Brain Tumor – Symptoms of a Brain Tumor, Early Detection of Brain Tumors, and Treatment for Glioblastoma

In medicine, the collective term “head and neck tumors” is used to describe various types of cancer that occur in these areas of the body. 

In the facial region, these include:

• Sinuses
• Nose
• Oral cavity (lips, tongue, palate, floor of the mouth, salivary gland cancer, cheek)
• Pharynx (pharyngeal cancer)
• Larynx (laryngeal cancer)
• Thyroid (thyroid cancer)

In addition, tumors of the head can occur in the eyes, as skin tumors (skin cancer), and in the brain. 

This also includes the surrounding structures:

• Meninges
• Skull base
• Skull bones
• Petrous bone (part of the temporal bone)

A brain tumor can be either benign or malignant. Both types are associated with symptoms. Whether it is cancer cannot be determined by visual examination or a simple X-ray or ultrasound.

A medical evaluation by the following specialists is therefore necessary:

• An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or 
• Specialists in oncology or 
• Head and brain neurosurgery 

In addition, there are certified centers for head and neck tumors with specialists who collaborate across disciplines.

The symptoms of a tumor in the head, face, or neck vary widely and depend on the specific region:

In the larynx and pharynx, typical symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a foreign body, hoarseness, and a scratchy throat. 

Laryngeal cancer is a malignant disease that originates in the mucous membrane of the larynx @ magicmine /AdobeStock

Symptoms in the oral cavity often manifest as slow-healing sores, bad breath, or pain when speaking.

In the case of a brain tumor (intracranial tumor), the symptoms depend largely on the size and exact location of the tumor. 

Known symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Increased fatigue and 
• General decline in performance

Epilepsy, paralysis, and speech disorders are also possible.

The symptoms listed are not definitive signs of cancer. They can also occur with a variety of harmless conditions. 

However, if they persist for more than ten to fourteen days, it is advisable to see a specialist. As with all malignant diseases, an early diagnosis is the best option for successful treatment.

A brain tumor can be a benign or malignant growth in the brain @ Sebastian Kaulitzki /AdobeStock

No clear causes of the disease can be identified. However, there are various risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. 

Smoking—especially long-term and heavy smoking—is the primary risk factor, particularly for laryngeal cancer. Combined with frequent consumption of high-proof alcohol, the risk of developing cancer in the oral cavity and throat increases. Environmental pollutants, such as asbestos, also pose a risk.

In the case of a primary brain tumor, medicine has not yet identified any specific triggering factors. Since there is no known trigger, doctors usually refer to it as a sporadic brain tumor. 

Secondary brain tumors, on the other hand (the formation of metastases), occur when cancer is already present in the body. This increases the risk of the tumor spreading. However, this does not always affect the brain; it is also possible in any other part of the body.

The goal of diagnostic methods is to determine whether a finding is benign or malignant. Various examination options are available for this purpose. 

Depending on the location of the suspicious area, the doctor takes a small tissue sample and has it examined in a laboratory. 

In addition, the Department of Neuroradiology uses imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography). The goal is to determine the extent of the brain tumor and its exact location. If a brain tumor is suspected, additional neurological examinations are performed. These are usually conducted by a neurologist. 

The doctor will check your muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination. An examination of your visual field and the back of your eyes may also be performed.

Images from an MRI scan of the head @ Руслан Галиуллин /AdobeStock

Based on your individual diagnosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan. The goal of surgical treatment is to remove the tumor. 

Depending on the type of brain tumor, specific surgical methods are used:

• Brain tumor surgery
• Laryngectomy or other methods of laryngeal surgery
• Skin cancer surgery for skin cancers in the head region

The specific surgical procedure will depend on your clinical presentation. In most cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are required following the surgery.

Surgeries for brain tumors are performed by neurosurgeons, as the central nervous system (CNS) is affected.

In neuro-oncology, doctors often treat malignant head tumors with immunotherapeutic agents (immunotherapy). These reactivate your immune system and strengthen it to fight the tumor. Various agents enable immune cells to recognize the existing cancer cells and attack them.

The course of a brain tumor cannot be precisely predicted. It depends primarily on the exact type of disease, as well as the stage at which treatment begins. 

The earlier treatment against the tumor begins, the more effective the respective therapeutic methods are. In the case of cancer, the specific type of cancer is decisive for the success of treatment.

Careful follow-up care and rehabilitative treatment are helpful for a good prognosis. It is important to detect and treat possible recurrences early. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle and attend all follow-up appointments.

Head tumors are a complex condition that can be either benign or malignant. They affect the entire brain, head, and neck, as well as the associated structures. 

The earlier doctors detect the tumor, the better the treatment options. Specialists in otolaryngology, neurology, and neurosurgery provide the best possible expertise for your treatment.

What symptoms does a brain tumor cause?

A brain tumor can cause a variety of symptoms. Typical symptoms include new-onset headaches, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, or epileptic seizures. Depending on the tumor’s location, neurological deficits, signs of paralysis, or changes in personality traits may also occur.

Are brain tumors always malignant?

No, brain tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors, such as a pituitary adenoma, often grow more slowly, while a glioblastoma is classified as an aggressive malignant brain tumor. The key factors are the growth, location, and behavior of the tumor cells within the brain tissue.

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

A brain tumor is diagnosed through a neurologically oriented examination by a doctor or specialist. MRI, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging help visualize the tumor’s appearance and location. Additionally, tissue samples may be necessary to distinguish between primary and secondary brain tumors.

What treatment options are available for brain tumors?

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are often combined to combat tumor cells. Modern treatment options improve survival rates and quality of life for many patients.

Why is early detection of brain tumors important?

Early detection of brain tumors often allows for a faster diagnosis and earlier treatment. If symptoms such as headaches, neurological disturbances, or vision problems are detected early, the treating team can intervene more effectively. Early treatment is particularly crucial in the case of a malignant glioblastoma.