What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an abnormal, uncontrollable way.
Brain tumours are graded according to how fast they grow and how likely they are to grow back after treatment.
There are 2 main types of brain tumours:
- Non-cancerous (benign or non-malignant) tumours that tend to grow slower and are less likely to return after treatment. They may include meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, schwannomas, acoustic neuromas, epidermoid cysts, colloid cysts hemangioblastomas and craniopharyngiomas.
- Cancerous (malignant) tumours grow faster and are more difficult to treat. They either start in the brain (primary tumours) or spread into the brain from elsewhere (secondary tumours). They’re more likely to grow back after treatment. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about specific types of brain tumours and, in particular, malignant tumours (Grades 3 and 4).
Symptoms of non-malignant brain tumours
The symptoms of a brain tumour can vary depending on the location and size of the tumour.
Some common symptoms in adults and children include:
| Adults & Children | Children |
| Headaches – which are persistent or which worsen. | Developmental Delays – there may be regression or delays in developmental milestones or delayed puberty. |
| Seizures – these can occur if the tumour affects the brain’s electrical activity | Growth Problems – hormonal imbalances can affect a baby or child’s growth rate. |
| Cognitive and Memory Problems – can include difficulty concentrating and confusion. | Increased Head Size – a baby’s head circumference may have jumped in size compared to their length and weight. |
| Changes in Eyesight – may include abnormal eye movements, blurred or double vision. | Abnormal Head Position – a child may have a stiff neck or difficulties turning their head. |
| Hearing or Speech Problems – can include tinnitus or hearing loss. | |
| Balance and Coordination Issues | |
| Nausea or Vomiting | |
| Fatigue/Lethargy, Drowsiness or Dizziness | |
| Personality or Behavioural Changes – this could include irritability or altered behaviour. | |
| Numbness, Tingling or Weakness – depending on where the tumour is located, it may result in weakness and tingling in certain parts of the body. | |
| Hormonal Imbalance – brain tumours can affect the production and regulation of certain hormones |
Consequences of a missed or delayed diagnosis of a non-malignant brain tumour
A missed or delayed diagnosis of a non-malignant brain tumour can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing due to the size, location, and effect on surrounding brain tissue. The sooner they are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Some of the potential consequences for missed or delayed diagnosis of a non-malignant brain tumour include:
- Progression of the tumour: A missed or delayed diagnosis means that the tumour is not being treated or managed appropriately. This can lead to the tumour growing and potentially causing more damage to surrounding brain tissue.
- Increased risk of complications: Non-malignant brain tumours can cause complications including seizures, neurological deficits, vision or hearing problems, cognitive impairments, physical changes and hormonal imbalances. A missed or delayed diagnosis can increase the risk of these complications occurring or worsening. Early diagnosis and treatment when the tumour is smaller may help prevent or minimise these complications.
- Reduced treatment options and intervention: Early treatment is crucial for non-malignant brain tumours to prevent further growth and minimise potential complications. Depending on the type, size, and location of the tumour, different treatment options will be available, such as surgical resection, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies. A missed or delayed diagnosis can result in a delay in receiving appropriate treatment or may mean certain treatments are no longer available because the tumour has grown too large.
- Impact on quality of life: Symptoms such as headaches, cognitive changes, motor deficits, and emotional disturbances can affect daily activities, relationships, and overall wellbeing. A missed or delayed diagnosis could prolong the time that an individual experiences these symptoms and may result in a reduced quality of life.
- Psychological and emotional distress: The uncertainty and anxiety associated with undiagnosed symptoms can take a toll on psychological and emotional well-being leading to increased anxiety, depression, and emotional strain.
- Financial implications: A missed or delayed diagnosis can result in increased medical expenses, as more extensive treatment or interventions may be required due to the tumour’s progression. Additionally, there may be financial implications related to loss of income, caregiver expenses, and ongoing medical care.
Other medical negligence claims relating to non-malignant brain tumours
As well as late diagnosis or misdiagnosis, there are other types of medical negligence claims relating to:
- Mistakes made just before, during or just after an operation or procedure to treat a brain tumour.
- Mistakes made when prescribing drugs or recommending treatment options, including neglecting to obtain informed consent.
- Failures to give correct (or any) advice about the risks involved in any treatment options.
How Bolt Burdon Kemp can help
We have a dedicated brain injury division who act for people who have suffered a brain injury through clinical negligence. Our team is made up of kind, compassionate and dedicated people who provide exceptional client care. Our specialism in this area means that we have in-depth knowledge and experience of the complex and evolving needs of a person affected by brain tumour. We understand the emotional distress and anxiety that a missed or delayed diagnosis can bring and recognise that the impact can be devastating. We have extensive experience in proving negligence in brain tumour claims and work with leading medical experts to provide evidence in these claims.
We have represented clients with many types of brain tumours including:
- Vestibular schwannoma/acoustic neuroma
- Trigeminal schwannoma
- Multiple meningiomas
- Pituitary tumour
- Pilocyctic astrocytoma
