{"id":20402,"date":"2026-05-18T16:16:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T21:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/?p=20402"},"modified":"2026-05-18T16:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T21:20:00","slug":"how-to-know-if-you-have-a-brain-tumor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-you-have-a-brain-tumor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Know if You Have a Brain Tumor"},"content":{"rendered":"

The internet can make anything sound scary. Headaches, dizziness or even smelling things that aren\u2019t there could be nothing. Or could it all really be a brain tumor? Most of the time, these symptoms have far more common, less serious causes, but it\u2019s helpful to know what to watch for.<\/p>\n

Andrew Tsung, MD<\/a>, vice president, OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute<\/a>, cuts through the noise and addresses the most common brain tumor myths and warning signs so you can separate fact from fiction.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrain tumors are very rare, and most of the symptoms people worry about are extremely unlikely to indicate a tumor,\u201d said Dr. Tsung. \u201cAnd even when a tumor is present, many are benign, meaning they aren\u2019t cancerous and can often be treated successfully. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors are even less common.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding what\u2019s common and what\u2019s worth a closer look can help you feel more confident about when to check in with your doctor.<\/p>\n

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Talk to a doctor about your symptoms<\/p>\n

Find a primary care provider near you<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Do brain tumors cause headaches?<\/h3>\n

Yes, brain tumors can cause headaches. However, headaches are very common, and there are many more likely reasons for them including stress, dehydration, tension or even just a long day at the computer. Knowing what\u2019s typical for your body can help you decide when to check in with a doctor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What a normal headache feels like<\/h4>\n

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and usually feel like a tight band around your forehead or the back of your head and neck. The pain is steady, mild to moderate and often improves with rest, hydration or over-the-counter pain medicine.<\/p>\n

Migraines are more intense<\/a>, often pounding or throbbing, usually on one side of your head. They can come with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound or visual \u201cauras\u201d like flashing lights. Migraines can last hours or even a few days, but they usually follow a pattern you recognize if you get them regularly.<\/p>\n

How a brain tumor headache might feel<\/h4>\n

Headaches caused by a tumor are much less common, but there are a few differences that can help you spot them:<\/p>\n