by admin-blog-kh | October 29, 2025 12:53 pm
A brain tumour is an abnormal cell growth in the brain. A tumour is an extra growth that is also called a lesion or neoplasm. These terms do not signify whether the growth is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous)[7].
Brain tumours may be primary—arising from tissues or cells that belong to the brain tissue—or they may be secondary—spreading from other parts of the body to the brain.
Primary brain tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous, while secondary brain tumours are almost always cancerous.
Non-cancerous brain tumours grow like other abnormal growths but differ from cancerous or malignant tumours in the following ways:
A tumour will cause a symptom in a patient once it affects the working of the brain. This can be in a variety of ways, and no two patients’ symptoms and signs are always the same. This is because the symptoms depend on where the tumour is located, how fast it is growing, and how it affects the brain. Some areas of the brain and some tumours cause symptoms early, while others become apparent only after the tumour has grown to a large size.
It is very important that when there are persistent or continuing symptoms like any of the above, one must get a specialist opinion to rule out a tumour.
A complete and detailed examination may bring up more problems that the patient suffers from, and this will help in deciding the next course of action.
A tumour can be diagnosed only by a CT scan or MRI scan.
A CT scan is like a big X-ray. It uses a small dose of x-rays, and then a computer makes the images that are seen by the doctor. A contrast injection may be given to bring out finer details in the scan. The CT scan may sometimes be used to get a preliminary idea of the lesion. As the CT scan uses radiation, its use in pregnant women and in children needs to be done with care.
An MRI scan uses magnets to change the orientation of the hydrogen atoms in the body and therefore does not use any form of radiation. It is therefore safe to use in children and in pregnancy. The MRI scan is able to get a lot of information about the tissue, both normal and abnormal, and is therefore of immense value to the treating doctor. The images of the brain from an MRI scan have greater detail than those from a CT scan. Advanced MRI scanning may be done to look at specific nerves in the brain and the location of centres of control for different body movements. As these scans use powerful magnets, they cannot be used with certain types of cardiac pacemakers and other implants in the body. Before an MRI is done, it is mandatory to verify that the scan is safe.
The scans only present the doctors a physical picture of the brain tumour. Despite many advances in technology, one cannot know for sure whether a particular tumour is cancerous or noncancerous. That information can only be gotten by studying the specific tissue, and this test is called a biopsy.
Surgery for brain tumours[9] involves opening a small part of the skull, which is called a “craniotomy.” As the brain is housed inside a thick protective cover called the skull, this is essential, or else it is almost impossible to reach the brain. The size of the craniotomy, or skull opening, depends on each specific patient’s tumour, including its location, size, and depth from the surface. Once the surgery is completed, the removed skull bone is placed back and fixed in place.
Tumours that are located in the pituitary fossa or close to it may be approached through the nose using an endoscope. However, the choice of this approach depends on the patient’s symptoms and the tumour configuration.
Surgery in the brain is currently at a stage where the risk is relatively low, at between 2 and 4% at most centres. Safe anaesthesia and monitoring during surgery, along with technology-based instrumentation for the surgeon, make surgery safe and the best treatment option. A tumour is an extra growth, and the best way to deal with that is by removing it. There is no place in the brain that cannot be reached by modern neurosurgery. Many tumour surgeries rely on microsurgery, which involves the use of an operating microscope.
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent headaches, vision problems, or unexplained neurological symptoms, early diagnosis and expert care are essential. The Neurosurgery Department offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours[10], combining advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized care to help patients recover safely and regain quality of life.
Brain tumours develop when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in or around the brain. The exact cause isn’t always known, but genetic factors, exposure to radiation, or spread from cancers elsewhere in the body may contribute.
Common symptoms include persistent headaches, vision problems, vomiting, seizures, and difficulty with balance or speech. Children may show signs like enlarged head, squint, or failure to thrive.
Brain tumours are diagnosed using imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. A biopsy may also be done to confirm whether the tumour is cancerous or non-cancerous.
No. Brain tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours grow slowly and can often be removed successfully through surgery.
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumour. Depending on the case, doctors may also recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent recurrence.
Dr. Krish Sridhar[11]
MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery)
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai – Radial Road
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
Source URL: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/cancer/brain-tumour-causes-types-and-symptoms-explained/
Copyright ©2026 Kauvery Blog unless otherwise noted.