Serious head trauma could substantially raise the likelihood of brain cancer developing years after the initial injury, a major American study has revealed.
Scientists who monitored 150,000 participants discovered that individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries faced a markedly higher chance of developing malignant brain tumours compared to those without such injuries.
The research indicated that 87 people from the moderate to severe injury cohort went on to develop brain tumours between three and five years following their trauma - a rate considerably above that seen in participants with minor injuries or no head trauma history.
The investigation separated 75,000 individuals with brain injury histories into categories based on severity - concussion cases were classified as mild, while vehicle accidents and falls typically constituted moderate to severe injuries.
Scientists believe brain injury should be viewed as a chronic condition
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A control group of 75,000 participants without any brain injury history was also monitored for comparison.
The research excluded anyone with established brain tumour risk factors, including advanced age, obesity, or previous exposure to radiation from medical imaging such as X-rays or CT scans.
Crucially, the study revealed that those with mild traumatic brain injuries, including concussion, showed no elevated cancer risk compared to the control group.
Medical professionals have responded to these results with serious concern about the implications for patient care.
Dr Saef Izzy, a neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston who co-authored the research, stated: "I find these results alarming."
He stressed that brain injury should be viewed as a chronic condition, adding: "Now evidence of a potential increased risk of malignant brain tumours adds urgency to shift the focus from short-term recovery to lifelong vigilance."
Dr Sandro Marini, another neurologist at the same hospital involved in the research, noted: "While there is an increased risk of tumour from a traumatic brain injury, the overall risk remains low."
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Scientists have urged patients with traumatic brain injury histories to maintain 'lifelong vigilance'
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However, he cautioned that brain tumours remain a "devastating disease" that frequently goes undetected until advanced stages have developed.
The research team stressed the necessity for enhanced surveillance protocols, with Dr Izzy calling for medical professionals to maintain "lifelong vigilance" for patients with traumatic brain injury histories.
Malignant brain tumours affect roughly 5,800 individuals annually in Britain and approximately 25,000 in America.
Glioblastoma represents one of the most lethal forms, claiming the lives of notable figures, including Labour politician Dame Tessa Jowell in 2018 and The Wanted vocalist Tom Parker in March 2022 after an 18-month struggle with the disease.