A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain and can be either cancerous or non-cancerous.
While brain tumours are rare in Scotland, Dr David Jenkinson, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, has said urgent action is needed. The doctor says the rise in cases over the past two decades is not being matched by the tangible progress in diagnosis.
The charity group found the number of brain tumours diagnosed annually in Scotland rose from 822 in 2000-02 to 1,069 in 2017-19. Nearly eight per cent fewer cases were diagnosed in Scotland in 2020 compared to 2019, following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Public Health Scotland data.
This comes as a young Scots mum discovered she had a brain tumour after going to her dentist with a toothache.
It was originally thought 29-year-old Emma Webster was experiencing neuralgia, a stabbing pain due to an irritated or damaged nerve.
However, after the pain didn't go away for six months Emma was referred to the neurology department at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
Following an MRI scan she was given the news she had a brain tumour behind her right eye in January 2019.
Emma then had an operation to remove 70 percent of the benign tumour in March of 2019. The Scots mum struggled with headaches and problems with balance for the next eight months.
Thankfully the medication finally started to make her feel better and now she has yearly scans to check the growth of the tumour, and is expecting a second child in October 2022.
This may leave some wondering about possible brain tumour warning signs, as they can vary from person to person. Here is key information and some brain tumour symptoms that you should look out for.
Brain tumour symptoms
While a toothache is not generally not a symptom of a brain tumour, it may be among so many others that may have triggered it.
Dr David Jenkinson of The Brain Tumour Charity, has said that renewed action to support more people to recognise the signs and to see an NHS doctor is needed.
Dr Jenkinson said: "The warning signs vary by age group, as well as due to the type of tumour and where in the brain it is located.
"We’d encourage anyone who is worried about a symptom that’s unusual for them, and particularly if it is persistent or they experience a combination of symptoms, to speak to their doctor – to help rule a brain tumour out."
Symptoms in adults can include:
- Headache
- Changes in vision
- Seizures
- Nausea & dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste and smell
Symptoms for children can include:
- Abnormal head position
- Abnormal growth
- Reduced consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance problems
- Behaviour changes
- Delayed puberty
- Excessive thirst
If you are concerned about symptoms or are experiencing symptoms regularly you should speak to your GP. Your GP may then refer you to a neurologist for further assessment and tests, such as a brain scan.
The Brain Tumour Charity also has a phone line where you can discuss possible signs and symptoms. They can be found on 0808 800 0004.
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