Why Delaying a Brain Tumour Check-Up Can Be Fatal

The high-pressure demands of urban life often lead people to dismiss physical complaints, such as headaches, as insignificant. A cup of coffee or an instant painkiller is typically the go-to solution for relieving tension. However, persistent pain may not merely be a sign of work-related stress, but rather a danger signal sent from within the cranial cavity.

To date, a brain tumour diagnosis remains a terrifying prospect, often immediately associated with an end to everything. Public opinion has been shaped by narratives suggesting that disorders of the central nervous system always result in malignancy and despair. In reality, the medical world continues to advance, bringing new facts and technologies capable of altering patient safety outcomes.

Neurosurgeon dr Moch Evodia Slamet R, Sp.BS, states that many people mistakenly believe all types of brain tumours are cancerous or malignant. International medical data shows a much different reality.

Broadly speaking, dr Evodia explains that brain tumours are divided into two main groups. The first is primary tumours, which grow directly from brain tissue or the meninges. The second is secondary tumours (metastasis), which are cancer cells that have spread from other organs, such as the breast, lungs, or thyroid gland. Based on the international data presented, approximately 72 per cent of primary brain tumours are actually benign, while only 28 per cent are categorised as malignant.

Despite the dominance of benign tumours, dr Evodia warns the public against being complacent. The human cranial cavity is a sturdy box with very limited volume.

“Currently, many people assume all brain tumours are certainly malignant. In fact, most primary brain tumours are benign. However, both benign and malignant tumours can still be dangerous because they reside within the limited space of the skull, which can press against brain tissue and disrupt vital functions,” she said during a media gathering at RS Premier Bintaro titled ‘Brain Tumours Can Be Managed Optimally If Detected Early’ in Jakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026).

The slow-growing nature of brain tumours often means symptoms are subtle in the early stages. Dr Evodia noted that these conditions rarely appear suddenly with dramatic symptoms; instead, they develop gradually and are frequently mistaken for common health issues.