Types of Brain Cancer

Brain cancer involves the abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Brain tissue cells typically grow in a nice and orderly fashion, but sometimes the order gets disrupted and the cells divide and grow incorrectly. This causes a tumor to form. While many brain tumors are benign, others contain cancer cells and are called malignant tumors. Malignant brain tumors typically grow quickly and the cancer invades surrounding tissue. Brain cancer is classified by which tissue cells are affected.

Gliomas

• Glioma tumors represent the most common type of brain cancer in adults. This cancer occurs in the glial cells that support and protect the brain. Gliomas can occur in several different types of brain cells. Ependymomas tumors typically develop in the spinal cord. Ependymomas usually grow more slowly than other types of brain cancer, but have a higher level of recurrence. Oligodendroglioma tumors are located in the supporting cells of the brain and are commonly found in the cerebrum. Oligodendrogliomas tend to become more malignant over time. Common symptoms of giloma brain cancer include seizures, headache, muscle weakness, sleepiness and personality changes.

Meningiomas

• Meningioma brain cancer occurs in the meninges, which are the protective outer membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas can originate in any part of the brain, but the most common sites are the cerebral hemispheres. Meningiomas are primarily found in female patients older than 65, and a majority of these tumors are benign. While this type of brain cancer doesn't always trigger symptoms, meningiomas can cause headaches, vision problems, vomiting and slurred speech Malignant meningioma tumors typically grow very slowly and are effectively treated with surgery.

Acoustic Neuromas

• Acoustic neuromas, also called vestibular schwannomas, represent a very small percentage of brain cancer cases. These tumors develop from the schwann cells that line the acoustic and the vestibular nerves. While the acoustic nerve is responsible for hearing, the vestibular nerve affects balance. Acoustic neuromas grow very slowly and the rare malignant tumors usually won't spread from their original locations. Common symptoms associated with acoustic neuromas include a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, balance problems and one-sided hearing loss. Malignant tumors are typically treated with radiation.

Medulloblastoma

• Medulloblastoma is a type of brain cancer most commonly found in children. Most medulloblastoma cases are diagnosed in patients under the age of 10. Medulloblastoma tumors are typically formed in the cerebellum, a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements. The tumors grow rapidly and can quickly spread to other parts of the brain. These malignant tumors cause patients to suffer from headaches, jerky eye movements, stiff necks and muscle weakness. Medulloblastoma brain cancer is typically treated with an intense combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Brain Tumor Grades

• Brain tumors are graded according to how they look when examined with a microscope. Grade I tumors are benign, and are characterized by normal looking cells and a slow growth pattern. Grade II tumors look less like normal cells, but the malignant tissue isn't actively growing. Grade III tumors involve abnormal-looking tissue that is anaplastic, or actively growing. Grade IV tumors involve abnormal brain cells that are fast-growing and aggressive. Grade IV tumors have very low survival rates. A low-grade tumor can evolve into a high-grade tumor, although this is more likely to happen with adults than in children.