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Brain Tumours in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Adult brain tumours (glioma, glioblastoma): symptoms, MRI and molecular diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Medical oncology in Mersin.
Key information
| Definition | Primary tumours arising from brain tissue (most often glioma) |
|---|---|
| Main risks | Usually no clear cause; previous radiation, rare hereditary syndromes |
| Common symptoms | New headache, seizures, weakness, speech or vision problems |
| Diagnosis | Contrast-enhanced brain MRI, biopsy or surgery, molecular markers |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, supportive treatment |
What are brain tumours?
Brain tumours are considered in two groups: primary tumours arising from brain tissue, and cancers from other organs that have spread to the brain (brain metastases). The most common malignant primary tumours in adults are gliomas; the most common and most aggressive type is glioblastoma. This page focuses on primary brain tumours in adults; treatment requires joint work by neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neurology and medical oncology [1][2].
Risk factors
In most primary brain tumours no clear cause is found. Previous radiation to the head and rare hereditary syndromes (e.g. neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni) are known risk factors [2][3].
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms depend on the location and growth rate of the tumour: new or changing headache, nausea and vomiting in the morning, seizures, weakness in an arm or leg, speech or vision problems, and changes in personality and behaviour may occur. A new seizure or progressive neurological signs require urgent assessment [1][3].
Most of these complaints can also be caused by other conditions; complaints that persist or get worse need to be assessed by a doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Contrast-enhanced brain MRI is the main imaging method. A definitive diagnosis is made by surgery or biopsy. According to the WHO 2021 classification, diagnosis combines histology with molecular markers such as IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion and MGMT promoter methylation; these are important for predicting both prognosis and treatment response [1][4].
Staging
Brain tumours are not staged with TNM; the tumour type, WHO grade (1–4) and molecular features are decisive. The patient’s general condition and age are also taken into account in the treatment plan [1][4].
Treatment options
- Surgery: Removing as much tumour as can be done safely is the first step for both diagnosis and treatment.
- Glioblastoma: Radiotherapy with concurrent and then maintenance temozolomide after surgery is the standard approach. In older patients or those in poor general condition, short-course radiotherapy and/or temozolomide may be chosen. Tumour treating fields (TTFields) are included in guidelines for selected patients.
- Low-grade and IDH-mutant gliomas: Observation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (PCV or temozolomide) are planned according to risk. In IDH-mutant grade 2 gliomas, vorasidenib is a new option that can delay the timing of radiotherapy/chemotherapy in selected patients.
- Recurrence: Options such as repeat surgery, re-irradiation, lomustine or bevacizumab are assessed individually; clinical trials are an important option.
- Supportive treatment: Steroids for oedema, anti-seizure medication and rehabilitation are an important part of treatment [4][5].
Treatment is planned individually, taking into account the stage, tumour characteristics, general condition and the patient’s preferences. Not every option listed here is suitable for every patient.
Recent developments
Molecular classification has changed diagnosis and treatment. The IDH inhibitor vorasidenib, approved in 2024, is one of the first targeted drugs for IDH-mutant gliomas; studies of immunotherapy and vaccines in glioblastoma are ongoing [4][5].
Support and follow-up during treatment
During treatment, not only the anti-cancer drugs but also the patient’s general condition is monitored. Nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, infection risk and changes in mood are asked about at every visit; when needed, preventive medication, nutritional support, physiotherapy and psychosocial support are planned. In situations such as fever, shortness of breath, uncontrollable diarrhoea or vomiting, or new severe pain, it is advisable to contact the treatment team without waiting for the scheduled visit. Herbal products and supplements can interact with some cancer drugs, so the treatment team should be consulted before using them.
After treatment, follow-up is done with MRI at regular intervals; because of ‘pseudoprogression’ that can be seen after radiotherapy, imaging findings should be interpreted by an experienced team.
Frequently asked questions
The vast majority of headaches are not caused by a brain tumour. Headaches that are new, increasing, accompanied by morning vomiting or associated with neurological signs should be assessed.
Glioblastomas with MGMT promoter methylation are more likely to benefit from temozolomide chemotherapy; this is used in treatment planning.
No. A brain metastasis is a cancer from another organ that has spread to the brain; depending on the original cancer, it is treated with surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and systemic therapy.
For patients who have had a seizure or have neurological signs, driving may be restricted for safety reasons; this should be discussed with your treatment team.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for a brain tumour in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour or would like a second opinion on your current treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your pathology report and imaging results.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- EANO-ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines – Diffuse gliomas. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-neuro-oncology
- WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (2021). Accessed: October 2026. https://tumourclassification.iarc.who.int/
- NCI – Brain Tumors (PDQ). Accessed: October 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain
- NCCN Guidelines – Central Nervous System Cancers. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
- ASCO-SNO Guideline – Therapy for Diffuse Astrocytic and Oligodendroglial Tumors. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/guidelines
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.