The cancer symptom that appears - then disappears - when you stand up

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Eye problems are common for many people. Whether it is changes in your vision prompting new glasses or sore, tired eyes at the end of a long day most are common and not sinister.

However there are a number of things to watch for that could be a sign of something serious. One of these is a brain tumour.

While many people would get concerned at headaches, double vision or blurred eyesight there is one little known symptom that can be hard to spot as it appears - and disappears in seconds.

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According to the experts from the Brain Tumour Charity, loss of vision when you stand up, which returns in a few seconds, could be a red flag for the condition. They explain: "A brain tumour can cause a change in vision by causing pressure on the optic nerve or by creating swelling of the optic disc in the back of the eye."

It said there were a number of signs which appear in they eyes adding: "A change in vision sometimes caused by brain tumours is blurred vision. You could notice that it has become hard to watch TV or read.

"Another change in vision could be a sudden loss of vision lasting a few seconds (‘greying out’). This is usually related to changes in your posture, like suddenly standing up.

"Or you may find you have lost part of your field of vision. This could lead to you bumping into objects. Or you could feel as if objects or people are suddenly appearing on one side of you."

Human brain, computer illustration. and a tumour
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year

But it reassured people: "Please keep in mind that brain tumours are relatively rare. So, if you’ve had a change in vision, it’s likely that your symptoms are not because of a brain tumour. But, it’s always important to get any symptoms checked out at an opticians."

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According to the Charity more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year in the UK. Of these just over half, 53%, are found to have non-cancerous tumours and 47% with cancerous tumours.

Brain tumours reduce life expectancy by an average of 27 years - the highest of any cancer. There are currently at least 88,000 children and adults living with a brain tumour across the country.

More than 5,300 people will die as a result of their brain tumour every year with just 12% - around one in 10 - of adults surviving five years after diagnosis.

The Brain Tumour Charity has listed symptoms to watch for. And it explains what to do if you think you might have a brain tumour.

Brain tumour symptoms

Adult symptoms include:

  • headaches - headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a brain tumour.

  • changes in vision - changes to vision can include blurred or double vision, abnormal eye movements, restricted field of view and more.

  • seizures - seizures, sometimes referred to as ‘fits’, are one of the common symptoms of a brain tumour.

  • nausea and dizziness - nausea, as with headaches, may be worse in the morning or if you suddenly change position.

  • tiredness - tiredness is usually a later brain tumour symptom as the tumour grows and the pressure increases.

  • loss of taste and smell - although rare, loss of taste & smell can be linked with tumours in certain parts of the brain.

Children's symptoms include:

headaches - persistent headaches, particularly when waking up, can be a brain tumour symptom. changes in vision - brain tumours can cause abnormal eye movements, blurred or double vision. seizures - fits or seizures can have a variety of causes but should be viewed as a potentially serious symptom. balance problems - a loss or reduction in motor skills could be a sign of a serious illness, including a brain tumour. nausea and vomiting - persistent vomiting/feelings of nausea (over a two week period) can be a sign of a brain tumour. behaviour changes - behaviour changes like tiredness and lack of energy could be symptoms of a brain tumour. abnormal head position - a tilted head or stiff neck could be symptoms of a brain tumour in a child. delayed puberty - delayed or arrested puberty could be caused by a brain tumour abnormal growth - if your baby, child or teenager’s growth stops or is delayed this can be a sign of a brain tumour. excessive thirst -excessive thirst and increased urination in babies, children and teenagers can be a sign of diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, which can be caused by a brain tumour. reduced consciousness - reduced consciousness could be caused by a serious illness, including a brain tumour.

What to do if you have brain tumour symptoms

The charity advises: "Brain tumours are rare. But, if you’re worried and a symptom persists or if you have more than one symptom of a brain tumour then:

  • Talk to your doctor
    GP appointments are usually quite short, so make sure you find out how to best prepare for your appointment.

  • Get an eye test
    If your symptoms are limited to changes in vision and/or headaches, get your eyes tested by an optician before seeing your GP. Eye test are not just about testing your vision, but can also give an insight into your wider health.

  • Go to A&E
    If the symptoms are sudden or severe, or if experience a seizure, you should go to your emergency department or call 999.