Here’s what you should know about brain tumors.
What Are Brain Tumors?
When you hear of a brain tumor, you may automatically think of brain cancer. While brain tumors are scary, they are not always malignant. There are two types of brain tumors:
Benign tumors
- Noncancerous.
- Slow growing.
- Grow locally in the region from which they originated.
Malignant tumors
- Cancerous.
- More difficult to treat.
- Grow rapidly.
- Usually invade surrounding brain and nervous tissue.
Either type of tumor can have bad side effects based on its location and removal.
Brain tumors are classified as a primary or secondary tumor.
Primary brain tumors originate in the brain and are named according to the type of cell from which they originate.
The most common primary brain tumors are:
- Astrocytomas — Also known as gliomas, these tumors come in different grades according to their aggressiveness.
- Meningioma — Most often a benign tumor arising from the connective tissue surrounding the brain.
Secondary brain tumors originate from another part of the body. They most often occur in people who have a history of cancer. In rare cases, a metastatic (spreading) brain tumor may be the first sign of cancer that started elsewhere.
Any cancer can spread to the brain, the most common ones being:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma (skin cancer).
Brain Tumor Treatment
There are several standard treatments for brain tumors, depending on the type:
- Anti-angiogenic therapy targeting tumor blood vessels, leading to tumor starvation.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Surgery.
Many new, cutting-edge treatments are being studied and introduced every year. Among these latest advances are vaccines and other personalized, targeted therapies directed at the molecular changes of each person’s unique brain tumor.
Risk Factors
Key risk factors for brain tumors are:
- Occupation — Some types of brain tumors are more frequent among workers in certain industries, such as oil refining, rubber manufacturing, and industries exposing workers to ionizing radiation.
- Age — The risk of a brain tumor increases with age. Brain tumors are most common in older adults. However, a brain tumor can occur at any age. Certain types of brain tumors occur almost exclusively in children.
- Radiation exposure — There has been some connection between ionizing radiation and brain tumors. This type of radiation typically comes from cancer treatment. Survivors of childhood cancer who have received radiation therapy involving the brain or spine are at an increased risk of brain or spine tumors.
- Family history — While most brain tumors are not familial, a small percentage of tumors occur in patients with certain genetic syndromes that increase the risk of brain cancer.
Currently, it is not believed that head injuries can cause brain tumors to develop. There also is no conclusive evidence linking cell phone use, microwaves, or electromagnetic fields related to power lines to brain tumor development.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Symptoms of a brain or spinal cord tumor can happen suddenly or may become worse over time. Symptoms may include:
- Balance problems.
- Blurred vision.
- Difficulties with speech.
- Headache.
- Personality changes.
- Seizures.
- Vomiting/nausea.
While these symptoms are not always due to brain tumors, you should consult your doctor if they persist.
For questions, to schedule an appointment, or to request an expert opinion, contact the UPMC Department of Neurosurgery.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .