There are more than 150 types of brain tumors. Some types begin in the brain, while others spread to the brain from other parts of your body. Some grow slowly and may not need treatment right away. Some need more urgent attention.
At Banner Health, our specialists use advanced imaging, pathology testing and genetic analysis to diagnose brain tumors and recommend personalized treatment options.
How do doctors classify brain tumors?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor, one of the first things your care team will do is classify it. This helps doctors understand how the tumor may behave and which treatments may work best for you.
Brain tumors are classified in several ways:
- By where they start: Primary tumors begin in the brain, while secondary tumors spread from other parts of the body.
- By the type of cells involved: Different brain tumors develop from different types of cells. Common examples include gliomas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors.
- By tumor grade: Doctors use a scale from 1 to 4 to show how fast cells are growing. Grade 1 tumors are the least aggressive and grow slowly. Grade 4 tumors are the most aggressive and fastest-growing.
- By location: The specific area in your brain or skull base where the tumor is found plays a role.
- By genetic and molecular features: Specialists look at DNA changes and biomarkers in the tumor cells.
Primary vs. metastatic brain tumors
Brain tumors are generally divided into two main categories:
- Primary tumors: These start in your brain or nearby structures, like the lining of the brain or nerves. Common types include gliomas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors.
- Metastatic tumors: Also called secondary tumors, these begin somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain. They are more common than primary brain tumors. Cancers that commonly spread to the brain include lung, breast, melanoma, kidney and colon cancers.
Treatment depends on the type of cancer, how many tumors are present and where they are located.
Common types of brain tumors
There are many different types of brain tumors. These are some of the most common types:
- Glioblastoma: This is an extremely aggressive type of glioma. It is the most common type of primary malignant (cancerous) brain cancer in adults.
- Skull base tumors: These tumors grow at the bottom of the skull or in the area just behind the eyes and nose.
- Pituitary tumors: These grow in the pituitary gland at the base of your brain. They are usually benign but can affect your hormones and vision.
- Meningioma: These tumors start in the membranes that cover and protect your brain. They are the most common type of benign (non-cancerous) brain tumor.
Other, less common types of brain tumors include:
- Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas): These benign tumors develop on the balance and hearing nerves.
- Oligodendrogliomas and ependymoma: These types of tumors start in the cells of the brain and the cells that line the ventricles (fluid cavities) in the brain and spinal cord.
- Medulloblastomas: These are the most common type of cancerous brain tumor in children.
- Choroid plexus tumors and cysts: These rare brain tumors start in a group of blood vessels and cells in the brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Benign vs. malignant brain tumors
Benign tumors: These are noncancerous and tend to grow slowly. Even though they are not cancerous, they can still cause serious symptoms if they press on sensitive areas.
Malignant tumors: These are cancerous and grow faster. They can quickly invade and destroy healthy brain tissue.
Why tumor location matters
The location of a tumor is a key factor, because it can affect your symptoms and treatment plan. Depending on the location, you may have issues with:
- Vision
- Balance
- Hormones
- Speech
- Memory
Based on the tumor location, your care team will decide if surgery is possible and how to use radiation and other therapies when advisable.
How tumor type affects treatment
Your tumor type helps your providers decide on the best treatment options and plan your care. Treatment may include:
- Monitoring: For slow-growing tumors, your care team may recommend watching them over time and monitoring you for any symptoms.
- Active treatment: This may include surgery, radiation or medical therapies like chemotherapy.
- Supportive care: You may need rehabilitation or long-term follow-up to help with your symptoms and recovery.
At Banner Health, our neurology, neurosurgery and neuro-oncology experts care for people with all types of brain tumors. Reach out today for an appointment with an expert.
Find information on specific brain tumor types
To learn more about a specific brain tumor diagnosis, visit these pages:
Expert brain tumor care at Banner Health
A brain tumor diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. At Banner Health, our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists and other specialists who work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
From diagnosis through treatment and recovery, Banner Health provides comprehensive brain tumor care focused on achieving the best possible outcomes while supporting your quality of life. Reach out today for an appointment with an expert.
FAQs
What are the most common types of brain tumors?
Meningiomas are the most common benign tumors. Glioblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors in adults.
What is the difference between a benign and malignant brain tumor?
Benign tumors are noncancerous and usually grow slowly. Malignant tumors are cancerous and spread more quickly.
Are pituitary tumors brain tumors?
Yes, they are tumors that grow in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
Is glioblastoma a fast-growing brain tumor?
Yes, it is a grade 4 tumor and is one of the fastest-growing types of brain cancer.
Are meningiomas always noncancerous?
Most meningiomas are benign but a small number can be more aggressive.
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