The short answer
Brain tumors are named for the cells they start in and where they grow. Primary brain tumors start in the brain, while metastatic tumors spread from cancer elsewhere. Common primary types include gliomas and meningiomas. Some are benign and some are malignant.
Brain tumors are named for the cells they start in and their location.
Primary brain tumors begin in the brain; metastatic tumors spread from cancer elsewhere.
Gliomas start in the supportive glial cells and include several subtypes.
Meningiomas start in the membranes covering the brain and are often benign.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
There are many kinds of brain tumors, named for the cells they start in and where they grow. A key distinction is whether a tumor started in the brain or spread there from cancer elsewhere. Some brain tumors are benign and some are malignant.
Primary versus metastatic
Brain tumors fall into two broad groups:
- Primary brain tumors — start in the brain itself
- Metastatic brain tumors — cancer that spread to the brain from another part of the body, such as the lung or breast
Common primary types
Common primary brain tumors include gliomas, which start in the supportive glial cells and include several subtypes, and meningiomas, which start in the membranes covering the brain and are often benign. The exact type shapes the treatment plan.
Gliomas and meningiomas are among the most common primary brain tumors.
Benign and malignant
Some brain tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and some are malignant (cancerous). Even a benign tumor can cause problems by pressing on nearby brain tissue, depending on where it is. Doctors identify the exact type and grade to guide treatment and the outlook.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸How are brain tumors named?
Brain tumors are named for the type of cell they start in and where they grow. For example, gliomas begin in glial cells, and meningiomas begin in the membranes covering the brain.
▸What is a primary versus metastatic tumor?
A primary brain tumor starts in the brain itself. A metastatic brain tumor is cancer that spread to the brain from another part of the body, such as the lung or breast. Metastatic tumors are more common in adults.
▸What are gliomas?
Gliomas are tumors that start in the glial cells that support nerve cells. They include several subtypes and can range from slow-growing to fast-growing.
▸Are all brain tumors cancerous?
No. Some brain tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and some are malignant (cancerous). Even a benign tumor can cause problems by pressing on the brain, depending on its location.
▸Why does the type matter?
The exact type and grade of a brain tumor guide treatment and the outlook, so doctors work to identify it precisely, often with imaging and a biopsy.
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