Is a brain tumour deadly?

Yes, a brain tumour can be deadly. Unfortunately, brain tumours are usually very aggressive and difficult to treat. The size and location of the tumour, as well as its type, will determine how deadly it is or whether it is even life-threatening at all.

If the tumour is found to be malignant (cancerous), it can cause serious damage by increasing pressure in the skull due to its growth, causing seizures and other neurological problems. In some cases this can be fatal if left untreated or not treated in time. Tumours also have a tendency of invading normal tissue around them causing further damage to healthy cells and organs which could lead to death.

Most studies indicate that overall survival rate for people with a primary brain tumor varies greatly depending on many factors such as age of diagnosis, tumor grade/stage and size of the tumor etc., ranging from 1 – 96%. For example glioblastomas are one of the more common types of aggressive tumors but only 10% survive beyond 5 years after diagnosis when treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy or chemoradiation therapy combined with targeted treatment drugs like Avastin (bevacizumab).

It is important for anyone who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor to consult their doctor regarding options available for treatment so that they can improve their chances at survival should it prove necessary. Early detection may save lives so don't hesitate should you discover any possible signs or symptoms related to brain tumors such as headaches that won't go away or persistent nausea/vomiting etc..