Brain Tumors

What are Brain Tumors?

An intracranial tumor, also known as a brain tumor, is an abnormal mass of tissue in which cells proliferate and reproduce rapidly, appearing unaffected by the processes that usually control normal cells. There are more than 150 different types of brain tumors, but the two most common types are primary and metastatic.

Tumors that arise from the brain’s tissues or the brain’s immediate surrounds are known as primary brain tumors. Glial (glial cells) and non-glial (formed on or in the structures of the brain, such as nerves, blood vessels, and glands) primary tumors are classified as benign or malignant.

Tumors that start elsewhere in the body (such as the breast or lungs) and spread to the brain through the circulation are known as metastatic brain tumors. Cancerous tumors that have spread to other parts of the body are known as metastatic tumors.

Signs & Symptoms

• Headaches that may be more severe in the morning or awaken the patient at night
• Seizures or convulsions
• Difficulty thinking, speaking or articulating
• Personality changes
• Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
• Loss of balance or dizziness
• Vision changes
• Hearing changes
• Facial numbness or tingling
• Nausea or vomiting, swallowing difficulties 
• Confusion and disorientation