Brain Cancer (Tumour) Symptoms and Treatment Malaysia

Doctor reviewing brain tumor diagnosis scans on a laptop.

What is a Brain Tumour? (Primary and Secondary Types)

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside or around the brain. It can affect how the brain works, depending on its size and location.

There are two main types:

Primary tumours that start in the brain
Secondary tumours that spread from other parts of the body

At SJMC, our specialists are trained to diagnose and treat all types of brain tumours using advanced technology and personalised care for every patient.

Common Types of Brain Tumours: Benign and Malignant

Brain tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign tumours grow slowly and are noncancerous, while malignant tumours grow faster and can invade nearby tissue.

Gliomas

Meningiomas

Metastatic brain tumours

Gliomas

Meningiomas

Metastatic brain tumours

SJMC provides precise diagnosis and treatment for all types to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

Recognising Early Symptoms and Warning Signs of Brain Tumours

Symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s location. Common signs may include:

Persistent headaches

Nausea or vomiting

Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision

Balance or coordination issues

Memory loss or changes in personality

Persistent headaches

Nausea or vomiting

Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision

Balance or coordination issues

Memory loss or changes in personality

Early detection is crucial. Our Cancer & Radiosurgery Centre offers advanced diagnostic scans and timely assessments by experienced neurologists and oncologists.

How Brain Tumours are Diagnosed: MRI, CT and Biopsy

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. SJMC offers:

Specialist preparing a CT scanner for a brain tumor diagnosis test.

MRI scans for detailed images of the brain

Patient undergoing a brain tumor test in a modern CT scanner machine.

CT scans to identify the tumour’s size and location

Lab specialist analyzing brain tumor biopsy sample with a microscope.

Biopsies to confirm the tumour type

MRI scans for detailed images of the brain

CT scans to identify the tumour’s size and location

Biopsies to confirm the tumour type

Our advanced facilities ensure accurate results to guide personalised treatment plans.

Advanced Brain Tumour Treatment and Surgical Options

Treatment depends on the tumour type, size, and location. SJMC provides:

Surgery to remove or reduce tumours

Radiation therapy to target cancer cells

Targeted therapy using medication to block tumour growth

Surgery to remove or reduce tumours

Radiation therapy to target cancer cells

Targeted therapy using medication to block tumour growth

We also offer minimally invasive radiosurgery, allowing patients to recover faster while maintaining brain function.

Patient receiving brain cancer treatment like chemotherapy.

Managing Side Effects of Brain Cancer Treatments

Treatment may cause side effects, including fatigue, nausea, or temporary hair loss. SJMC’s care team supports patients in managing these effects with personalised therapies, nutrition advice, and ongoing monitoring.

Patient receiving post-operative care after brain tumor surgery.

Post Treatment Care and Rehabilitation for Patients

Recovery continues after treatment. We provide follow-up scans and consultations, rehabilitation through physiotherapy, and emotional and psychological support to help patients regain strength and confidence.

FAQs About Brain Tumour

Common symptoms include persistent headaches, nausea, vision problems, memory loss, and balance issues.

Specialists begin with a physical and neurological examination to test vision, hearing, and balance. Following this, advanced imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans pinpoint the exact location of the mass. Finally, a biopsy extracts a tissue sample to confirm malignancy and determine the exact cell type.

Brain tumours are primarily categorized into two main groups: 
• Benign (Non-cancerous): Slow-growing masses that rarely spread, such as meningiomas and pituitary adenomas. 
• Malignant (Cancerous): Aggressive abnormal cells that multiply rapidly and invade surrounding tissue, such as glioblastomas and astrocytomas.

Yes, treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care.

The primary triggers for abnormal cell multiplication in the brain include: 
• Inherited genetic mutations or family history of specific syndromes (e.g., Neurofibromatosis). 
• Previous high-dose radiation exposure to the head. 
• Age, with risk increasing in older adults. 
For most primary cases, the exact initial trigger remains unidentified.

Early warning signs include persistent headaches, unexplained fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty with balance or coordination. Seek medical advice if these symptoms persist.

The primary distinctions lie in growth speed and cellular behavior: 
• Benign: These non-cancerous masses have clear borders, expand slowly, and remain confined to their original location. Surgical removal is often highly effective. 
• Malignant: These cancerous growths contain aggressive cells that multiply rapidly, lack distinct borders, and invade adjacent healthy brain tissue, requiring aggressive medical intervention.

In Malaysia, hospitals provide several targeted interventions depending on the diagnosis: 
1. Surgery: Physical removal of as much of the mass as safely possible. 
2. Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams used to destroy remaining abnormal cells. 
3. Targeted Therapy: Specialized medications designed to block specific molecular pathways, stopping cellular multiplication. 
4. Chemotherapy: Drugs administered orally or intravenously to kill fast-growing cells.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Most patients require a few weeks to months, along with rehabilitation and follow-up care.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent brain tumours, reducing exposure to radiation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular check-ups can help lower risks.

Common types of cancer

Brain Tumour

What is a Brain Tumour? (Primary and Secondary Types)