Brain Cancer

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself (primary brain tumor), or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain (metastatic or secondary tumor). Brain tumors may be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behavior. Malignant Brain Tumors Malignant brain tumors contain cancer cells, are usually fast growing and invade surrounding tissue. Malignant brain tumors very rarely spread to other areas of the body, but may recur after treatment. Sometimes, brain tumors that are not cancer are called malignant because of their size and location, and the damage they can do to vital functions of the brain. Metastatic Brain Tumors Metastatic brain tumors are tumors that begin to grow in another part of the body, then spread to the brain through the lymph system and bloodstream. Common types of cancer that can travel to the brain include lung cancer, breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and colon cancer. These cancers are described and treated based on the specific type of cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the brain is still called breast cancer. Symptoms of brain cancer can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor(s). Many symptoms are related to an increase in pressure in or around the brain. There is no extra space in the skull for anything other than the delicate tissues of the brain and its fluid.