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Brain Education: Brain Tumor

Image reprinted with permission from Medscape.com, 2011. Available at: medscape.com

Brain Tumor

• Definition and Types
• Symptoms and Diagnosis
• Treatment and Therapy

Tumor is a collection of abnormal cells. Tumors of the brain can be divided into two categories; Primary brain tumor and Secondary brain tumor. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also damage cells by producing inflammation, placing pressure on other parts of the brain, and increasing pressure inside the skull.

Types of Brain Tumors

• Primary brain tumors arise from the tissues of the brain, its blood vessels, bony and membrane coverings. These primary tumors may be benign or malignant. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown.
• Secondary brain tumors arise from malignant sources outside the brain may invade the intracranial cavity, usually as blood-borne metastases. Common sources of these malignant tumors are carcinoma of the lungs, breast, and skin (melanoma).

Specific Types of Primary Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, whether they are benign or malignant. Gliomas and meningiomas are most common types in adults.

Gliomas

• Arise from glial cells such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.
• The gliomas are divided into three types:
• Oligodendroglial tumors also can vary from less malignant to very malignant.
• Astrocytic tumors include astrocytomas (less malignant), anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas (most malignant).
• Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.

Meningiomas

• Occur most commonly between the ages of 40–70
• More common in women
• Mostly benign due to the slow growth, but still may cause devastating complications and death due to their size or location.

Symptoms and Diagnosis »