Overview
Brain tumours in teenagers and young adults are abnormal growths of cells within the brain or central nervous system that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They are among the most common solid tumours in this age group and can significantly impact neurological function, cognition, and quality of life. The effects depend on the tumour’s size, type, location, and growth rate. Early detection and treatment are vital to improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications.
Commonly Associated
- Low-grade gliomas – slow-growing tumours common in this age group
- High-grade gliomas (e.g., glioblastoma) – aggressive and fast-growing
- Medulloblastoma – rare but can occur in older children and young adults
- Ependymoma – may develop in the brain or spinal cord
- Craniopharyngioma – usually benign but can affect hormones and vision
- Germ cell tumours – can arise in or near the brain’s midline
Causes
The causes are often unclear, but several factors can increase risk:
- Genetic predispositions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis
- Inherited gene mutations affecting cell growth regulation
- Radiation exposure, especially to the head during earlier treatments
- Rarely, family history of brain tumours or childhood cancers
Symptoms
Symptoms vary with tumour size and location but often include:
- Persistent headaches, often worse in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure
- Seizures or new-onset epilepsy
- Vision or hearing changes, including blurred vision or hearing loss
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Cognitive changes, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
- Behavioral or personality changes
Exams & Tests – Brain Tumours: Teenagers and Young Adults
A thorough diagnosis involves neurological assessments and imaging:
- MRI or CT scan – to locate and characterize the tumour
- Biopsy – to identify tumour type and grade
- Lumbar puncture – may detect tumour cells in cerebrospinal fluid (for some types)
- Blood and hormonal tests – if the tumour affects the pituitary or endocrine system
Treatment Of – Brain Tumours: Teenagers and Young Adults
Treatment plans are personalized based on tumour type, grade, and location:
- Surgery – primary treatment to remove as much tumour as possible
- Radiation therapy – to destroy remaining cancer cells or control tumour growth
- Chemotherapy – used alone or in combination with other treatments
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy – new treatments for specific tumour types
- Rehabilitation – including physical, occupational, and cognitive therapy for recovery
- Supportive care – psychological support and long-term follow-up for recurrence monitoring
Source – Brain Tumours: Teenagers and Young Adults
- Cancer Research UK – Brain Tumours in Teenagers and Young Adults
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Brain and Spinal Cord Tumours in Adolescents and Young Adults
- NHS UK – Brain Tumours
