Patient Care

Brain Tumour

2023/10/24
What is a Brain Tumour?

A Brain Tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign Brain Tumours do not contain cancer cells. Usually the tumour can be removed and it seldom grows back. The benign tumour cells do not invade tissues around them or spread to other parts of the body. However, benign Brain Tumours can press on the sensitive part of the brain and cause serious health problems. As such, the tumour can be life-threatening.

Malignant Brain Tumours contain cancer cells and are generally more serious than benign Brain Tumours. These tumours are often more life-threatening. The malignant tumour cells are likely to grow rapidly and invade the surrounding brain tissues.

The exact cause of Brain Tumours remains unknown.

What are the signs & symptoms of Brain Tumours?

Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Unexplained nausea or vomiting
  • Difficult with balance
  • Confusion in everyday matters
  • Personality or behaviour changes
  • Hearing problems
  • Speech difficulties
  • Vision problems
How are Brain Tumours diagnosed?

Brain Tumours are diagnosed by:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
  • Neurological examinations
  • Tests to trace cancer in other parts of body
  • Biopsy (Collecting and testing a sample of abnormal tissue)
What are the treatment options for Brain Tumours?

Treatment options include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy
Find A Doctor

Click here to access our Find A Doctor directory for a list of doctors treating this condition across our NUHS institutions.

You can search by -
  • Condition name 'Brain Tumour' AND
  • Institution
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National University Health System
  • National University Hospital
  • Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • Alexandra Hospital
  • Jurong Community Hospital
  • National University Polyclinics
  • Jurong Medical Centre
  • National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
  • National University Heart Centre, Singapore
  • National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore
  • NUHS Diagnostics
  • NUHS Pharmacy
  • Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
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