Brain Tumor Types
A brain tumor is a growth of cells in the brain or near it, and there are over 120 types of brain tumors. Here is a basic breakdown of some of the terminology you here when it relates to brain tumors.
- Primary Brain Tumors – Brain tumors that begin in the brain.
- Metastatic Brain Tumors – When other cancers spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
- Noncancerous or Benign tumors – When brain tumors do not have cancerous cells.
- Malignant tumors – When cancerous cells are found in the brain tumor.
Primary Brain Tumor Types
Astrocytoma
Astrocytomas are tumors that develop in your central nervous system (CNS) that grow from star-shaped astrocyte cells. They usually develop in your brain but can develop in your spinal cord as well. Astrocytomas can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Ependymoma
An ependymoma is an accumulation of irregular cells, forming a tumor in either your brain or spinal cord. It falls under the category of primary central nervous system tumors, originating directly in your brain or spinal cord rather than migrating from another location. Ependymomas typically exhibit slow growth and very rarely extend to other parts of the body.
DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) and DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma)
DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) and DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma) are often categorized together but can have different treatments that can lead to slightly different prognosis paths. Still, much of the science, the research, foundational funding and data for both types of brain tumors are grouped under DIPG, mainly because historically much of the work researching DIPG since around 2012 led to the reclassification and current definitions of DMG.
Pituitary Tumors
Brain tumors can begin in and around the pituitary gland. This small gland is located near the base of the brain. Most tumors that happen in and around the pituitary gland are benign. Pituitary tumors happen in the pituitary gland itself. Craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor that happens near the pituitary gland.
Glioma
Glioma is a collective term referring to a group of tumors originating in the glial cells of the brain, which provide support to the primary brain cell type, neurons.
These tumors commonly occur in the cerebral hemispheres, the brain’s largest outer section responsible for vital functions such as movement, speech, cognition, and emotions.
Glioblastoma (GBM)
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of malignant (cancerous) brain tumor in adults. Cancer cells in GBM tumors rapidly multiply. The cancer can spread into other areas of the brain as well.
Glioma tumors like GBM start in glial cells. Glial cells are vital to nerve cell function. GBMs specifically form in glial cells called astrocytes. GBMs are the fastest-growing astrocytoma (tumor that forms in astrocytes).
Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that starts near the brainstem in the cerebellum. The tumor is fast growing and can spread to other areas of your brain and spinal cord. Medulloblastoma is more common in children than adults.
Meningioma
Meningiomas are brain tumors that start in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are usually benign, but sometimes they can be malignant. Meningiomas are the most common type of benign brain tumor.
Looking for Personalized Resources?
Through a quick questionnaire, Join Your Path to Hope streamlines the brain tumor journey, offering immediate, personalized resources for your medical, emotional, and relational needs. Our goal is to empower patients and caregivers with hope and support across all aspects of the journey.
