Brain tumors can be classified in two ways. Primary brain tumors originate in the brain or the spinal canal, whereas secondary tumors spread from other areas of the body to the brain or the spinal canal. Approximately 25 percent of brain tumors are secondary, and all secondary brain tumors are malignant. The majority of secondary brain tumors are caused by lung cancer that has metastasized.

Primary brain tumors, however, may be benign or malignant. They develop from different types of brain tissue, and are often named after the areas in which they originate. Primary benign tumors usually grow very slowly; primary malignant tumors usually grow rapidly and are life-threatening. Although a primary malignant brain tumor is sometimes referred to as a “brain cancer,” unlike most types of cancer, it rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It can, however, spread within the brain and spinal cord.

The specific cause of primary brain cancer, and why it develops in some people rather than others, is unknown. It is believed, however, that certain factors may increase the risk of developing it. Some of these risk factors include:

• Family history of brain cancer
• Cigarette smoking
• Exposure to ionizing radiation
• HIV infection
• Exposure to environmental toxins

Ionizing radiation is produced by cancer-treating radiotherapy and atomic bombs. There is no proven link between brain cancer and radiation from microwaves or cell phones.

The symptoms of both a benign and malignant brain tumor are usually caused by the swelling and inflammation caused by the growing tumor, and by its pressing on other parts of the brain, which prevents the brain from functioning as it should. However, brain tumors may also be asymptomatic. Common symptoms of both benign and malignant brain tumors include:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Difficulty walking
• Clumsiness

Because they tend to have defined margins, and be rooted less deeply than malignant brain tumors, benign brain tumors are easier to remove surgically.

Accounting for approximately half of all cases, gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. They also account for 80 percent of malignant primary brain tumors. Other types include:

• Meningiomas
• Medulloblastomas
• Vestibular schwannomas
• Pineal gland and pituitary gland tumors
• Primary central-nervous-system lymphomas

The most common type of primary malignant brain tumor in children is medulloblastoma. Most cases occur in boys, and before the age of 10.

The first step in diagnosing brain tumors involves getting a thorough neurological exam, in which, among other things, eye movement, the optic nerve, and balance and coordination are checked. If results of a neurological exam indicate a possible tumor, the following tests may be performed:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• X-ray
• Various laboratory tests

If the tests above indicate the presence of a brain tumor, either a surgical biopsy or a stereotactic biopsy is performed; both remove a sample of the tumor for microscopic examination.

Treatment for brain tumors varies based on a number of factors:

• Tumor location
• Tumor size
• Tumor type
• Patient’s age and medical history

Treatments for both malignant and benign brain tumors include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Steroids

Surgical removal is the preferred treatment for a brain tumor, unless the tumor is in an area of the brain that makes surgical removal impossible.

Depending upon the type of treatment used, side effects may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Blood clots
• Edema

Even with aggressive treatment, the long-term survival rate (5 or more years) for primary brain cancer is only 10 percent. A patient with secondary brain cancer is more apt to die from the original cancer than from brain cancer.