Brain cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages. “When the tumor is small, it usually does not cause any symptomswarns the Cancer Research Foundation (ARC). But the bigger it gets, the more symptoms can occur.” In the American magazine ParadeDr. Mina Lobbous, from the Institute of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic, also located in the United States, warns of one of the symptoms of brain tumors.
Recurring headaches a symptom of brain cancer
This specialist explains that a habit can hide the presence of a tumor: that of trying to relieve recurring headaches by any means. This may include taking aspirin frequently, needing to isolate yourself in a dark room, or simply trying to forget the pain by focusing on something else. “Persistent headaches, especially severe headaches of recent onset, with or without nausea, vomiting or blurred vision, should be reported to a healthcare professional rather than trying to find over-the-counter remedies at pharmacies.“, warns Dr. Lobbous. This headache can be frequent, recurrent, and particularly strong in the morning or when moving forward.
Recurring headaches should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
People who have never had migraines should be particularly vigilant.Headaches accompanied by nausea in a person who has no history of migraines should be evaluated immediately for a possible brain tumor.“, adds Dr. Jose Carrillo, neurologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute and associate professor of neurology at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute. These different specialists emphasize that all these headaches are not necessarily a sign of a brain tumor, but they should be reported to a health professional.
Brain tumor: early detection difficult
“To date, there are no approved screening tools – laboratory or imaging – that can detect brain cancer at an early stage, unlike mammograms, colonoscopies or prostate-specific antigen,” “underlines Dr. Lobbous.”It is very important to be aware of symptoms that require more urgent evaluation, as early detection and management can have a significant impact on survival or neurological function in certain tumor types..”
Apart from the headache, the brain tumor can trigger memory loss or mood disorders. “Some patients also experience convulsions or epileptic attacks, sometimes from the very early stages of the disease or later, adds the ARC Foundation. They may or may not be accompanied by a loss of consciousness. They are often the starting point for diagnosis.” The latter is based on a clinical examination with tests of intellectual functions, language, hearing, etc. Then, the doctor usually prescribes a CT scan or MRI, which may be followed by a lumbar puncture to look for tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. A biopsy is then performed to confirm the diagnosis.
