A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are benign (non-cancerous), which means they won’t spread through the body or to other parts of the brain, while others are malignant (cancerous) and so need more treatment. Unfortunately, both types of tumour in the brain can have serious consequences, because the skull does not allow room for expansion. This means even a small tumour can put pressure on and damage vital areas.
Types of brain tumours
Brain tumours fall into two main categories:
- Primary tumours – These originate in the brain. Examples include gliomas (which start in the brain’s glial cells) and meningiomas (which develop in the membranes surrounding the brain).
- Secondary tumours – These are cancers that have spread (metastasised) from another part of the body, such as the lungs or breast.
Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type, while acoustic neuromas are usually slow-growing but can still cause serious symptoms.
What are the symptoms of the different kinds of brain tumour?
Where a tumour grows in the brain determines its symptoms:
- Frontal lobe: A tumour here can affect personality, behaviour, problem-solving, and movement. Patients may become aggressive or struggle with decision-making.
- Temporal lobe: This area controls memory and speech. A tumour may cause speech difficulties, memory loss, and even hallucinations.
- Parietal lobe: This affects coordination and sensation. A patient may struggle with reading, writing, or recognising objects.
- Occipital lobe: A tumour in this region can lead to vision problems or blindness.
- Cerebellum: This controls balance and coordination. A tumour may cause dizziness, unsteady movement, and trouble swallowing.
- Brainstem: This controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. A tumour here can be life-threatening.
The consequences of delayed diagnosis of a brain tumour
Brain tumours can cause:
- Severe headaches
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Paralysis or weakness
- Speech problems
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Changes in vision, such as wobbly eyes, zig-zag lines, or blurred vision
Some tumours grow slowly, but others progress rapidly. If a diagnosis is delayed, the tumour may become inoperable, spread to other areas, or cause irreversible brain damage.
A delayed diagnosis often happens when doctors mistake symptoms for less serious conditions like migraines, stress, or ear infections. This can have devastating effects for patients and their families. In some cases, it can be grounds for a clinical negligence claim if the delay was due to a failure to properly investigate symptoms.
Case Study: A Missed Diagnosis and a Legal Claim
David, a 42-year-old electrician, began experiencing severe headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. He noticed occasional episodes where his vision became wobbly, and he saw zig-zag lines in his peripheral vision. Concerned, he visited his GP multiple times over the course of more than 12 months. Each time, he was told he had migraines, given painkillers, and advised to rest.
As the months passed, his symptoms worsened, but he was repeatedly reassured it was nothing serious. Eventually, he collapsed at work. A hospital scan revealed a large brain tumour pressing on his optic nerve.
Because of its size and location, surgery was far more complex than it would have been if the tumour had been diagnosed earlier. The procedure carried greater risks, and David also required radiotherapy to treat the remaining tumour cells. Had his condition been recognised a year earlier, he could have undergone a much simpler operation without the need for further treatment.
His family pursued a clinical negligence claim against his GP. We argued that the doctor had failed to consider a brain tumour despite “red flag” symptoms like persistent headaches and vision changes. A neurologist acting as an expert witness confirmed that, with earlier imaging, the tumour could have been detected months earlier, avoiding the need for complex surgery and radiotherapy.
The case settled out of court for a seven-figure sum, compensating David for his lost earnings, pain and suffering, and ongoing care costs. While no amount of money could restore his health, it helped support his family and pay for adjustments to his home.
The importance of early diagnosis of brain tumours
If you experience symptoms like persistent headaches, seizures, unexplained personality changes, or changes in vision such as seeing zig-zag lines or experiencing wobbly eyes, push for further testing. GPs should refer patients for urgent brain scans if there are warning signs.
Delays in diagnosis can have tragic consequences, but patients have legal rights. If a medical professional fails to take symptoms seriously, resulting in harm, a medical negligence claim can provide financial support and hold those responsible to account.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a delayed brain tumour diagnosis, seeking legal advice could be the first step toward justice. Please contact our team.