What Are Brain Tumors?

A brain tumor is a mass of cells that grows in the brain or nearby tissues. There are more than 150 types of brain tumors. They can be aggressive or slow-growing. Some are non-cancerous (benign) and cause few health problems.

Others are cancerous (malignant) and carry a risk of spreading to other areas of the body. These tumors are managed and treated by specialists at Memorial Cancer Institute. We are here to help you find answers and plan a path forward.

Types of Brain Tumors 

There are two main categories of brain tumors, primary and metastatic:

• Primary brain tumors start in the brain or surrounding tissues.
• Metastatic brain tumors occur when cancer somewhere else in the body spreads to the brain. 

Some brain tumors, such as acoustic neuromas and pituitary adenomas, occur at the base of the skull and are classified as skull base tumors. Because this region has many blood vessels and nerves, treatment often requires highly specialized care.

How Common Are Brain Tumors?

Metastatic brain tumors are the most common type of brain tumor. Each year in the U.S., the approximate number of people diagnosed with brain tumors includes: 

• Metastatic brain tumors: 200,000  
• Non-cancerous primary brain tumors: 57,000
• Cancerous primary brain tumors: 25,000 

Cancerous primary brain tumors are relatively rare compared with other cancers. They account for approximately one percent of all new cancer cases.  

Brain Tumor Symptoms 

Brain tumor symptoms depend on the tumor type, location and size. Small tumors may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As a tumor grows, it may press on areas of the brain that control certain functions. If the tumor is fast-growing, symptoms can worsen rapidly. 

Common brain tumor symptoms include: 

• Headaches 
• Changes in personality, behavior and mood 
• Loss of balance and difficulty moving 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Problems with thought, memory, speech, hearing and vision 
• Weakness and numbness in the face or body 
• Seizures 

Diagnosing Brain Tumors 

The first step in diagnosing a brain tumor is to review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to evaluate: 

• Involuntary processes, such as breathing and heart rate 
• Memory and thinking 
• Reflexes, balance and coordination 
• Senses, such as vision, smell and hearing 

Diagnosis typically involves one or more of the following tests:  

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. It’s the only way to determine the tumor type conclusively. Our pathologists can determine whether the cells are abnormal and what kind of cancer is present. During a biopsy, the surgeon may remove as much of the tumor as possible to avoid a second surgery.  
• Blood tests: Blood tests detect chemicals in your blood called biomarkers that may indicate cancer.  
• Genetic tests: In some cases, your doctor may test the tissue for genetic changes. This information provides a better understanding of the tumor. It also helps determine which cancer treatments may be most effective.  
• Imaging tests: CT, MRI and PET scans provide detailed pictures of your brain. They show the size and location of a tumor and help your doctor plan treatment. 
• Neurological exam: We ask a series of questions and administer simple tests to check your brain, spinal cord and nerve function. The neuro exam gives us information about your mental status, coordination, senses, reflexes and more.  
• Visual field exam: This assesses the total area of your vision. It can help determine whether something is affecting the area of your brain that controls sight. 

Treating Brain Tumors

Treatment approaches vary for the different types of brain tumors. Whenever possible, our goal is to remove or destroy the tumor. When that’s not an option, treatment may focus on slowing tumor growth, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. 

For some tumors, a team of neuroscience and cancer specialists manages your care. They work together to plan and deliver brain tumor treatment and monitor your progress. 

Your treatment plan may include: 

Brain Tumors: Why Choose Memorial Neuroscience Institute? 

Memorial Healthcare System is home to leading neuroscience and cancer institutes. When you come to us for care, you’ll find: 

• Experienced teams: Our fellowship-trained physicians are highly skilled in assessing and treating brain tumors. Your care team may include specialists in neurosurgery, neurointerventional surgery, neurology, neuroradiology, neurocritical care and medical oncology.  
• Leading-edge surgical approaches: Our neurosurgeons use the latest techniques and technologies to enhance surgical precision. Advanced approaches include brain mapping, interoperative imaging and minimally invasive procedures. 
• Diagnostic expertise: With so many types of brain tumors, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. We use sophisticated tests to diagnose brain tumors and have extensive expertise in interpreting the results.  
• Timely appointments for new diagnoses: We offer same-day appointments for new brain tumor diagnoses so we can establish a treatment plan right away. 
• Helpful guidance: Your team includes a designated point of contact to help you navigate the many aspects of care. This person is available to support and guide you and your family before, during and after treatment. 
• Personalized care: We take time to understand your goals for treatment, and then design a plan to meet these goals.  
• Ongoing monitoring: Some brain tumors require lifelong monitoring or care. Our team is by your side for as long as needed to help you live your healthiest life.