Brain Tumor Types

A tumor can form anywhere in the brain, with more than 120 brain tumor types identified. Doctors determine if the tumor is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), as well as how fast it’s growing. They also identify the type of brain cell involved or the area of the body from which cancer may have spread.

At Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, our specialists provide an accurate brain tumor diagnosis to find the right approach for you. Our team offers the latest brain tumor treatment for all types of brain tumors.

Brain tumor causes and risk factors

Doctors do not yet know what causes the majority of brain tumors. Researchers continue to study environmental factors such as contact with particular chemicals and cell phone use, though results have been inconclusive. Certain uncontrollable factors seem to increase the risk of developing a brain tumor, though:

• Age: While doctors find brain tumors in people of all ages, the tumors occur more frequently among children and older adults.
• Gender: Overall, men develop brain tumors more often. But women do get some brain tumor types more frequently.
• Race and ethnicity: Some groups develop certain tumors more often.

In some cases, exposure to radiation has been shown to cause brain tumors, mainly from previous radiation therapy. A small percentage of brain tumors also appear to come from genetic changes inherited from parents, with Henry Ford’s Cancer Genetics Program providing testing and counseling.

Benign brain tumors vs. cancerous brain tumors

Some tumors are benign (noncancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). Benign brain tumors are more common, representing nearly two-thirds of tumors starting in the brain.

While both types of brain tumors can grow, interfere with critical brain functions and potentially threaten your life, there are important differences:

• Benign brain tumors:
  •  Grow slowly and do not usually return when taken out
  • May not cause symptoms until larger
  • Have clear borders, making removal easier
• Malignant brain tumors:
  
  • Grow faster and invade surrounding brain tissue
  • Lack clear borders
  • Can occasionally spread to the spine and (rarely) to other body areas

Primary brain tumors vs. metastatic brain cancer

When tumors start in the brain, they are called primary brain tumors. More commonly, cancer spreads, or metastasizes, to the brain from another part of the body such as the lungs, breasts or skin. 

The brain tumors formed by metastatic cancer are fast-growing and known as secondary brain tumors. These malignant tumors are typically treated based on where the cancer started. Learn more about our metastatic brain cancer treatment.

Gliomas: Astrocytomas, glioblastomas and oligodendrogliomas

The majority of primary brain tumors develop in glial cells, the “glue” that holds the brain together. There are various types of glial cells and gliomas that can form in them, including:

• Astrocytomas: These tumors develop from astrocytes, star-shaped cells that secure and assist nerve cells. The most aggressive primary brain cancers are a type of astrocytoma called glioblastoma.
• Oligodendroglioma: These rare and slow-growing tumors start in cells called oligodendrocytes that produce a substance to protect nerves. They can be either malignant or benign.

Meningiomas

Meningiomas form in the meninges, the thin tissue layers between the brain and the skull. These tumors typically are benign and grow slowly.

Vestibular schwannomas

Schwannomas develop from Schwann cells, which help form the protective covering (sheath) for nerves. These tumors are often found on the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance and located in the inner ear near the brain. Since vestibular schwannomas can harm hearing, they are also called acoustic neuromas.

Pituitary tumors

Tumors can form in the pituitary gland, which sits at the bottom of the brain. These tumors are often benign, but can still interfere with the gland’s hormone production.

Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a cancerous (malignant) tumor affecting white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the brain or spinal cord. CNS lymphoma is a rare tumor and has a tendency to come back, which can make it difficult to treat. Treatment for primary and secondary CNS lymphoma has evolved over the past few decades, which has improved outcomes and reduced the rate of disease recurrence. Therapies to treat CNS lymphoma may include chemotherapy, radiation, steroids, and stem cell transplant.