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There is separate information about cancerous (malignant) brain tumours.
The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on which part of the brain is affected.
As non-cancerous tumours tend to grow slowly, the symptoms usually come on gradually and may get worse slowly over months or years.
Symptoms of a brain tumour can include:
Brain tumours can affect people of any age. They're more common in older adults, but some types can affect young adults or children.
Get help from 111 online or call 111. Call 111 for a child under 5 years old.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
If you have symptoms of a brain tumour or another problem affecting the brain, a GP may do some simple tests to check things like your eyesight, balance and memory.
If there are signs of a possible problem, they may refer you for a brain scan or to a brain specialist (neurologist) for more tests.
Being referred for tests does not mean anything is seriously wrong.
The main test to check for a tumour is a brain scan (usually an MRI scan). This can show if you have a possible tumour, but you'll usually need more tests to confirm it.
Most people have a procedure to remove a small sample of cells for testing. This is called a biopsy.
A biopsy can show what type of tumour you have and how fast it's likely to grow (called the "grade").
Brain tumours are given a grade from 1 to 4. Grades 1 and 2 are generally considered to be non-cancerous (low-grade or benign) because they grow more slowly.
You must tell the DVLA if you have a brain tumour.
You may not be allowed to drive until after the tumour has been treated. This depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is in the brain and what symptoms you have.
Find out how to tell the DVLA you have a brain tumour on GOV.UK
There are many different types of non-cancerous brain tumour. Each type affects a different part of the brain.
Some types of brain tumour can be either non-cancerous or cancerous. Some types are only non-cancerous.
| Type | Area affected |
|---|---|
|
Type
Meningioma |
Area affected
The thin layer of tissue covering the brain (this type of tumour can sometimes be cancerous) |
|
Type
Glioma |
Area affected
The cells that support and protect the nerve cells in the brain (this type of tumour can sometimes be cancerous) |
| Type |
Area affected
The nerve connecting the brain to the inner ear |
|
Type
Pituitary adenoma |
Area affected
A pea-sized gland in the brain that produces hormones (pituitary gland) |
Non-cancerous brain tumours are usually treatable.
Your treatment depends on the type of tumour it is, where it is in your brain and any symptoms you have.
You may not need treatment straight away because non-cancerous tumours tend to grow slowly. You might just have regular check-ups and scans to monitor it.
If treatment is needed, the main treatment is surgery to remove the tumour.
This usually involves cutting out a small piece of skull so the surgeon can remove the tumour. The piece is then fixed back in place and the cut in your skin is closed with stitches.
Some people may need other treatments, such as:
Most non-cancerous brain tumours can be successfully treated, but it can take a while to recover from the effects of a tumour and any treatment you had.
Side effects of a brain tumour, or treatment for a brain tumour, may include:
For some people, side effects may start months or years after treatment finishes.
You may need treatment and support to help you recover, such as:
There's also a small chance a tumour could come back or could become cancerous, so you'll have regular check-ups and scans for at least a few years after treatment.
It's not known what causes most non-cancerous brain tumours.
But there are some things that can increase your risk, including:
If you have a brain tumour, your care team will support you throughout your treatment. They can give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information.
Information and support for anyone affected by brain tumours.
Information and support for anyone affected by brain cancer and brain tumours.
Information and support for anyone affected by brain injuries, including brain tumours.
