Brain Tumor FAQ's
A brain tumor diagnosis can leave you with more questions than answers. We’ve gathered responses to some of the most common questions patients and caregivers ask—so you can find reliable information in one place.
What is a brain tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but even benign tumors can cause serious symptoms because they take up space and may press on or invade nearby brain tissue.
What’s the difference between benign and malignant tumors?
Benign tumors tend to grow more slowly and don’t spread to distant parts of the body, while malignant tumors usually grow faster and invade nearby tissue; both can be dangerous in the confined space of the skull. Care is based on tumor type, location, and behavior, not just “benign vs malignant.”
What are primary vs. metastatic brain tumors?
Primary brain tumors start in the brain or spinal cord (e.g., gliomas, meningiomas). Metastatic (secondary) brain tumors start elsewhere (like lung, breast, melanoma) and spread to the brain; they’re more common than primary tumors in adults.
How are brain tumors graded?
Doctors use the WHO system (updated in 2021) that integrates what tumor cells look like and key molecular markers (e.g., IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion) to assign a grade (1–4) and an “integrated diagnosis.” Grading helps predict behavior and guide treatment.
How are brain tumors diagnosed?
What treatments are available?
The standard of care includes:
Surgery to remove as much tumor as safely possible
Radiation therapy (external beam, stereotactic radiosurgery when appropriate)
Drugs such as temozolomide and other chemotherapies, targeted agents for certain tumor types, and Tumor Treating Fields for select gliomas
Clinical trials: Choice and sequence depend on tumor type, grade, molecular features, and your goals.
Are there dietary or activity restrictions?
There isn’t one “brain-tumor diet.” Most people are encouraged to follow a balanced diet and stay physically active as tolerated.
Where can I find emotional support for myself and my family?
Ask your center for oncology social work, psycho-oncology, and palliative care services. Path to Hope also provides a questionnaire to provide physical, emotional, and relational resources, support groups, and more.
What resources are available for caregivers?
Take a look at our dedicated caregiver resources here.
Can I get a second opinion?
Yes, second opinions are common and can clarify diagnosis (including molecular testing) and treatment options. Consider consulting an NCI-Designated Cancer Center or a neuro-oncology program.
Recurrence: What happens if the tumor comes back?
Management depends on prior treatments and tumor biology. Options may include repeat surgery, re-irradiation or stereotactic radiosurgery, systemic therapy (including clinical trials), and supportive care. Decisions weigh benefits against risks and your goals. Learn more.
What does end-of-life care look like?
Palliative care focuses on symptom relief and quality of life at any stage of serious illness and can be given alongside active treatment. When treatment is no longer helpful, hospice provides comfort-focused care and support for patients and families. Early integration improves outcomes. Learn more about end-of-life planning here.
References
National Cancer Institute (NCI): Brain & spinal cord tumors overview; PDQ® treatment summaries; “Emotions and Cancer”; second-opinion and NCI-Designated centers. Cancer.gov and Cancer.org.
WHO Classification of Tumours of the CNS, 5th ed. (2021) – integrated histologic/molecular grading. NCCN
EANO guidelines (diffuse gliomas; meningiomas) & ASCO/SNO/ASTRO guidance for brain metastases. – NaturePubMedsoc-neuro-onc.org
AAN/AES/EFA position on seizures & driving (consult local laws) – American Academy of Neurology
Friendly reminder: these are general answers, and your situation can be different. Always use them alongside the advice of your neuro-oncology team.