BRAIN TUMOR

What is Brain Tumor?

A tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells. Tumors found in the brain typically are categorized as primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors originate in the brain and can be benign or malignant. But they're relatively rare. About 17,000 Americans a year are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. Secondary brain tumors, which are malignant, are more common, affecting some 90,000 Americans in a year. These tumors result from cancer that started elsewhere in the body and has spread (metastasized) to the brain.

Benign brain tumors are usually slow growing and are easier to remove and less likely to recur compared to malignant brain tumors. Malignant brain tumors can grow rapidly, crowding or destroying nearby brain tissue. However, in a small number of cases even a benign brain tumor can cause serious problems or be life-threatening.

Brain tumors can be challenging to treat. In fact, brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer death in children under age 15. But the outlook isn't necessarily bleak. Many types of brain tumors can be successfully treated with one or more treatment methods.

In addition, new technology is enabling physicians to target tumors more precisely. And innovative treatments under investigation mean more hope for the future.

Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complications
Treatment
Coping Skills
Screening and Diagnosis
Risk Factors