Brain Tumour Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: A Patient Guide

What is a brain tumour and how is it managed?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. It may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and both types can affect brain function depending on their size and location. Diagnosis involves imaging and biopsy; treatment typically includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.

S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai, located at Mahim West, provides specialist neurological and oncological care for patients with brain tumours, supported by a multidisciplinary clinical team.

What are the 6 warning signs of a brain tumour?

Brain tumour symptoms vary depending on the tumour's size, type, and location in the brain. Some symptoms develop gradually; others appear suddenly. The following are the most commonly reported warning signs:

• Persistent or worsening headaches — often worse in the morning or when lying down
• Seizures — new-onset seizures in an adult with no prior history
• Nausea and vomiting — particularly without a gastrointestinal cause
• Vision or hearing changes — blurred vision, double vision, or hearing loss
• Cognitive or personality changes — memory problems, confusion, or mood shifts
• Weakness or numbness — affecting one side of the body, face, arm, or leg

Additional symptoms may include difficulty speaking, loss of balance, or unexplained fatigue. Symptoms in women can sometimes overlap with hormonal conditions, making specialist evaluation important.

How is a brain tumour diagnosed?

Brain tumours cannot be detected at home. Diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and specialist imaging. If a tumour is suspected, a neurologist or neurosurgeon will typically order one or more of the following investigations:

Following imaging, a multidisciplinary tumour board — typically including a neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, and radiologist — reviews findings to plan the most appropriate treatment pathway.

What is the difference between a benign and malignant brain tumour?

Not all brain tumours are cancerous, but both types can be serious. Understanding the distinction helps patients make informed decisions about treatment.

• Benign tumours — grow slowly, have defined borders, and do not invade surrounding tissue. Examples include meningiomas and acoustic neuromas. They can still cause harm by pressing on critical brain structures.
• Malignant tumours — grow rapidly, invade nearby tissue, and may spread within the central nervous system. Examples include glioblastoma (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytoma.
• Primary tumours — originate in the brain itself.
• Secondary (metastatic) tumours — spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as lung, breast, or colon cancer.

Tumour grade (I–IV) indicates how aggressive the cells are. Grade I and II are generally slower-growing; Grade III and IV are more aggressive and require intensive treatment. For patients with blood-related cancers that have spread to the central nervous system, our haematology services work in close coordination with the neurology team.

What treatment options are available for brain tumours in India?

Treatment for a brain tumour depends on its type, grade, size, and location, as well as the patient's overall health. In India, the following evidence-based treatment modalities are available:

1. Surgery (Craniotomy) — The primary treatment for most accessible tumours. The goal is maximum safe resection while preserving neurological function.
2. Radiation Therapy — Used after surgery or as a primary treatment when surgery is not possible. Stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g. Gamma Knife) delivers precise, high-dose radiation to the tumour.
3. Chemotherapy — Systemic or localised drug therapy to kill or slow tumour cell growth. Often used alongside radiation for malignant tumours. Our medical oncology team manages chemotherapy protocols.
4. Targeted Therapy — Drugs that target specific molecular markers on tumour cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
5. Immunotherapy — Emerging treatments that help the immune system recognise and attack tumour cells.
6. Bone Marrow Transplant — For certain haematological malignancies involving the central nervous system, a bone marrow transplant may be part of the treatment plan.
7. Palliative and Supportive Care — Focuses on symptom relief, quality of life, and rehabilitation for patients at all stages.

When should you see a doctor about brain tumour symptoms?

Seek medical evaluation promptly if you or a family member experiences any of the following for more than one week, or immediately if symptoms are severe:

• Headaches that are new, progressively worsening, or present on waking every morning
• A first-ever seizure at any age
• Sudden or gradual loss of vision, hearing, speech, or coordination
• Unexplained personality changes, memory loss, or confusion
• Persistent nausea and vomiting with no gastrointestinal cause
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body lasting more than 24 hours

Do not attempt to self-diagnose using online symptom checkers. These symptoms can have multiple causes, and only a qualified neurologist can determine whether imaging is required.

How does S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai support brain tumour patients?

S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mumbai, at Mahim West, offers a multidisciplinary approach to brain tumour care. The hospital's oncology and neuroscience teams — including specialists in surgical oncology — collaborate to assess each patient's case individually and recommend a treatment plan aligned with current clinical guidelines.

Patients with tumours linked to systemic or haematological conditions benefit from integrated care across departments, ensuring that no aspect of their diagnosis or treatment is managed in isolation. Supportive services including rehabilitation and palliative care are available to help patients and families through every stage.