Do Tumors Produce Warning Signs?

Tumors can be small or large, and they may produce symptoms or not. It is difficult to diagnose tumors based on symptoms alone. In fact, many of the warning signs also occur with other conditions.

While often associated with cancer, tumors can also be benign (non-cancerous). They’re defined as abnormal tissue masses that grow quickly or don’t die off as they should.

Tumors can be small or large and often don’t produce symptoms. In fact, symptoms alone are no way to diagnose a tumor.

This holds true for brain and spinal cord tumors that we treat at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California. The warning signs of tumors depend on the type and timing of each individual case, and, as always, early detection makes treatment easier.

Brain tumors

Primary brain tumors start around the brain, while secondary brain tumors start elsewhere in the body and travel to the brain. There are many types of primary brain tumors, and they can be benign or malignant.

The warning signs of a brain tumor often depend on its size and location. The speed of the tumor’s growth may also produce symptoms.

Since a growing tumor can press against brain tissue, any brain function in the area surrounding a tumor can be affected. This produces a very long list of potential symptoms. Some of the most common include:

Headaches
Head pressure
Vision problems, including blurry eyesight, double vision, or peripheral vision loss
Balance issues
Loss of sensation in an arm or leg
Loss of strength in an arm or leg
Impacted speech
Changes in cognitive ability
Seizures
Mood or personality changes
Changes in appetite or sleep habits
Hearing issues

Fatigue and depression could have their origin in a tumor as well.

Spinal cord tumors

Like brain tumors, primary tumors of the spinal cord originate in and around the spinal cord. These tumors are rare, but when they occur, they’re usually not cancerous. That said, benign spinal cord tumors can grow quickly.

These tumors usually produce warning signs due to pressure on surrounding tissue, often nerves branching off the spine. Many of these symptoms are shared with other conditions that cause pressure on nerve tissue.

When symptoms of spinal cord tumors appear, they include:

Back pain that may also radiate to other parts of the body
Localized pain that’s worse at night
Loss of sensation or weakness in the arms and legs
Trouble with walking
Coordination loss
Loss of heat sensitivity
Lost bladder or bowel function

Back pain is a common early symptom of spinal tumors. It can be easily overlooked if you already have a history of back pain. The progress of spinal tumors varies widely, depending on the type.

Contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates if you have persistent or progressive symptoms. We’re always ready to help, so call or click to book a consultation today.