Dr Anastasia Fatyanova, an oncologist and candidate of medical sciences, has warned that sudden mood swings can be an unusual symptom of brain tumors.
Speaking to Russian news outlet Lenta.ru, the Gemotest Laboratory expert explained that non-specific emotional changes can occur when a malignant tumor compresses or damages regions of the brain responsible for emotions and self-control.
Fatyanova noted that these neurological changes can cause individuals to act completely out of character. A person who was previously reliable may become unpredictable, while someone who was once calm might experience emotional instability. In other instances, individuals who were previously enthusiastic about their work may suddenly lose interest in all activities and withdraw into themselves.
Candidate of medical sciences is an advanced postgraduate medical qualification in Russia equivalent to a doctorate, while Gemotest Laboratory is a major diagnostic medical network. Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths within the brain tissue or central skull cavity that can impair neurological functions by placing pressure on sensitive neural centers as they expand.
Impact on Self-Assessment
The doctor also highlighted that patients suffering from such brain tumors sometimes lose the ability to evaluate their own condition critically. This loss of self-awareness can lead individuals to carry out risky or inadequate actions without recognizing the danger.
Fatyanova stated that many patients and their families only recognize the pattern months after a formal diagnosis. She said relatives often recall that the person had become more irritable, indifferent, or unpredictable long before seeking care, but those early warning signs were initially dismissed as a midlife crisis, professional burnout, or youthful maximalism.
Accompanying Physical Symptoms
The oncologist clarified that such behavioral changes usually develop gradually and typically occur alongside other health issues. She advised that if persistent changes in behavior are accompanied by frequent headaches, deteriorating vision, or nausea and vomiting unrelated to food intake, individuals should promptly seek a medical evaluation.
The warning follows earlier statements from medical professionals in Mexico, who noted that headaches can also be a key symptom of brain cancer. The Mexican doctors specified that a malignant tumor should be suspected if headaches become constant and steadily intensify over time.
