Cancer
Medicines for Brain tumour
A growth of abnormal cells in the brain, which may be non-cancerous or cancerous — symptoms depend on its location, and treatment is tailored by a specialist team.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Brain tumour?
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Tumours are graded from low (slow-growing) to high (fast-growing), and may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant); some cancers elsewhere in the body can also spread to the brain.
- How it is treated: Treatment is highly individual and depends on the type, grade, location and the person's health.
- Self-care: There are no proven lifestyle measures to prevent most brain tumours.
- When to seek help: See a GP about new, persistent or worsening headaches, especially with other symptoms.
What it is
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Tumours are graded from low (slow-growing) to high (fast-growing), and may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant); some cancers elsewhere in the body can also spread to the brain. Symptoms depend on the tumour's size and location and can include new, persistent or worsening headaches (sometimes worse in the morning or with coughing), seizures (fits), persistent nausea, vision or speech problems, weakness or numbness, balance problems, and changes in personality or memory. Many of these symptoms have far more common, harmless causes, but new, persistent or progressive symptoms warrant assessment. Diagnosis usually involves brain imaging such as MRI.
How it is treated
Treatment is highly individual and depends on the type, grade, location and the person's health. Options include surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, used alone or in combination; some slow-growing or small tumours are monitored. Newer targeted treatments are used for certain tumours. Alongside tumour treatment, symptoms such as seizures, swelling and headaches are managed, and rehabilitation supports function. Care is coordinated by a specialist neuro-oncology team, and support for the person and family is an important part of care.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Brain tumour
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
There are no proven lifestyle measures to prevent most brain tumours. Prompt assessment of new, persistent or progressive neurological symptoms, and support and rehabilitation during treatment, are the practical priorities.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about new, persistent or worsening headaches, especially with other symptoms. Call 999 for a first seizure, sudden severe headache, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision loss (which can also indicate a stroke).
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Brain tumour: frequently asked questions
Does a headache mean I have a brain tumour?
Almost always not — headaches are very common and usually harmless. Brain tumours are rare, but new, persistent or worsening headaches, especially with other symptoms like seizures or weakness, should be assessed.
Are all brain tumours cancer?
No. Some are non-cancerous (benign) and slow-growing, others are cancerous. Treatment depends on the type, grade and location, and is planned by a specialist team.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG99 — Brain tumours
- NHS — Brain tumours
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