Brain Tumours

Introduction

Brain tumours occur when abnormal cells grow in or around the brain. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and while some grow slowly, others may progress quickly and require urgent treatment.

Understanding brain tumours, their early signs, and available treatments can help individuals and families take timely steps toward diagnosis and care.

On this page, you will find:

Signs & Symptoms

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells within the brain or nearby structures. These tumours can press on nerves, affect brain function, and cause a wide range of neurological symptoms.

The signs of a brain tumour depend on the tumour’s size, type and location in the brain.

Early symptoms of a Brain Tumour:

Persistent or worsening headaches (especially in the morning)
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
Sudden vision changes (blurred or double vision)
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Loss of balance, dizziness, or weakness in limbs

It is important to note that not all brain tumour headaches are intense or sudden — some may feel like mild, constant pressure or tension. In addition to headaches, other possible signs include:

Seizures or sudden fits, particularly in individuals without a prior history of epilepsy
Memory difficulties, behavioural changes, or personality shifts
Persistent fatigue, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

When these symptoms occur together or progressively worsen, prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact causes of brain tumours are not fully understood, but several factors may increase risk.

Common Risk Factors Include:

Genetic mutations: Inherited or spontaneous changes in DNA that cause uncontrolled cell growth
Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head may increase risk
Family history: Rare genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni or neurofibromatosis
Age: Some types occur more frequently in children (e.g. medulloblastoma brain tumour) while others affect older adults
Environmental exposure: Long-term contact with certain chemicals or electromagnetic fields may play a minor role, though evidence is limited

Most people with brain tumours do not have identifiable risk factors — they can occur without warning.

Diagnosis

Early and accurate brain tumour diagnosis is essential to guide treatment and improve long-term outcomes. Because symptoms of brain tumour often overlap with other neurological conditions, a thorough evaluation by a brain tumour specialist ensures the correct cause is identified and managed promptly.

The goal of diagnosis is to locate the tumour, determine its size and type, assess how fast it’s growing, and check whether it has spread to other parts of the brain or body.

Common Diagnostic Tests Include:

Neurological Examination: The first step in diagnosing a brain tumour. Your specialist checks reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, balance and vision to identify which areas of the brain may be affected. Changes in eye movement or speech can indicate tumour pressure on specific regions.
MRI or CT Scan: These imaging tests provide detailed views of the brain’s structure and help identify tumour size, shape, and location. An MRI scan is typically preferred because it shows soft tissue in greater detail, while CT scans may be used in emergencies or when an MRI is not available. Advanced MRI techniques, such as functional MRI (fMRI) or diffusion tensor imaging, also assess how the tumour affects nearby brain functions.
Biopsy: The most definitive diagnostic step. During a biopsy, a small sample of tumour tissue is removed for laboratory testing to confirm whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Biopsies also help determine the tumour grade — how aggressive it is — which directly influences treatment options and the brain tumour survival rate.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects metabolic activity in the brain and helps identify whether a tumour is actively growing or spreading. PET scans are often combined with MRI or CT imaging for a more complete picture of tumour behaviour.
Additional Tests: In some cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be done to test cerebrospinal fluid for cancer cells, or EEG tests may be used to detect seizure activity caused by tumours affecting electrical signals in the brain.

Once all tests are completed, your specialist classifies the tumour according to its type and grade. Key factors that determine the most effective treatment plan and provide insight into the overall prognosis and brain tumour survival rate.

Types of Brain Tumours

There are over 120 known types of brain tumours, classified by where they start, the type of cells involved, and how aggressively they grow.

Understanding the type of brain tumour is critical because it determines treatment, recovery potential, and long-term management needs.

1. Gliomas

Among the most common types of primary brain tumours
Originate from glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells in the brain
Subtypes include:
- Astrocytomas: Can range from slow-growing to aggressive forms like glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
- Oligodendrogliomas: Typically slower-growing and may respond well to combined chemotherapy and radiation
- Glioblastomas: The most aggressive form, requiring surgery, radiation and targeted therapy
Gliomas can occur in both adults and children and often cause symptoms such as headaches, weakness or seizures

2. Meningiomas

Develop in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
Often benign and slow-growing, but it can still cause symptoms by pressing on nearby brain tissue
Common in middle-aged and older adults, particularly women
Treatment depends on tumour size and location — smaller ones may only need monitoring, while larger tumours may require surgery or radiation therapy

3. Medulloblastoma Brain Tumour

A fast-growing cancer that starts in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination
Most common in children, though it can also occur in adults
Tends to spread through cerebrospinal fluid to other parts of the brain or spinal cord
Requires prompt, aggressive treatment, often involving surgery, radiation and chemotherapy
Early detection significantly improves survival outcomes

4. Pituitary Tumours

Form in the pituitary gland forms, which regulate hormones that control growth, metabolism and reproduction
Can cause hormonal imbalances, menstrual changes, fatigue and vision problems if they press on nearby nerves
Most are benign adenomas and can often be treated with medication, surgery or hormone therapy

5. Metastatic Brain Tumours

Also known as secondary brain tumours, these originate from cancers in other organs — such as the lungs, breasts, or skin (melanoma) — that spread to the brain
They are more common than primary brain tumours
Treatment focuses on controlling the primary cancer, reducing brain swelling and managing symptoms through surgery, targeted therapy or radiation

Each type of brain tumour behaves differently in terms of growth rate, symptoms and treatment response.

Benign tumours like meningiomas may grow slowly and cause minimal symptoms
Aggressive tumours such as glioblastoma or medulloblastoma brain tumours require immediate, intensive management
Metastatic tumours demand a combination of systemic and local therapies for optimal control

Understanding the tumour’s type and grade helps your specialist tailor a treatment plan that preserves brain function, manages symptoms effectively and improves the brain tumour survival rate.

Brain Tumour Grading & Survival Rate

Brain tumours are classified by grade rather than stage. Grading is based on how abnormal the tumour cells appear under a microscope and how quickly they are likely to grow or spread.

Grade 1: Slow-growing and typically non-cancerous. These tumours may be curable with surgery if completely removed.
Grade 2: Moderately fast-growing and more likely to recur. Long-term monitoring is essential even after treatment.
Grade 3: Malignant and faster-growing, often requiring a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Grade 4: Highly aggressive and malignant, such as glioblastoma, which demands intensive treatment and close follow-up.

The brain tumour survival rate varies depending on tumour grade, location and response to treatment. While prognosis differs for each patient, several general trends are observed:

Low-grade tumours tend to have better long-term outcomes when detected early and fully removed.
High-grade or aggressive tumours, including glioblastoma, often have lower survival rates but can be managed effectively with advanced therapies, improving both lifespan and quality of life.

Early detection, comprehensive treatment and continuous specialist care remain crucial in improving outcomes and maintaining neurological function. Discussing your individual prognosis with a specialist provides the most accurate information for your case.

Treatments

Treatment for brain tumours focuses on removing or shrinking the tumour, relieving pressure, and preserving neurological function.

Common Treatment Methods:

Surgery: To remove as much of the tumour as safely possible
Radiation therapy: Destroys cancer cells left after surgery or is used when surgery isn’t possible
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to target and kill tumour cells
Targeted therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell mutations
Rehabilitation: Speech, physical or occupational therapy to restore function

Treatment depends on the tumour’s type, grade and location. For example, a medulloblastoma brain tumour may require surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy.

Ready to learn what might help you? Learn more about Brain Tumour Treatments on this treatment page.

Complications

Untreated or advanced brain tumours can cause:

Seizures and neurological deficits
Permanent loss of movement or sensation
Vision and hearing problems
Personality and cognitive changes
Increased pressure in the brain (hydrocephalus)
Hormonal imbalances (in pituitary tumours)

Immediate treatment reduces the risk of long-term complications and helps maintain quality of life.

Prevention

While brain tumours cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle and health practices may help reduce overall risk and promote better brain health.

Avoid exposure to unnecessary radiation, especially to the head and neck region, unless medically required
Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, whole grains and fresh produce to support healthy cell function
Adopt protective measures in workplaces where you may be exposed to chemicals or industrial toxins
Manage chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which may contribute to poor vascular and cellular health

If you have a family history or known genetic predisposition, schedule regular medical check-ups and discuss screening options with your specialist.

These steps do not eliminate the risk, but they can support early detection, reduce environmental exposure and improve long-term neurological health.

Living with a Brain Tumour

Living with a brain tumour involves ongoing care, lifestyle adjustments and emotional support.

Daily Management Tips:

Follow your treatment plan and attend all follow-up scans
Manage fatigue through rest, nutrition and gentle activity
Seek counselling or support groups for mental well-being
Discuss rehabilitation options for speech, mobility or balance
Avoid driving or risky activities if you experience seizures

Supportive care, therapy and family involvement are vital for recovery and maintaining independence.

Navigating Brain Tumour in Singapore

The Problem and Types of Brain Tumour

Brain tumours can affect both adults and children, ranging from benign (non-cancerous) growths to aggressive malignant tumours. They may arise from brain tissue (primary tumours) or spread from cancers elsewhere in the body (secondary or metastatic tumours). Common types include gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary tumours, each presenting with different symptoms depending on their location in the brain.

Consultation to Ongoing Care

Managing a brain tumour in Singapore starts with a detailed consultation at a hospital or cancer centre. Specialists will review your symptoms, conduct imaging scans, and discuss your medical history and overall health to decide if a biopsy or surgical removal is needed. If cancer is confirmed, your brain tumour specialist will outline a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis.

Following initial treatment, patients typically continue with ongoing monitoring through regular imaging scans to check for recurrence or new tumour activity. Rehabilitation support — such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy — helps patients regain independence and manage side effects.

When to Seek Help

You should seek medical attention for a brain tumour in Singapore if you experience persistent or worsening headaches, sudden vision changes, seizures, or difficulties with speech, balance or coordination. Other warning signs may include progressive memory loss, confusion or unexplained fatigue.

Early detection and diagnosis are essential for improving outcomes and managing symptoms effectively. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological changes, it is best to speak to a brain tumour specialist for evaluation.

Find a Brain Tumour Specialist in Singapore

You don’t have to face a brain tumour alone. If you or someone you know has symptoms or has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, getting the right specialist support makes all the difference.

A brain tumour specialist can provide a clear diagnosis, explain your tumour type and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Get in touch with a Brain Tumour specialist today. You can contact us via WhatsApp to book an appointment or ask any questions.

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