to spread. Common types are meningiomas,

neuromas, pituitary tumours and craniopharyngiomas.
malignant - cancerous and able to spread into other parts of the brain or spinal cord.
Common types include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas and
mixed gliomas.

It is estimated that more than 1,900 people were diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022.
The average age at diagnosis is 59 years old.

Brain cancer signs and symptoms

Headaches are often the first symptom of a brain tumour. The headaches can be mild,
severe, persistent, or come and go. A headache isn't always a brain tumour but if you're
worried, be sure to see your GP.

Other symptoms include:

seizures: severe (e.g. a convulsion) or mild (a fleeting disturbance of awareness,

sensation or jerking muscles)
weakness or paralysis in part of the body
loss of balance
general irritability, drowsiness or a change in personality
nausea and vomiting
disturbed vision, hearing, smell or taste.

Causes of brain cancer

Some factors that can increase your risk of brain cancer include:

some brain and spinal cord tumours are more common in people with certain
inherited or genetic conditions
 people exposed to very high doses of radiation to the head.

Diagnosis of brain cancer

If a brain tumour is suspected, the doctor may check how different parts of the brain are
functioning by checking your reflexes, muscle strength, balance and coordination, ability
to feel pin-pricks and to distinguish between hot and cold. An ophthalmoscope is used
to view the optic nerve, which may bulge if the pressure in the skull is raised, for
example by a tumour.

The main tests for brain cancer diagnosis are:

CT scan
A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses x-rays to take multiple pictures of the
inside of the body.

MRI
A MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a computer and a powerful magnet to
make cross-sectional pictures of your body.

MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy)

A MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) scan looks for changes in the chemical
make-up of the brain and can be done at the same time as an MRI.

PET scan
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan injects a small amount of radioactive
solution to show up cancer cells as they absorb the solution faster than normal cells.

SPECT (single proton emission computerised tomography)

A single photon emission CT (SPECT) scan takes three-dimensional images of blood
flow in the brain and areas with higher blood flow, such as a tumour, will be brighter on
the scan.
Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture (also known as spinal tap) uses a needle to collect cerebrospinal
fluid which will be sent to a laboratory to test for cancer cells.

After a diagnosis of brain cancer

After finding out you have brain cancer, you may feel shocked, upset, anxious or
confused. These are normal responses. A diagnosis of brain cancer affects each person
differently. For most it will be a difficult time, however some people manage to continue
with their normal daily activities.

Your specialist will arrange for a range of health professionals (multidisciplinary team) to
plan your treatment. This will be based on several factors including the type, size,
location and genetic make-up of the cancer as well as, your age and general health, the
types of symptoms you have and your needs and preferences.

Find out more about the best cancer care for brain cancer: