A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue within the brain or in surrounding structures, such as the brain membranes (meninges), cranial nerves, glands within the brain, and other tissues located inside the skull cavity. This condition can disrupt normal brain function by compressing, displacing, or damaging surrounding tissues. As a result, patients may experience various symptoms such as headaches, seizures, vision problems, balance disturbances, limb weakness, and changes in cognitive function and behavior.
In general, brain tumors are divided into two main groups: primary brain tumors and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors. Primary brain tumors originate from brain tissue or surrounding structures, while secondary brain tumors result from the spread of cancer from other organs to the brain.
Primary brain tumors are tumors that originate from brain tissue or structures within the skull cavity. These tumors may be benign or malignant. Based on their tissue of origin, there are several types of primary brain tumors that are commonly found.
Glioma is a group of tumors that originate from glial cells, which are supporting cells that protect and assist the function of nerve cells in the brain. Gliomas include several types of tumors, including:
Astrocytoma, which originates from astrocyte cells and can vary in degree of malignancy.
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of glioma, which grows very rapidly. This tumor requires prompt treatment through a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Oligodendroglioma, a tumor originating from oligodendrocyte cells and generally growing more slowly than glioblastoma.
Ependymoma, a tumor that develops from ependymal cells lining the brain ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord.
Meningioma is a tumor that grows in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma is one of the most commonly found primary intracranial tumors in adults. Most meningiomas are benign and slow-growing, but they can still cause neurological symptoms if they enlarge and compress nearby brain tissue.
Pituitary tumors develop in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that regulates various important hormones in the body. Most pituitary tumors are benign, but they can cause hormonal disturbances, visual impairment, and headaches if they enlarge or produce excessive amounts of hormones.
Schwannoma is a tumor that originates from Schwann cells, which form the protective sheath around nerves. The most commonly encountered type is vestibular schwannoma or acoustic neuroma, which grows on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance. Symptoms may include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and balance problems. Most schwannomas are benign and slow-growing.
Craniopharyngioma is a benign, slow-growing tumor located at the base of the brain, specifically around the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Although it is not cancerous, this tumor can cause hormonal disorders, vision problems, and growth issues in children because of its proximity to critical brain structures.
Medulloblastoma is a malignant tumor that originates from embryonal cells in the brain. It is more commonly found in children than in adults. Due to its rapid growth, medulloblastoma usually requires a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Hemangioblastoma is a benign tumor that originates from blood vessels and is most commonly found in the cerebellum, brainstem, or spinal cord. In some cases, this tumor may be associated with a genetic disorder known as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.
Chordoma is a rare tumor that originates from remnants of embryonic tissue known as the notochord. This tumor typically grows at the base of the skull or along the spine. Although it grows slowly, chordoma is locally aggressive and can damage surrounding tissues, often requiring specialized treatment.
Pineal region tumors develop around the pineal gland, a small structure located in the center of the brain that plays a role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Tumors in this region may be either benign or malignant and can disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus.
In addition to being classified by their cell of origin, some tumors are also categorized according to their location within the brain.
Intraventricular tumors are tumors that grow within the brain ventricles, which are cavities containing cerebrospinal fluid. These tumors may arise from various tissue types and often cause symptoms only when they enlarge or obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow, resulting in hydrocephalus.
Skull base tumors are a group of tumors that grow in the skull base, the bony structure that supports the brain. Tumors in this location may be benign or malignant and often require specialized surgical techniques because of their proximity to nerves, major blood vessels, and the brainstem.
Foramen magnum tumors grow around the largest opening at the base of the skull, which connects the brain to the spinal cord. Most tumors in this location are meningiomas or schwannomas. Due to the critical nature of this area, foramen magnum tumors can cause balance problems, limb weakness, and other neurological dysfunctions.
A colloid cyst is a benign cystic lesion most commonly found in the third ventricle of the brain. It contains a gel-like or mucus-like material. Although it grows slowly, a colloid cyst can block cerebrospinal fluid flow and cause hydrocephalus, which may require urgent treatment.
Secondary brain tumors, or brain metastases, occur when cancer cells from another organ spread to the brain through the bloodstream. In adults, brain metastases are more common than most primary malignant brain tumors.
Some of the cancers that most commonly spread to the brain include:
Because they originate from other organs, the treatment of brain metastases generally requires collaboration among multiple medical specialists to control the primary cancer while simultaneously managing the lesions in the brain.
Accurate and early diagnosis is essential in the management of brain tumors. Physicians typically perform evaluations through neurological examinations, imaging studies such as CT scans and especially contrast-enhanced MRI, as well as tissue examination through biopsy or surgery to determine the exact type of tumor.
The earlier a brain tumor is detected, the greater the opportunity to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. Management options may include observation, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of several approaches depending on the type and characteristics of the tumor.
National Hospital, through its National Hospital Neuroscience Center (NHNC), provides comprehensive brain tumor management services supported by experienced specialists, modern diagnostic technology, and advanced neurosurgical techniques. These services include Keyhole Brain Surgery (minimally invasive brain surgery), Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery (tumor removal through the nasal passage without opening the skull), Skull Base Surgery, and the use of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IOM) to help monitor nerve function during surgery, allowing treatment to be performed more safely and precisely for each patient.
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