The Menace Called-Brain Cancer

CANCER - The Brain - Types of Brain Tumours________________________________________

The different types of brain tumours are usually named after the types of cells from which they come.
You may find that there is more than one name for your type of tumour and this can be confusing. The list below gives brief details about the main types of malignant and benign brain tumours.
If you have any questions about the type and position of your tumour your doctor will be able to give you more information.
Gliomas
These are a group of tumours which develop from the supporting cells of the brain known as the glial cells. They may be named after the part of the brain in which they are found, such as brainstem glioma.
Grading of gliomas
When a glioma has been diagnosed it is graded depending on the degree of malignancy. This is based on the tumour's tendency to spread, its growth rate and its similarity to normal cells. The normal grading system is Grade I to IV. Grade I tumours are the least malignant and grow only very slowly, whereas Grade IV tumours are more malignant and have greater tendency to grow and spread. The extent and type of treatment you receive will depend on the type and grade of tumour you have.
Types of glioma
Over half of all primary brain tumours are gliomas.
Astrocytoma
This is the commonest type of glioma and develops from star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Grade IV astrocytoma, also sometimes called glioblastoma multiforme, is the commonest primary brain tumour found in adults. This tumour is the most malignant form of astrocytoma and because it tends to spread to other parts of the brain it can be difficult to treat. In most cases, more than one form of treatment will be necessary, however you may find that you only have radiotherapy treatment.
Ependymoma
A rare type of glioma, ependymomas develop from the ependymal cells in the lining of the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
Oligodendroglioma
These are tumours which originate from the oligodendrocytes, which are cells which produce the fatty covering of nerve cells, the myelin sheath. They are usually more slow growing than astrocytomas and are most commonly found in the temporal or frontal lobe of the cerebrum.
Mixed glioma
Gliomas can be made up of a mixture of different types of glial cells, in which case they are called mixed gliomas.
Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastomas are one of the commonest malignant brain tumours in children. They develop in the cerebellum at the back of the brain but may spread to other parts of the brain. Medulloblastomas are less common in adults.
Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma
A lymphoma is a malignant tumour of the lymphatic system which is part of the body's immune system. Rarely, these tumours may involve the brain.
Pineal region tumours - germinomas
The pineal gland is situated below an area which divides the two cerebral hemispheres. Tumours in this part of the brain are extremely rare. The commonest pineal tumours are germinomas, others include teratomas, pineocytomas and pineoblastomas.
Meningioma
Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the covering of the brain. They can occur in most parts of the brain or spinal cord but are usually found in the cerebrum or cerebellum. Most meningiomas are benign and do not spread from their original site. Malignant meningiomas are very rare.
Acoustic neuroma (schwannoma, neurilemmoma)
Acoustic neuromas are benign tumours that develop in the acoustic or auditory nerve which controls hearing. The nerve contains cells called schwann cells so it is also known as a schwannoma. Acoustic neuromas are usually found only in adults and can be connected with the genetic disease called neurofibromatosis.
Haemangioblastoma
This is a rare type of tumour that develops from blood vessel cells. Haemangioblastomas are almost always benign and grow very slowly. It may take several years for the symptoms to appear.
Pituitary tumours
The function of the pituitary gland is to secrete hormones which control and regulate the other hormone-producing glands of the body. Most pituitary tumours are benign and are called adenomas. Symptoms often occur as a result of disturbances in vision or hormone levels.
Spinal tumours
Spinal tumours often cause symptoms by pressing on the spinal nerves. These may include muscle weakness and pain in the back, neck and limbs. Sometimes the position of the tumour can lead to loss of control of the bladder and bowel.
Secondary brain tumours
Some other types of primary cancers may spread to the brain, these are then known as brain secondaries.


by komal