Adults · Conditions
Brain tumours in adults: an overview
An introduction to brain tumours in adults, with links to pages on meningioma, glioma, pituitary adenoma and spinal cord tumours.
What is it?
A brain tumour is a growth of cells in or around the brain. Some begin in the brain or its coverings (primary tumours), and some spread from cancer elsewhere in the body (metastases). Many are benign or slow-growing. This page is an overview; separate pages cover meningioma, glioma and astrocytoma, pituitary adenoma spinal cord tumours and brain metastases.
What symptoms can it cause?
Symptoms depend on where the tumour is and how quickly it grows. They may include headaches, seizures, weakness or numbness, difficulty with speech, vision changes, or changes in memory, personality or concentration. Some tumours cause no symptoms and are found on a scan done for another reason.
How is it assessed?
An MRI scan with contrast is the main test; a CT scan may be done first. Some people need further scans to look for a source elsewhere in the body. Your care is planned with a multidisciplinary team, which may include neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists.
What are the treatment options?
Options depend on the type, size and position of the tumour and on your general health. They include surgery, radiotherapy (including stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife for selected tumours), chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, or monitoring with regular scans for some slow-growing tumours.
When might surgery be considered?
Surgery may be advised to obtain a diagnosis, to remove as much of the tumour as is safely possible, or to relieve pressure. Where appropriate, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and, for tumours near speech or movement areas, awake craniotomy are used to help protect function. When surgery is not the best option, a biopsy or another treatment may be recommended.
What to expect from recovery and follow-up
After brain surgery, most people stay in hospital for a few days. Recovery, return to work and driving are discussed individually; in South Africa, driving after a seizure or brain surgery needs specific advice. Follow-up includes regular scans and shared care with the oncology team.
When to seek urgent help
If you have a sudden severe headache, a seizure, new weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of bladder or bowel control, go to the nearest emergency unit or call 10177. If you are under our care, also call the hospital switchboard and ask for Dr Labuschagne (Netcare Unitas Hospital 012 677 8000; Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital 010 133 0600).
Dr Labuschagne's publications on this topic
- Haizel-Cobbina J, Chotai S, Labuschagne J, et al. Sub-Saharan African experience of neurosurgical oncology care: challenges and barriers encountered at 7 cancer treatment centres. J Neurosurg. 2024.
PubMedRequest a copy from the author
This page is general information. Your doctor will advise on what applies to you.