Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a growth of cells in or near the brain. Brain tumors can be primary, originating in the brain tissue, or secondary, spreading to the brain from other parts of the body. Primary brain tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Types of Brain Tumors

There are various types of brain tumors based on the cells that make up the tumor. Some common types include:

• Gliomas and related brain tumors, such as astrocytoma, glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, and ependymoma.
• Choroid plexus tumors, occurring in the ventricles of the brain.
• Embryonal tumors, originating from cells left over from fetal development.
• Germ cell tumors, starting in reproductive cells.
• Pineal tumors, located in and around the pineal gland in the center of the brain.
• Meningiomas, brain tumors that begin in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
• Nerve tumors, growths in and around nerves, with acoustic neuroma being a common type.
• Pituitary tumors, starting in and around the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
• Other rare brain tumors, originating in muscles, blood vessels, connective tissue, bones of the skull, or immune system cells in the brain.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its size, location, and rate of growth. General symptoms may include headache, nausea, eye problems, loss of feeling or movement, trouble with balance, speech problems, confusion, memory problems, seizures, hearing problems, dizziness, and changes in personality or behavior.

Noncancerous brain tumors tend to cause symptoms that develop slowly, while cancerous brain tumors cause symptoms that worsen quickly.

Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumors, often worse in the morning and possibly accompanied by neck pain or vision changes.

Causes

The exact cause of most primary brain tumors is unknown, but risk factors may include age, race, exposure to ionizing radiation, and certain inherited syndromes. Secondary brain tumors occur when cancer from other parts of the body spreads to the brain.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for brain tumors include age, race, exposure to ionizing radiation, and certain inherited syndromes. People with an increased risk may consider screening tests to detect brain tumors early.

Prevention

There's no known way to prevent brain tumors. People with an increased risk may consider genetic counseling and screening tests to manage their risk.