At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our expert and caring health care team is here to support you. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of brain cancer, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Tumors in your brain or spinal cord could impact the entire body in various ways - cognitively, physically and emotionally. Because your brain is responsible for controlling everything from sensory and motor control to thinking, mood and speech functions, the range of signs and symptoms of brain cancer can vary. It is important to pay attention to your body and be aware of any changes that do not have a clear explanation or cause.
Symptoms of brain cancer include:
If you have any of these symptoms, they may not necessarily be caused by a neuro-oncology condition, but it’s important to get them evaluated by your doctor so the cause can be found and treated early. If brain cancer is the cause, the team at Banner MD Anderson is committed to your care and comfort.
Brain cancers are categorized as Primary or Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors.
Primary brain tumors originate in the brain or spinal cord. There are more than 130 different types of primary central nervous system tumors as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). These tumors are further differentiated by where they occur and what kinds of cells they are made of. Some of the more common primary brain tumor types are listed below:
Gliomas are the most common type of brain tumor in adults and originate from the glial cells or glial precursor cells, which are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for nerve cells in the brain. Gliomas are classified by grade, which indicates how aggressive the tumor might be and the expected patient survival time. Gliomas can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can occur in any part of the brain. Symptoms of gliomas can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but can include headaches, seizures, changes in speech or vision, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, and problems with balance or coordination.
Treatment options for gliomas may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and the choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor. Specific treatments vary greatly based on location and involvement of nearby anatomy.
Glioblastoma is a type of malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that arises from glial cells, which are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for nerve cells in the brain. Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive tumor, and it can spread into nearby brain tissue. Symptoms of glioblastoma can include headache, seizures, changes in speech or vision, weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, and problems with balance or coordination.
Treatment options for glioblastoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and the choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor. Unfortunately, glioblastoma is a very difficult type of cancer to treat, and the prognosis is generally guarded. An aggressive multi-disciplinary plan is required. Our care team involving experts in many fields (e.g., neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, genetics, clinical trials, and others) participates in management and can quickly devise an individualized treatment plan.
A meningioma occurs in the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. They are the most common benign CNS (central nervous system) tumor type but can also be malignant (cancerous). These tumors are typically slow growing, but they can cause problems if they press on or damage nearby brain tissue or blood vessels. Symptoms of meningiomas can include headache, seizures, weakness, numbness, and changes in vision or hearing.
Meningiomas are usually treated with surgery, although in some cases radiation therapy or other treatments may be used. Our care team involving experts in many fields (e.g., neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, genetics, clinical trials, and others) participates in management and can quickly devise an individualized treatment plan.
Neuromas and schwannomas are typically benign tumors that develop on the nerve sheaths within the central or peripheral nervous system. The most common of these is the acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma which commonly impacts balance and hearing.
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a schwannoma or vestibular schwannoma, is a benign (noncancerous) tumor that arises from Schwann cells, which are cells that produce myelin, a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Acoustic neuromas typically arise from one of the balance nerves that accompany the auditory (hearing) nerve. These tumors can cause problems if they press on or damage nearby structures, such as the auditory nerve or the brainstem. Symptoms of acoustic neuromas can include hearing loss (most commonly on one side), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), balance problems, and facial numbness or weakness.
Treatment options for acoustic neuromas may include surgery, radiation therapy, and other treatments. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the location and extent of the growth
Peripheral Nerve Tumors are rare tumors that arise from the insulating cells that make up the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that carry signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body, such as in the arms and legs. Peripheral nerve tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can occur anywhere in the body where there are peripheral nerves. Symptoms of peripheral nerve tumors can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but may include swelling, pain, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation in the affected area.
Treatment options for peripheral nerve tumors may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the stage.
Pituitary adenomas are tumors that arise from the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones that regulate various body functions. Pituitary adenomas are typically benign (noncancerous) and slow growing, but they can cause problems if they press on or damage nearby structures, such as the optic nerve or the hypothalamus. Symptoms of pituitary adenomas can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, and may include vision problems, headache, irregular periods or fertility issues in women, impotence in men, fatigue, and changes in appetite or thirst. Pituitary adenomas can lead to a condition called acromegaly which can cause a variety of physical changes, including an enlarged jaw, hands, and feet; thicker skin; and excessive sweating. It can also cause health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
Treatment options for acromegaly may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and medications to reduce hormone production and lower blood sugar levels. A treatment team including one of our neurosurgeons and an endocrinologist lead your care.
Treatment options for pituitary adenomas may include surgery, radiation therapy, and medications, and the choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor. Our care team involving experts in many fields (e.g., neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, genetics, clinical trials, and others) participates in management and can quickly devise an individualized treatment plan.
A craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor that arises from cells in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones that regulate various body functions. Craniopharyngiomas are typically benign (noncancerous) and slow growing, but they can cause problems if they press on or damage nearby structures such as the optic nerve or the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Symptoms of craniopharyngiomas can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, but may include headache, changes in vision, problems with hormone production, and changes in appetite or thirst.
Treatment options for craniopharyngiomas may include surgery to remove the tumor (either through the nose or the head), radiation therapy, and medications to manage hormone imbalances. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor.
A hemangiopericytoma is a rare type of tumor that arises from cells called pericytes, which are small cells that help form and maintain the walls of small blood vessels. Hemangiopericytomas can occur in any part of the body where there are pericytes, but they are most commonly found in the bones and soft tissues. Hemangiopericytomas can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can grow and spread to other parts of the body if not treated. Symptoms of hemangiopericytomas can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but may include pain, swelling, and changes in the appearance of the affected area.
Treatment options for hemangiopericytomas may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the stage of the cancer. Our care team involving experts in many fields (e.g., neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, genetics, clinical trials, and others) participates in management and can quickly devise an individualized treatment plan.
A pineal tumor is a type of brain tumor that arises from cells in the pineal gland, a small gland located near the center of the brain that produces hormones that regulate sleep and other functions. Pineal tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can occur at any age, but are most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms of pineal tumors can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, but may include headaches, changes in vision, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in behavior or cognitive function.
Treatment options for pineal tumors may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the stage of the cancer.
These cancerous brain tumors are the most common brain malignancy in children, although they can occur at any age. A medulloblastoma is typically found in the lower part of the brain called the cerebellum but carries a risk of spreading throughout the spinal fluid and involve the spinal cord.
PCNSL is a rare brain cancer that starts in blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells grow in abundance and can damage parts of the brain or limit brain function. These cancers can grow quickly and must be recognized early for aggressive treatment.
Metastatic brain tumors, also known as secondary brain tumors or brain metastases, are cancerous tumors that have spread to the brain from another part of the body. The most common types of cancer that spread to the brain are lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and melanoma. Symptoms of metastatic brain tumors can vary depending on the location and size of the tumors, but can include headache, seizures, weakness, numbness, and changes in speech, vision, or hearing.
Treatment options for metastatic brain tumors may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and the choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of the tumors and the underlying cancer. Our care team involving experts in many fields (e.g., neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, genetics, clinical trials, and others) participates in management and can quickly devise an individualized treatment plan.
Learn more about Brain Cancer Tests, Diagnosis, Stages and Prognosis.
Sign in to Patient Account
