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Primary tumors can be benign or cancerous. In adults, the most common types of brain tumors are gliomas and meningiomas.

 

Gliomas

Gliomas are tumors that develop from glial cells. These cells normally:

 

support the structure of your central nervous system

provide nutrition to your central nervous system

clean cellular waste

break down dead neurons

Gliomas can develop from different types of glial cells.

 

The types of tumors that begin in glial cells are:

 

astrocytic tumors such as astrocytomas, which originate in the cerebrum

oligodendroglial tumors, which are often found in the frontal temporal lobes

glioblastomas, which originate in the supportive brain tissue and are the most aggressive type

Other primary brain tumors

Other primary brain tumors include:

 

pituitary tumors, which are usually benign

pineal gland tumors, which can be benign or malignant

ependymomas, which are usually benign

craniopharyngiomas, which occur mostly in children and are benign but can have clinical symptoms like changes in vision and premature puberty

primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas, which are malignant

primary germ cell tumors of the brain, which can be benign or malignant

meningiomas, which originate in the meninges

schwannomas, which originate in cells that produce the protective cover of your nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells

Most meningiomas and schwannomas occur in people between the ages of 40 and 70. Meningiomas are more common in women than men. Schwannomas occur equally in both men and women. These tumors are usually benign, but they can cause complications because of their size and location. Cancerous meningiomas and schwannomas are rare but can be very aggressive.

 

Secondary brain tumors

Secondary brain tumors make up the majority of brain cancers. They start in one part of the body and spread, or metastasize, to the brain. The following can metastasize to the brain:

 

lung cancer

breast cancer

kidney cancer

skin cancer

Secondary brain tumors are always malignant. Benign tumors don’t spread from one part of your body to another.

Last Updated on: Jan 22, 2025