Brain Tumors: The Basics
Brain tumors (also called brain cancer) are caused by cells in the brain growing out of control. As the number of cells grows, they form into a tumor. There are many types of primary brain tumors (meaning they started in the brain) and they are named based on the type of cell in which they started.
Tumors that have spread to the brain from another part of the body are called brain metastasis. Metastatic cancer is not considered brain cancer. The cancer type is based on the primary cancer (where the cancer came from). For example, lung cancer that spreads to the brain is still lung cancer and will look like lung cancer cells under a microscope.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for brain tumors include radiation exposure, either from treatment for disease or from atomic bomb exposure, and certain hereditary disorders, including neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and tuberous sclerosis.
Screening
There are no screening guidelines for brain tumors, but people with genetic disorders that can lead to brain tumors may have imaging studies as needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Early on, brain tumors may not have any symptoms. As the size of the tumor grows, it can cause symptoms, which depend on what part of the brain the tumor is in. The tumor puts pressure on the surrounding tissue, causing symptoms, which can be:
- Headache, seizures, memory loss, personality changes, and thought processing problems.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Weakness, difficulty walking/balance problems.
- Visual changes, problems with speech, and language.
Diagnosis of Brain Tumors
If your healthcare provider thinks you may have a brain tumor, you will have tests done, which may include:
Staging Brain Tumors
A pathologist (a doctor who studies cells under a microscope) will determine the type and grade of the brain tumor, which tells us how aggressive your tumor is. Brain tumors are classified by the World Health Organization, by the tumor grade and histology (cell appearance under the microscope). The grades are numbered I-IV. One (I) being the least aggressive, and four (IV) the most aggressive.
Treatment
Surgery is often the first treatment used unless the tumor is in a location not safe for surgery. Other treatments include:
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation, which can be in the form of external beam radiation, proton therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
This article is a basic introduction to brain tumors. You can learn more about a specific type of brain tumor and more about treatments by using the links below.
Adult Brain Tumors: Grading and Treatment
Adult Gliomas: Grading and Treatment