Early Warning Signs of Brain Cancer: New Research Insights
Brain cancer remains one of the most lethal illnesses, making early detection vital for improving survival rates. Some symptoms, like sudden severe headaches and dizziness, are pretty obvious, but others, perhaps more subtle ones, like unusual smells or changes in vision, can easily be overlooked.
Recently, a team of international researchers has sounded the alarm about another early warning sign that millions may experience. About 10% of adults in the U.S. encounter a seizure at some point in their lives. A study published in JAMA Neurology has revealed that this unusual brain activity could be an early indicator of brain cancer.
However, it’s important to note, as Dr. Randy D’Amico, the director of the Brain and Spine Metastasis Program at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, points out, that just because someone experiences a seizure doesn’t automatically mean they have cancer. “I think the seizure is the smoke, not necessarily the fire,” he explained. “The fire is probably already ongoing within the brain. You have to treat a first-time seizure as a very serious event.”
The study analyzed nearly 49,900 adults from Denmark who experienced their first seizure, typically around the age of 50. They found a correlation between first seizures and a heightened immediate risk of developing cancer within a year, along with an elevated long-term risk.
This connection makes sense to Dr. D’Amico. “Tumors in the brain cortex or swelling can disrupt normal electrical activity,” he said. “When that happens, or due to increased pressure from the tumor, seizures might occur.”
Interestingly, a first seizure in adulthood can also indicate the presence of non-neurological cancers, particularly lung, bronchial, and tracheal cancers. Dr. D’Amico noted that the cancer can affect the brain regardless of where it originates in the body. “You may not know you have cancer, but the tumor or developing cancer can cause small metastatic disease in the brain,” he remarked, adding that lung cancer often spreads to the brain, often provoking seizures.
Although the risk of developing cancer shortly after a seizure is significant, Dr. D’Amico encourages people to approach the situation with urgency rather than panic. Seizures can stem from various causes, including imbalances in sodium, inflammation, breathing issues, hypoxia, or fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
“The important takeaway is that the first seizure may indicate something serious is occurring,” he advised. “If you overlook that early warning, it could delay a timely diagnosis.”
