Brain Cancer

Brain cancer refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the brain which form a tumour. Tumours can start in the brain, or can develop from cancer that has spread from other parts of the body.

Primary brain tumours can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant.

• benign: grow slowly and unlikely to spread to other parts of the body
• malignant: cancerous tumour that grows rapidly and may invade other body parts

A brain tumour is usually diagnosed by conducting a number of tests, including a CT scan and an MRI.¹

The signs and symptoms of brain cancer can depend where in the brain the tumour is located, and may include: ²

• Headaches that recur and intensify, especially in the morning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures or fits
• Unexplained drowsiness​
• Double vision, blurring or trouble seeing properly
• Increasing difficulty with speech and hearing
• Growing weakness in the limbs
• Problems with hearing, balance and coordination
• Marked changes in memory, concentration or alertness

Tumours of the brain and spinal cord are usually given a grading number between 1 and 4 (I-IV) which determines its’ characteristics.⁵ Because brain and spinal cord cancers typically don’t spread to other areas of the body, a grading system, instead of the more common cancer staging system is used.⁵

• Grades 1 and 2– tend to be slow growing tumours and are often benign (non-cancerous).
• Grades 3 and 4– are faster growing tumours and tend to be cancerous.