Benign brain tumors are growths that aren’t cancer and grow slowly in the brain or nearby tissues. They’re different from cancerous tumors because they don’t have cancer cells. But they can still cause problems by pressing on nearby parts of the brain, depending on where they are and how big they get.
Non-Cancerous: They are not cancerous growths and do not contain cancer cells.
Slow Growth: Benign tumors typically grow slowly over time.
Location: They can develop within the brain or in the tissues surrounding it.
Symptoms: Depending on their size and location, they can cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, vision or hearing problems, balance issues, personality changes, or cognitive difficulties.
No Spread: They do not spread to other parts of the body like malignant tumors do.
Potential Complications: Although benign, they can still cause problems by pressing on nearby structures in the brain, leading to symptoms or complications.
Explain Your Symptoms: Tell your doctor about any problems you’re having, like headaches or changes in vision.
Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor. You can ask about the tumor, how it can be treated, and what might happen next.
Bring Someone Along: It can help to have a family member or friend with you for support.
Talk About Treatment Options: Discuss what can be done about the tumor and what each treatment involves.
Share Your Worries: If you’re worried about anything, tell your doctor so they can help you feel better.
Take Notes: Bring a notebook to write down important information or questions you have.
Plan for Follow-up: Make sure you know what happens next after your appointment.
Just remember, your doctor is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to talk about any concerns you have.
Benign brain tumors can include meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, and others. Each type comes from different cells in or around the brain.
The exact cause of benign brain tumors is often unknown. Some factors like genetic conditions, exposure to radiation, or certain hereditary syndromes may increase the risk.
Symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s location and size.
They may include:
Diagnosis involves a medical history review, neurological examination, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy (taking a sample of the tumor for examination).
Treatment options may include:
Prognosis varies depending on the type, size, location, and overall health of the person. Many benign tumors can be successfully treated, especially if detected early. However, some may cause complications or symptoms even after treatment. Regular follow-up is often needed.
