Brain tumour types

Understanding the different types of brain tumours

There are many different types of brain tumours. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from or the part of the brain where they begin.

• Brain tumours are often named after the cells they develop from or the part of the brain where they start.
• Brain tumours can be low-grade (slow growing) or high-grade (faster growing).
• Some tumours begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain. These are known as secondary brain tumours or metastases.

Glioma

More than half of all brain tumours are gliomas. These tumours develop from glial cells, which are the supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord.

Gliomas can occur in different grades. Some grow slowly (generally grade 1 or 2), while others grow more quickly (generally grade 3 or 4).

Types of glioma include:

• Astrocytoma – the most common type of glioma, developing from cells called astrocytes. A grade 4 astrocytoma is known as glioblastoma multiforme.
• Oligodendroglioma – develops from glial cells known as oligodendrocytes.
• Ependymoma – develops from ependymal cells and is a rare type of glioma.

Meningioma

About one quarter of brain tumours are meningiomas. These tumours develop in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Most meningiomas are slow-growing and low-grade, although a small number can grow more quickly.

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuromas, also called vestibular schwannomas, are usually slow-growing tumours that develop from the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain.

People with the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have a higher risk of developing this tumour.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of lymphoma that begins in the brain or spinal cord. It is usually a fast-growing tumour.

Haemangioblastoma

Haemangioblastoma is a rare, slow-growing tumour that often develops in the cerebellum and occasionally in the brain stem or spinal cord.

Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a high-grade tumour that develops in the cerebellum. It is rare in adults but one of the most common brain tumours in children.

Pineal region tumours

These rare tumours develop in the pineal gland, located deep in the centre of the brain. One of the most common types is a germ cell tumour.

Pituitary tumour

The most common tumours of the pituitary gland are pituitary adenomas. These tumours are usually slow-growing but can affect hormone production.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumours that develop near the pituitary gland and optic nerves.

Spinal cord tumour

Although uncommon, tumours can also develop in the spinal cord. These tumours may cause symptoms by pressing on the nerves within the spinal cord.

Source: Macmillan Cancer Support