The Most Common Types of Brain Tumors

A brain cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Understanding what type you have is probably your priority, and figuring out what that means for your future is likely also top of mind.

Brain tumors vary widely in their formation, growth and treatment. They’re also grouped and classified based on several factors, including where they begin, how the cells behave and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow.

Although no two diagnoses are exactly alike, learning about the types of brain tumors — and how they’re grouped and classified — can help make treatment conversations clearer and support more informed decision-making moving forward.

Brain Tumors, Explained

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that forms in or around the brain. Tumors can begin in the brain itself or spread there from another part of the body.

Doctors often classify tumors as either benign or malignant, but even benign tumors can cause symptoms if they press on important parts of the brain. That’s why tumor location, size and growth rate all matter when planning care.

Understanding brain tumor types helps guide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Primary vs. Metastatic Brain Tumors

Brain tumors fall into two main categories:

• Primary tumors, which start in the brain and develop from brain tissue or cells near the brain, such as nerves or glands
• Metastatic tumors, which begin elsewhere in the body — such as the lung, breast or skin — and spread to the brain

Metastatic brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors and are treated differently depending on where the cancer started.

Benign and Malignant Brain Tumors

In addition to categorizing brain tumors as either primary or metastatic, doctors also describe them based on how their cells behave.

Benign brain tumors, for instance, tend to grow slowly and are less likely to spread. But they can still cause symptoms like headaches, vision changes or seizures if they affect sensitive areas of the brain.

On the other hand, malignant brain tumors grow more aggressively and may invade nearby tissue. These tumors often require a combination of treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Still, both types of brain tumors require careful evaluation and long-term monitoring.

Common Types of Primary Brain Tumors

There are more than 100 different types of primary brain tumors. Some are far more common than others. Some of these include:

Gliomas

Gliomas are the most common form of malignant brain tumors. They begin in glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain.

Types of gliomas include:

• Astrocytomas
• Glioblastomas
• Oligodendrogliomas

These tumors are classified by grade, which reflects how quickly they’re likely to grow.

Meningiomas

Meningiomas form in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign and slow-growing, but some are malignant.

Because meningiomas tend to grow slowly, doctors may monitor them over time before starting treatment.

Pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors develop in the pituitary gland, which regulates the body's hormones. Most pituitary tumors are benign, but they can still affect hormone levels, vision and overall health.

Treatment for pituitary tumors generally depends on the tumor’s size, location and hormone production.

Schwannomas

Schwannomas grow from Schwann cells that surround nerves. These tumors often affect balance and hearing. They’re also usually benign but require treatment if they cause symptoms.

How Brain Tumors Are Classified

Doctors further classify brain tumors using grading systems to better understand how it’s likely to behave.

Grades describe how abnormal tumor cells look under a microscope and how quickly they’re likely to grow. Lower-grade tumors tend to grow slowly, while higher-grade tumors are more aggressive.

According to the National Brain Tumor Society, brain tumor grades help care teams tailor treatment plans and anticipate how a tumor may change over time.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Brain tumor symptoms depend largely on where the tumor is located. Some people may notice symptoms early, while others may not notice signs for some time.

Common symptoms may include:

• Balance problems
• Changes in memory or thinking
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Vision changes

The Importance of Specialized Care

Because brain tumors are complex and require a team of experts — including neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists and radiation specialists — to diagnose and treat them.

Advanced imaging, molecular testing and minimally invasive surgical techniques can all play a role in improving outcomes and preserving quality of life.

Finding Expert Brain Tumor Care

If you or a loved one is facing a brain tumor diagnosis, we’re here to help.

At our AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute, you have access to a multidisciplinary team within our Brain Tumor Program — all with expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of brain tumor types and all committed to treating your brain cancer with compassion.

Learn more about our comprehensive brain tumor care at the Adventhealth Neuroscience Institute and how expert support can make a difference.