Benign brain tumours can also affect vital functions, warns Cleveland Clinic specialist

• On World Brain Tumour Day, neuro-oncologist Alejandro Torres Trejo highlights the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking early medical care to improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life.

6 June 2026, Cleveland. Brain tumours are not always cancerous, but that does not mean they are harmless. Even those classified as benign can seriously affect health when they compress brain tissue or interfere with essential brain functions, warned Dr. Alejandro Torres Trejo, a neuro-oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, on the occasion of World Brain Tumour Day.

The specialist stressed that early detection is one of the most important factors in improving patients’ prognosis. Identifying the disease in its early stages makes it possible to start treatment before the tumour grows and compromises critical areas related to movement, language, memory or behaviour.

Among the main warning signs, he mentioned persistent headaches, seizures, nausea or vomiting, vision problems, difficulty speaking or thinking, weakness or numbness, and changes in personality or behaviour. These symptoms can vary depending on the size, location and growth rate of the lesion.

“It is important not to ignore persistent symptoms and to seek medical advice in time. Early detection, together with today’s medical advances, can make a big difference to prognosis and quality of life”, said Torres Trejo.

According to the specialist, there are more than 150 types of brain tumours. The most common are grouped into glial tumours, such as gliomas and glioblastoma, and non-glial tumours, such as meningiomas and pituitary tumours. These lesions can be benign or malignant.

To diagnose the disease, doctors usually rely on imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), complemented by neurological assessments that help identify changes in brain function.

As for treatment, the neuro-oncologist highlighted that there are now multidisciplinary approaches that include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy. In addition, clinical research continues to develop increasingly precise and personalised alternatives.

Torres Trejo noted that brain tumours can significantly affect quality of life by compromising functions such as movement, language, memory and emotional state. He therefore stressed the importance of psychological support both for those facing the diagnosis and for their families throughout the care process.

He also recommended following the treatment plan prescribed by specialists, attending medical check-ups, maintaining proper nutrition, undergoing rehabilitation when necessary and having a strong emotional support network.

On World Brain Tumour Day, the specialist called on the public to pay attention to warning signs and seek timely medical care, recalling that acting in time can make a significant difference to the course of the disease and to the quality of life of those who have it.

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation, Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognised in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 83,000 employees worldwide are more than 6,600 salaried physicians and researchers, and 21,900 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,725-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 300 outpatient facilities and locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2025, there were 15.9 million outpatient visits, 343,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 336,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system.

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