The #1 Early Brain Cancer Sign Most People Miss, According to a Neurologist and Oncologist

Emily Laurence
·5 min read
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Neurosurgeon looks at MRI scan with brain images.

It’s always scary to hear the word “cancer,” but “brain cancer” is especially ominous; the five-year survival rate for someone diagnosed with brain cancer is 36 percent. It’s important to know that the likelihood of getting brain cancer is extremely rare. In fact, the chance of getting a cancerous brain tumor is less than 1 percent.

Even though the risk of getting brain cancer is super rare, the fact that it can be so deadly means that it’s important to know the earliest symptoms. That way, if you are experiencing any of them, you can see a doctor ASAP and your chances of survival are greater. While some of the earliest signs of brain cancer are hard to miss, there’s one that many people brush aside and think nothing of, which can turn out to be a deadly mistake. 

Related: This Is the Early Cancer Symptom That's Missed the Most, According to Experts

What Exactly Is Brain Cancer and What Causes It?

Dr. Seema Nagpal, MD, a clinical professor of neurology in the Division of Neuro-oncology at Stanford University, explains that when people talk about brain cancer, they may be referring to two different types of diseases that can occur in the brain. “The most common type of brain cancer is metastatic cancer from another part of the body that has landed in the brain,” she says.

For example, someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer or lung cancer could have their cancer spread to their brain. “Pre-existing cancer that has already spread to other body parts is the biggest risk for this type of cancer,” Dr. Nagpal says.

Dr. Nagpal says that the rarer form of brain cancer is a primary brain tumor, which is a tumor that starts in the brain. Some primary brain tumors are malignant while others are benign. “We don’t understand why most patients get primary brain cancers. There are some rare genetic syndromes that might increase a person’s risk, but often these patients have other cancers diagnosed first,” she says. Dr. Nagpal adds that childhood exposure to high doses of radiation (treatment-level doses for other cancers) can also increase the risk of brain cancer later in life. 

Dr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, M.D., FACP, M.B.A., the chief of medical oncology, and chief scientific officer of Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, explains that brain cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the brain start to grow uncontrollably, invading surrounding tissues. He explains that this is the case whether it’s due to another form of cancer spreading to the brain or from a malignant primary brain tumor. 

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Most Commonly Missed Early Brain Cancer Signs

Dr. Ahluwalia says that the earliest symptoms of brain cancer depend on the size and location of the brain tumor. “Often, one of the first symptoms is a seizure, which is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It's important to note that while seizures can be an early sign, not all patients with seizures will have brain cancer. If you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns, seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis,” Dr. Ahluwalia says.

A seizure is a symptom that’s impossible to ignore. But there is another early sign of brain cancer that many people may not see a doctor about. Dr. Nagpal says that people with brain cancer often experience severe headaches. “Headaches are one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor, so we are talking about a more severe and new pattern of headache; one that is getting persistently worse and does not go away with normal interventions, like over-the-counter pain medicines and sleep,” Dr. Nagpal says. 

Related: 6 Ways to Help Someone Who Has Cancer

While you should certainly see a doctor if you are experiencing severe headaches, Dr. Nagpal reiterates how extremely rare brain cancer is. Just because you have a headache does not mean you have brain cancer—so don’t freak out.

Besides headaches and seizures, Dr. Nagpal says that other early signs of brain cancer can include experiencing weakness of an arm, leg or face, or difficulty speaking. “Additional symptoms that might suggest brain cancer include vision problems, difficulty thinking clearly and changes in personality. It's crucial to note that these symptoms can also be caused by various other conditions. If you experience any of these signs, it's essential to seek evaluation by a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis,” adds Dr. Ahluwalia.

What doctors want everyone to keep in mind is that brain cancer is extremely rare. But if you are experiencing any symptoms that are out of the ordinary to you, see your doctor—and that goes for anything happening to your body. When in doubt, get checked out. That’s what doctors are there for!

Next up, find out why the latest cancer news is something to cheer about.

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