Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are consistent no matter if the tumor is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (contains cancer cells). [1] Primary and secondary brain tumors show the same symptoms, it just depends on where the tumor is located [2]. A slow growing tumor
Intracranial pressure is usually the first sign of a brain tumor and it can cause persistent headaches that have no relief. [3] [4] These headaches do not respond to headache remedies usually ingested and they may be accompanied by vomiting, as well. [3] Also, it is important to keep in mind that having persistent headaches and constant vomiting is not always a sign of a brain tumor.
The brain is divided into 4 lobes and each lobe or area has its own function. [5] [6] A tumor is any of these lobes may affect the area's performance. The location of the tumor is often linked to the symptoms experienced but each person may experience something different. [7]
Frontal lobe: Tumors in this section may contribute to poor reasoning, inappropriate social behavior, personality changes, poor planning, lower inhibition [7], and decreased production of speech ( Broca's area)
Temporal lobe: Tumors in this lobe may contribute to poor memory, loss of hearing [6], difficulty in language comprehension ( Wernicke's area)
Parietal lobe: Tumors here may result in poor interpretation of languages, decreased sense of touch and pain, and poor spatial and visual perception [8]
Occipital lobe: Damage to this lobe may result in poor or loss of vision [8]
Cerebellum: Tumors in this area may cause poor balance, muscle movement, and posture [8]
Brain stem: Tumors on this can affect blood pressure, swallowing, and heartbeat [6]
Behavior and Personality Changes
Despite being a common symptom of brain tumors, little research is done on personality and behavior changes in patients with brain tumors [5]. A person's personality may be altered due to the tumor damaging the lobes of the brain. Since the frontal lobe controls inhibition, mood, judgement, reasoning, and behavior, a primary or secondary tumor in that region can cause inappropriate social behavior [9], temper tantrums [10], laughing at things that aren't funny [4], and even psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety [7].
Personality changes can have damaging effects as they can result in unemployment, unstable relationships, and lack of control. [5]