What kind of brain cancers are there

Glioblastoma multiforme , also known as glioblastoma, GBM or grade 4 astrocytoma, is a fast-growing, aggressive type of CNS tumor that forms on the supportive tissue of the brain. Glioblastoma is the most common grade 4 brain cancer. Glioblastomas may appear in any lobe of the brain, but they develop more commonly in the frontal and temporal lobes. Glioblastomas usually affect adults. Meningioma develop in the cells of the membrane that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Meningiomas also called meningeal tumors account for approximately 15 percent of all intracranial tumors. Most of these tumors are benign non-cancerous and slow-growing. Meningiomas are typically removed with surgery. Some meningiomas may not need immediate treatment and may remain undetected for years. Most meningiomas are diagnosed in women between 30 and 50 years old.

Aside from astrocytomas, there are a number of different primary brain tumors and other nervous system tumors that form from glial cells. They include:. Pituitary tumors are lumps that form in the pituitary, a small gland about the size of a pea that sits inside the skull, just below the brain and above the nasal passages.

The pituitary gland produces hormones that control the levels of other hormones secreted by endocrine glands throughout the body, giving it an important role in controlling key body functions and the hormonal system. The pituitary gland is made up of four parts: the anterior front lobe and posterior back lobe, which function independently of each other, as well as the intermediate area between the two lobes and the stalk that connects the pituitary to the interbrain which includes the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus.

Most pituitary tumors form in the anterior lobe. They very rarely develop in the posterior lobe. Pituitary tumors represent 9 to 12 percent of all primary brain tumors.

The vast majority of pituitary tumors are pituitary adenomas, benign growths that do not spread beyond the skull. Even though these tumors are not cancerous, they often cause other medical issues because they are located near the brain and may cause the pituitary to produce excess hormones.

Pituitary cancers, called pituitary carcinomas, are very rare—only a few hundred have been documented in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Because pituitary cancers and benign adenomas look very similar under a microscope, the carcinomas are often diagnosed only when they spread to other parts of the body.

Craniopharyngiomas develop in the area of the brain near the pituitary gland the main endocrine gland that produces hormones that control other glands and many body functions, especially growth near the hypothalamus. These brain tumors are usually benign. Secondary brain tumors most often occur in people who have a history of cancer.

Rarely, a metastatic brain tumor may be the first sign of cancer that began elsewhere in your body. In most people with primary brain tumors, the cause of the tumor isn't clear. But doctors have identified some factors that may increase your risk of a brain tumor. Brain tumor care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Overview Brain tumor Open pop-up dialog box Close. Brain tumor A brain tumor can form in the brain cells as shown , or it can begin elsewhere and spread to the brain. Email address. Thank you for subscribing You will receive the first brain tumor email in your inbox shortly, which will include information on treatment, diagnosis, surgery and how brain cancer teams at Mayo Clinic approach personalized care.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Acoustic neuroma schwannoma Open pop-up dialog box Close. Acoustic neuroma schwannoma An acoustic neuroma schwannoma is a benign tumor that develops on the balance and hearing nerves leading from your inner ear to the brain.

Medulloblastoma Open pop-up dialog box Close. Medulloblastoma Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer that starts in the part of the brain called the cerebellum. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Niederhuber JE, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Accessed March 25, Central nervous system cancers.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Prognosis means the expected outcome of a disease. An individual's prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their age and general health at the time of diagnosis. For benign tumours that can be completely removed, cure is likely. For malignant tumours, outcomes depend on how slowly or quickly the tumour develops and responds to treatment.

Shop Online. Contact Us. Cancer information What is cancer? Common cancer symptoms Facts and figures Explore What is cancer? Jump to:. Jump to section. About brain cancer. Screening and Early Detection. What is brain cancer? There are more than 40 major types of brain tumours, which are grouped into two main types: benign - slow-growing and unlikely to spread. Common types are meningiomas, neuromas, pituitary tumours and craniopharyngiomas.

Common types include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas and mixed gliomas. It is estimated that new cases of brain cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in Brain cancer symptoms Headaches are often the first symptom of a brain tumour.

Other symptoms include: seizures: severe e. Causes of brain cancer Some factors that can increase your risk of brain cancer include: some brain and spinal cord tumours are more common in people with certain inherited or genetic conditions people exposed to very high doses of radiation to the head. Diagnosis of brain cancer If a brain tumour is suspected, the doctor may check how different parts of the brain are functioning by checking your reflexes, muscle strength, balance and coordination, ability to feel pin-pricks and to distinguish between hot and cold.

The main tests for brain cancer diagnosis are: CT scan A CT computerised tomography scan uses x-rays to take multiple pictures of the inside of the body. MRI A MRI magnetic resonance imaging scan uses a computer and a powerful magnet to make cross-sectional pictures of your body. MRS magnetic resonance spectroscopy A MRS magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan looks for changes in the chemical make-up of the brain and can be done at the same time as an MRI.