A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or central nervous system, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Primary brain tumors originate from cells in the brain, while secondary or metastatic brain tumors spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body. Depending on their location and size, brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms: headaches, seizures, and cognitive or personality changes are common, and if language or motor regions are involved, the person may experience difficulties with speech, language understanding, or swallowing, as well as weakness or coordination problems.
SLPs often form part of the rehabilitation team for patients with brain tumors, both pre- and post-treatment – they address issues like aphasia (if the tumor or surgery affects language areas), dysarthria or apraxia of speech (if motor-speech areas are involved), and cognitive-communication impairments. They also help manage oropharyngeal dysphagia that can result from neurologic damage or treatments like brain surgery or radiation.
Lapointe, Sandra, Arie Perry, and Nicholas A. Butowski. “Primary Brain Tumours in Adults.” The Lancet 392 (2018).
National Cancer Institute. “Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version.” PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute (2025).
