What Are Brain Tumors?
A plain-language overview of brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) tumors, including the difference between benign and malignant, based on National Cancer Institute resources.
Source: National Cancer Institute · Verified 2026-07-02
The 30-second version
Brain and spinal cord tumors are growths in the central nervous system (CNS). They can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). There are many different CNS tumor types, and they can occur in both adults and children. Treatment depends on the tumor type.
Key takeaways
- Brain and spinal cord tumors are also known as central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
- CNS tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
- There are many different types of CNS tumors, and how they are treated varies by type.
- Brain tumors can occur in both adults and children, and childhood tumors are covered separately.
- NCI notes it does not have evidence-based information on preventing or screening for brain tumors.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
Brain and spinal cord tumors are growths in the central nervous system. The central nervous system, often shortened to CNS, is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Because these tumors form in the CNS, they are also called CNS tumors.
There are many different types of CNS tumors, and how they are treated varies from type to type.
In short: brain and spinal cord tumors are grouped together as central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
Benign or malignant
Brain and spinal cord tumors can be benign or malignant:
- Benign means the tumor is not cancer.
- Malignant means the tumor is cancer.
Knowing whether a tumor is benign or malignant, and knowing its specific type, helps guide how it is treated.
In short: a CNS tumor can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Adults and children
Brain tumors can occur in both adults and children. The National Cancer Institute covers the many different types of adult and childhood CNS tumors, including how each type is treated. Because childhood tumors can differ from those in adults, they are described in separate information.
Prevention and screening
The National Cancer Institute notes that it does not have evidence-based information about preventing brain tumors, and it does not have evidence-based information about screening for brain tumors.
Everyone's situation is different. Your healthcare team is the best source of information about a specific tumor and any next steps.
Watch instead
Animated lessons are in production. Here’s the planned video slate for this topic — each one will be based on the same NCI-sourced explanation you’re reading.
What Are Brain Tumors: the quick overview
A one-breath explanation you can watch before an appointment.
Coming soonWhat Are Brain Tumors, explained simply
The core ideas with friendly animation and plain language.
Coming soonUnderstanding what are brain tumors — full lesson
A deeper walkthrough covering the key takeaways and common questions.
Coming soonVideo transcript▾
A full, readable transcript will appear here when the video is published — so the lesson is accessible whether you prefer to watch, listen, or read. For now, the article above is the complete text version.
Suggested animation storyboard▾
- 1Open on a calm title card: "What Are Brain Tumors?" with the Cancer Explained mark.
- 2Narrator reads the 30-second summary while a soft animated diagram builds on screen: "Brain and spinal cord tumors are growths in the central nervous system (CNS). They can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). There are many different CNS tumor types, and they can occur in both adults and children. Treatment depends on the tumor type."
- 3Scene 2: illustrate the idea — "Brain and spinal cord tumors are also known as central nervous system (CNS) tumors."
- 4Scene 3: illustrate the idea — "CNS tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)."
- 5Scene 4: illustrate the idea — "There are many different types of CNS tumors, and how they are treated varies by type."
- 6Close on a reminder card: this is educational only; talk with your healthcare team, and a link to the NCI source.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Quick knowledge check
According to this article, what is another name for brain and spinal cord tumors?
Frequently asked questions
▸What are brain tumors?
Brain and spinal cord tumors are growths in the central nervous system, or CNS. Because of this, they are also called CNS tumors. There are many different types, and they can be benign or malignant.
▸What does it mean that a brain tumor is benign or malignant?
Brain and spinal cord tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign means the tumor is not cancer. Malignant means the tumor is cancer. There are many different CNS tumor types, and the type helps guide how it is treated.
▸Are the brain and spinal cord part of the same system?
Yes. The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system, or CNS. Tumors that form in either the brain or the spinal cord are grouped together as CNS tumors.
▸Can children get brain tumors too?
Yes. Brain tumors can occur in both adults and children. The National Cancer Institute has separate information about the many types of childhood brain and spinal cord tumors and how they are treated.
▸Is there a standard way to screen for or prevent brain tumors?
According to the National Cancer Institute, it does not have evidence-based information about preventing or screening for brain tumors. Your healthcare team is the best source of information for your own situation.
Test your understanding
A few quick questions to check what you took away. Not a test of anything medical — just a way to review.
0 of 4 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.
Review key terms
Study 9 flashcards built from this topic’s key terms and common questions — flip each card to reveal a plain-language explanation.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
Consider bringing these questions to your next appointment.
- What type of brain or spinal cord tumor is this?
- Is the tumor benign or malignant?
- What tests do I need to learn more about this tumor?
- What does the tumor type mean for the options ahead?
- Where can I find reliable information and support?
Related learning map
How this explanation connects to 14 other things you can explore — related topics, terms, questions, practice, and its NCI source.
Topic area
Related explanations
Questions this answers
Based on