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Central nervous system tumors are tumors originating in the brain and spinal cord. Based on histological features, they are divided into benign and malignant categories, with common types including gliomas, meningiomas, and schwannomas. Although benign tumors grow slowly, they can still cause severe consequences within the enclosed cranial or spinal cavity. Malignant tumors progress rapidly, often causing neurological dysfunction, increased intracranial pressure, and even life-threatening complications in a short period of time.
Central nervous system tumors are reported worldwide. Western countries such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom have relatively high incidence, with mature diagnostic and treatment systems. In Southeast Asian regions including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, case recognition has also been increasing in recent years due to improved medical technology. The disease is prevalent among children and the elderly, with specific types commonly seen in children. The most severe hazard lies in the tumor compressing critical neural structures, affecting multiple functions such as language, movement, and consciousness.
Stage I: Localized tumor, better survival hope
Stage I tumors are small, well-defined, and have not invaded adjacent neural or vascular structures. They are often discovered incidentally during evaluation for minor symptoms. With preoperative imaging for precise localization, complete resection rates are high, and many cases require no further radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgery. The 5-year survival rate can reach 80%-90%, with good neurological recovery.
Stage II: Partial invasion, increasing risk
Stage II tumors have not fully breached anatomical boundaries but show mild infiltration of surrounding neurons or meninges, with significantly increased risk of recurrence after surgery. Symptoms at this stage are mild to moderate, and postoperative radiotherapy is sometimes required. Although response to treatment is still favorable, the 5-year survival rate decreases to 60%-70%, and prognosis varies widely after recurrence.
Stage III: Significant infiltration, requiring multidisciplinary intervention
Stage III tumors extensively infiltrate critical neural areas, such as the motor cortex, language centers, and thalamus. Some cases may also involve hydrocephalus or local necrosis. Complete resection by surgery alone is difficult, and treatment often requires radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune reconstruction cell therapy. Neurological function impairment must be assessed, and the 5-year survival rate drops to 40%-50%.
Stage IV: Advanced progression, severely limited survival
Stage IV is the most severe stage of central nervous system tumors, commonly including high-risk entities such as glioblastoma multiforme. Tumors may penetrate the ventricles, involve the spinal cord, or metastasize distantly. Patients present with severe intracranial hypertension, consciousness disorders, and recurrent seizures. Even with full treatment, survival remains limited, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Palliative and supportive care become essential at this stage.
1. Recurrent worsening headaches, especially in the morning
Headache is the most common initial symptom, typically most severe in the morning, often accompanied by nausea and projectile vomiting. The mechanism is usually increased intracranial pressure caused by tumor mass effect compressing meninges or ventricular systems, and is difficult to relieve.
2. Gradual vision blurring, with diplopia or visual field defects
Tumor compression of the optic nerve, optic chiasm, or occipital lobe visual centers may cause blurred vision, double vision, or black shadows. Severe cases may progress rapidly to optic atrophy and permanent blindness.
3. Unilateral limb weakness, numbness, or motor dysfunction
Tumors involving the motor cortex, internal capsule, or spinal tracts often lead to limb weakness, difficulty walking, or hemiplegia. Numbness may begin locally and gradually extend to half the body or distal limbs.
4. Sudden-onset seizures without warning
New-onset seizures are an important sign of adult brain tumors. Most begin focally, manifesting as mouth twitching, limb convulsions, or loss of consciousness. Some patients progress to generalized seizures, requiring emergency treatment.
5. Balance disturbance, vertigo, and vomiting
Tumors in the cerebellum or affecting vestibular pathways cause imbalance, severe vertigo, and persistent nausea impacting appetite. Some patients experience rotational vision or nystagmus.
6. Language expression disorder or comprehension difficulty
Tumors in the left frontal or temporal lobe may damage language centers, leading to poor vocabulary, broken sentences, or inability to understand simple conversations. This often affects daily communication, especially in highly educated individuals.
7. Noticeable emotional swings and personality changes
Frontal lobe tumors may alter emotions and behavior, causing irritability, apathy, indifference, or social withdrawal. Some previously mild patients may become aggressive, even toward family members.
8. Memory decline and impaired logical judgment
Patients may forget familiar names, daily activities, or respond inappropriately, significantly affecting work and study efficiency. This is due to dysfunction in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
9. Gradual decline in consciousness, severe cases coma
In late stages, tumors compress the brainstem, thalamus, and other vital areas, causing slow responses, confusion, and eventually deep coma, indicating a critical condition requiring urgent intervention.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that symptoms of central nervous system tumors are diverse and vary with tumor location. Early recognition of warning signs such as persistent headaches, speech disorders, and unilateral weakness is critical. Patients should seek medical evaluation promptly for standardized assessment to maximize cure rates and quality of life.
