Expert Diagnosis of Brain Tumor Symptoms in Arizona

A brain tumor is a growth of abnormal cells inside the brain. Brain tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

Arizona’s finest neurological care is available at Dignity Health, including diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor symptoms in Arizona. Learn more about our comprehensive neurology services at each state-of-the-art location:

Find a Doctor online near you today for exceptional care.

 

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a brain tumor may include:

  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Visual problems
  • Changes in hearing
  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in mood
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking
  • Fatigue or sleepiness
  • Difficulty with movement and balance

Symptoms may change over time and depend on the size and location of the tumor or tumors in the brain.

Experiencing one, two, or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a brain tumor. Many of these symptoms occur as part of common medical conditions. However, if you experience these symptoms suddenly or they get worse over time, see your doctor for a full evaluation.

 

Diagnosing Brain Tumors at Dignity Health

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a thorough medical exam, including a neurological examination. This exam helps determine how well your nervous system is working. Your doctor will check your cognition (thinking and reasoning ability), hearing, vision, coordination, reflexes, balance, mobility, and strength. 

Your doctor may also order imaging tests to “see” inside your head. Imaging tests commonly used to diagnose or rule out brain tumors include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. MRI, CT, and PET scans help your doctor identify the location and size of possible brain tumors.

If a brain scan reveals a mass or suspicious area in or near your brain, your doctor will likely order a biopsy to learn more about the mass. During a biopsy, your doctor will remove a small bit of tissue and send it to the lab for analysis. A biopsy is necessary to determine if a tumor is malignant or benign. Your doctor uses biopsy results to guide treatment planning.

A complete, accurate diagnosis will help you and your doctor evaluate all of your options and plan the most effective treatment. 

Dignity Health provides expert diagnosis of brain tumor symptoms in Arizona.