How to Recognize the Symptoms of Brain Cancer

Introduction

There are more than 100 different types of brain cancer. The classification of brain tumors depends on the type of cell from which the tumor develops. Symptoms of brain cancer can differ dramatically depending on the type of tumor and where it is located.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Know that there is a wide variety of symptoms that can indicate a brain tumor. Symptoms vary according to the location of the tumor. Headache and nausea are often the first signs of most types of brain tumors.

2

Step Two

Recognize that tumors in the frontal lobe may present symptoms such as behavioral and emotional changes, memory loss, loss of vision, and paralysis on one side of the body.

3

Step Three

Know that tumors in the parietal lobe are characterized by impaired speech, inability to write and seizures.

4

Step Four

Be aware that tumors in the brain stem may cause hearing or vision loss, weakness on one side of the body, behavioral and emotional changes, difficulty speaking and swallowing and marked drowsiness.

5

Step Five

Visit the Oncology Channel (see "Resources" below) for more information on brain cancer symptoms.

6

Step Six

Act quickly if you experience any of these symptoms. Follow up with tests and treatments recommended by your health care team. People sometimes ignore symptoms because they are frightened, but the earlier you deal with the problem, the greater your chances for recovery.