A tumor that begins its growth in the brain is called a primary brain tumor. A tumor that grows elsewhere in the body, such as the liver or breast, and spreads to the brain, is a metastasized brain tumor. Not all brain tumors are caused by cancer. Non-cancerous tumors are called benign tumors. These are growths that do not invade tissue or spread to the rest of the body.
Benign tumors have well-defined borders.
Brain tumors may cause headaches, seizures, or swelling of the brain. They may also cause vision or speech problems, irritability or rapid mood changes, dizziness, weakness, difficulty walking or handling objects, nausea, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur without apparent cause, seek medical care immediately. If a cancerous tumor has spread and cannot be removed, surgery can be used to relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cells.