A brain tumor is a mass of cells that grow in or around the brain. Tumors may start in the brain or spread there from another part of the body. They can be malignant (cancerous, fast growing) or benign (non-cancerous, slow growing).
Learning that you or a loved one may have a brain tumor can feel overwhelming. At Banner Health, our experts are here to answer your questions, guide your care and support you every step of the way.
A brain tumor is a group of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Brain tumors can affect people of any age, and symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size, type and location. Because your brain is enclosed inside your skull, any growing tumor can create pressure that affects how your brain works.
Researchers have identified more than 150 types of brain tumors. Some are slow-growing and stay in one place. Others grow more quickly and can spread into nearby healthy brain tissue.
Brain tumors are generally classified as:
Doctors classify brain tumors based on where they begin:
Skull base tumors develop at the bottom of your skull, near important structures such as the eyes, nose, ears and brainstem. Learn more about skull base tumors.
Pituitary tumors develop near the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that helps control hormone production. These tumors may commonly affect the eye nerves if they get larger. Learn more about pituitary tumors.
A glioblastoma is a fast-growing brain cancer that can spread into nearby brain tissue. Learn more about glioblastomas.
A meningioma develops in the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Learn more about meningiomas.
Learn more about types of brain tumors.
The signs of a brain tumor vary based on its size and location. Symptoms often happen when a tumor presses on nearby brain tissue or affects how part of the brain functions.
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms. They can seem like tension headaches and are sometimes worse in the morning.
Other symptoms may include:
These symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, not just brain tumors. If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with a Banner Health provider.
Talk with your health care provider if you have symptoms that concern you or don’t go away. Getting evaluated early can help identify the cause of your symptoms and start treatment if needed.
Seek medical care right away if you experience:
In most cases, experts don’t know exactly why brain tumors develop. They are usually not caused by anything you did or didn’t do.
Brain tumors form when changes in a cell’s DNA cause it to grow and multiply out of control. In some cases, inherited genetic conditions or exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation may increase the risk.
Your health care provider will begin with a physical and neurological exam to check your balance, vision, hearing, strength and reflexes. An MRI is often the next step because it provides detailed images of the brain.
Your provider may also recommend:
The treatment of brain tumors depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health.
For small, benign appearing tumors that are causing symptoms, your provider might recommend active surveillance, sometimes called watchful waiting. This means closely monitoring the tumor for any signs of growth or change.
Other treatment options include:
Banner Health offers a multidisciplinary team to guide your care. Our specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, radiation oncology and rehab work together to create a personalized treatment plan. Using advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, we can identify the type of tumor and recommend the most effective treatment options.
Early evaluation can help you get answers and start the right care plan. Reach out to a Banner Health specialist if you’re experiencing neurological symptoms or have concerns about a brain tumor.
A brain tumor is any abnormal cell growth in or around your brain. Not all brain tumors are cancerous or fast growing. Brain cancer refers to malignant tumors that can grow more rapidly into nearby brain tissue.
No, many primary brain tumors (those that start in the brain) are benign or non-cancerous. But even a benign brain tumor can cause problems if it continues to grow and/or presses on your brain.
Common early symptoms include headaches, seizures or changes in your vision. Some people also notice balance problems, weakness or changes in thinking, memory or personality. Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located.
Yes, brain tumors can sometimes cause frequent or daily headaches. These headaches may be worse in the morning or change over time. They may feel like tension headaches or migraines. However, most headaches are not caused by a brain tumor. Talk with your health care provider if your headaches are severe, worsening or occur with other neurological symptoms.
Doctors typically use a neurological exam and imaging tests such as an MRI or a CT scan. If a tumor is found, a biopsy may be needed to identify the specific type of tumor.
Yes, some brain tumors can be treated through radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or monitoring. The best treatment path depends on your specific diagnosis, symptoms and overall health.
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