Brain Tumours & Metastases

5 December 2025

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the skull. Tumours can be:

Primary brain tumours – starting in the brain or its coverings
Brain metastases (secondary tumours) – cancers that have spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body (for example, lung, breast, skin, bowel)

Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours can cause problems by pressing on delicate brain tissue and disrupting functions such as movement, speech, vision or memory.

Accurate imaging is essential to understand what is happening and plan the right next steps.

At The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury, you have fast access to consultant review and high-resolution MRI brain scans, with clear onward referral to neurosurgical and oncology teams where required.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the tumour’s size and location. Common features include:

Headaches – often worse in the morning, when bending over, coughing or straining
Seizures (fits) – including a first seizure in adulthood
Weakness or clumsiness – especially on one side of the body
Balance or coordination problems
Changes in vision – blurred or double vision, visual field loss
Speech or language difficulties – slurred speech, word-finding problems or difficulty understanding speech
Personality or behaviour change – increased irritability, apathy or confusion
Memory and concentration problems
Nausea and vomiting – particularly with headaches
Drowsiness or reduced level of alertness in more advanced cases

Symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months, but occasionally they appear more suddenly.

Who Is At Risk?

Brain tumours and brain metastases can affect adults of any age. Risk factors may include:

Previous radiotherapy to the head or neck
Certain genetic conditions and family history of brain tumours
A known history of cancer elsewhere in the body (for example, breast, lung, melanoma, kidney or bowel cancer)
Weakened immune system (for example, after transplant or with some infections)

Many people have no obvious risk factor – the majority of brain tumours arise sporadically.

Diagnosis At The New Foscote Hospital

If a brain tumour or brain metastases are suspected, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is vital.

At The New Foscote Hospital, your pathway may include:

Specialist consultant assessment
- Detailed history of symptoms and neurological examination
- Review of any previous scans or reports
MRI brain scan
- High-resolution MRI brain, with contrast where indicated, to identify tumours, swelling and any pressure on surrounding structures
- Advanced sequences where needed to help characterise tumour type and involvement
Additional imaging where appropriate
- MRI spine if there are concerns about spread to the spinal cord
- CT scans via our partner hospital network or NHS if clinically indicated
Blood tests and baseline investigations
- To support onward treatment planning and identify any associated conditions

Following your scan and consultation, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings and recommendations for the next steps.

If a tumour or brain metastases are identified, we can coordinate onward referral to a neurosurgical or neuro-oncology team for definitive treatment, while continuing to support symptom control and follow-up imaging at The New Foscote Hospital.

Treatment And Onward Care

The New Foscote Hospital does not perform brain tumour surgery or radiotherapy on site. Instead, our role is to:

Provide early diagnosis with MRI and consultant review
Help stabilise and manage symptoms such as headaches or seizures
Coordinate rapid referral to specialist neurosurgical and oncology centres
Offer follow-up imaging and consultant appointments closer to home

Treatment options recommended by your neurosurgical or oncology team may include:

Neurosurgical removal or debulking of the tumour
Radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery
Chemotherapy, targeted therapies or immunotherapy
Symptom-based medication such as anti-seizure drugs, steroids or pain relief

Your consultant at The New Foscote Hospital can work alongside your wider team to support ongoing monitoring and quality of life.

When To Seek Specialist Help

You should seek medical advice urgently – via your GP, NHS 111 or emergency services – if you experience:

A first seizure or unexplained collapse
Sudden weakness, speech or vision problems
Persistent or worsening headaches, especially with vomiting or drowsiness
Any combination of neurological symptoms that are getting progressively worse over days or weeks

You may be referred to The New Foscote Hospital for:

MRI brain scanning after an abnormal neurological examination or previous imaging
Further investigation of new or changing neurological symptoms
Ongoing surveillance scans for known brain tumours or metastases
A second opinion on existing imaging and future management options

Early imaging and consultant review can help clarify the cause of symptoms and ensure you are referred to the right specialists as quickly as possible.

Arranging A Private MRI Brain Scan

If you are concerned about possible brain tumour symptoms, have been advised to have an MRI brain scan, or need follow-up imaging:

Your GP or specialist can refer you directly for an MRI brain scan at The New Foscote Hospital
Self-pay and insured patients are welcome, subject to authorisation where needed
Appointments are usually available quickly, with fast reporting by experienced neuroradiologists

To find out more or to book:

Make An Enquiry

Our aim is to provide clear answers, prompt imaging and a coordinated plan – from first concern through to diagnosis, onward referral and follow-up.