In Malaysia, brain and central nervous system cancers account for about 1.7% of newly diagnosed cancer cases, with an incidence of 1.26 per 100,000 people annually. Among children under 14, the rate is estimated at two per 100,000.
Consultant neurosurgeon Dr Ravindran Karuppiah explained that a brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding areas.
“Benign tumours like meningiomas tend to grow slowly and don’t spread, but they can still cause significant symptoms due to the pressure they exert on nearby brain structures,” he said.
“Malignant tumours, such as glioblastomas, are cancerous, grow rapidly, and can invade nearby tissues.”
Tumours are also categorised as primary, arising directly within the brain, or secondary, when cancer spreads from another part of the body to the brain.
Tumours on the rise?
Although brain tumours are less common compared to other cancers, Malaysia has seen a noticeable increase in diagnosed cases. This, however, may not signal an actual rise in prevalence.
“With greater public awareness and wider availability of advanced imaging tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, more cases are being detected early,” Ravindran noted.
“People are more likely to investigate persistent symptoms today than they were 20 years ago.”
Brain tumours are surrounded by misconceptions, many of which delay diagnosis or cause unnecessary panic.
“One common myth is that a headache means you have a brain tumour. Headaches are actually a very non-specific symptom. It’s only worrisome if it’s accompanied by visual disturbances, speech difficulties, weakness, or numbness in the limbs,” Ravindran said.
Another popular misconception is that brain surgery leads to personality changes or loss of function.
“Modern medical technology has dramatically changed the landscape,” he added. “Surgical precision today is far greater, and outcomes are much improved. Patients are now recovering faster and with fewer complications.”
And what about mobile phones? “There’s no solid evidence that normal mobile phone use significantly increases the risk of brain tumours.”
So, what causes them?
In most cases, the exact cause of brain tumours remains unknown.
“Most brain tumours are sporadic,” Ravindran said. “A small number are linked to genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, a disorder that causes tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body, including the brain.”
While lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, or stress are important for overall well-being, they do not have a direct, proven link to brain-tumour development. A healthy lifestyle can support better outcomes during recovery and treatment.
Ravindran stressed that one of the most powerful tools in improving outcomes is early detection – but recognising the signs can be tricky.
“Brain tumours don’t always present in the same way. Some common red flags include persistent headaches, seizures, blurred vision, weakness in the arms or legs, speech difficulties, and unexplained personality changes.”
In terms of treatment, neurosurgery has come a long way over the years. “We now use high-resolution MRI and functional imaging to precisely locate and assess brain tumours,” Ravindran said.
“Neuronavigation systems, intraoperative MRI, and intraoperative nerve monitoring help guide our surgeries in real time.”
He also highlighted the rise of less-invasive techniques such as awake craniotomy and keyhole surgery. “These approaches have shortened hospital stays and reduced recovery time. In many cases, patients can return to normal life much sooner than expected.”
Ultimately, with early detection, cutting-edge technology, and a holistic approach to care, patients are living longer, recovering better, and reclaiming their lives.
“The most important thing you can do is to listen to your body, stay informed, and never hesitate to seek medical advice. A timely consultation and imaging can make all the difference,” Ravindran concluded.