Brain Cancer

Comprehensive care for central nervous system cancers

About Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Tumors of the brain and spinal cord usually are not cancerous. The chance that a person will have a tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than one percent.

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or central spine that can affect brain function such as our speech, movement or behavior. Symptoms will depend on where the tumor is located in the brain.

Brain tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells. They grow slowly and do not spread into other tissue. They can become large before causing symptoms, and — if they can be removed completely — they may not return. Malignant brain tumors start in the cells of the brain or elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain, called metastatic brain cancer.

Risk Factors

There is no known reason for most brain cancers. Radiation treatment to the brain for other reasons or a family history of brain tumors can increase the chance of a brain tumor. Cell phone use has not been found to increase the chance of having a brain tumor.

Diagnosis

Tests to look for brain and spinal cord tumors in someone who does not have symptoms is not recommended. Symptoms of tumors in the brain include pressure and swelling, and sometimes cause:

Headaches that get worse
Vision changes
Balance problems such as trouble walking
Behavior or personality changes
Seizures

The following tests may be ordered to determine if a brain tumor is present:

Diagnostic Surgery and Resection

In a biopsy, we remove tissue from the brain to see if cancer cells are present. If tests show a brain or spinal cord tumor, a brain surgeon (neurosurgeon) will remove as much of the tumor as possible (resection). A pathologist will examine the cells and identify the type of brain tumor to guide treatment decisions.

Treatment

After the diagnosis, you and your doctor will discuss treatment options and choose a treatment plan that is right for you. The plan may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other therapies. More than one type of treatment may be recommended.

Related Information

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