The different types of brain tumours

The different types of brain tumours are usually named after the types of brain cells from which they have developed.

This section gives brief details about the main types of malignant and benign brain tumours. Other names that may be used are given in brackets. You may find it helpful to look at the diagrams on the brain page when reading this section.

If you have any questions about the type and position of your tumour, your doctor will be able to give you more information. CancerBACUP’s nurses can also provide you with more information about specific tumours and their effects, or you can read the appropriate information in the types of brain tumour section.

Gliomas

Some tumours develop from the supporting cells of the brain known as the glial cells. They may be named after the type of cell that they are made up of, or after the part of the brain in which they are found, such as a brainstem glioma. More than half of all primary brain tumours are gliomas.

Grading of gliomas

Grading is a term that refers to the appearance of the tumour cells under the microscope. A pathologist will examine the cells and look at whether they are dividing slowly or more quickly, and how abnormal they look.

The grade gives an idea of how quickly the tumour may develop. There are four grades: grade 1 tumours are the least malignant and grow only very slowly, whereas grade 4 tumours are more malignant and grow faster. Sometimes grade 1 and 2 gliomas are called low-grade gliomas and grades 3 and 4 are called high-grade gliomas. Your treatment will depend on the type and grade of tumour.

Types of glioma

• Astrocytoma – This is the commonest type of glioma and develops from star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Grade 4 gliomas (sometimes called glioblastoma multiforme) and grade 3 gliomas (anaplastic astrocytomas) are the commonest brain tumours found in adults.
• Oligodendroglioma – These are tumours that are made up of cells known as oligodendrocytes, which produce the fatty covering of nerve cells: the myelin sheath. They are usually slower-growing than astrocytomas.
• Mixed glioma – Gliomas can be made up of a mixture of different types of glial cells, and the most common are oligo-astrocytomas.
• Ependymoma – A rare type of glioma, ependymomas develop from the ependymal cells, which line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. These tumours have the potential to send cells to other parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Medulloblastoma (or PNET, primitive neuroectodermal tumour)

Medulloblastomas are one of the commonest malignant brain tumours in children. They usually 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. Very occasionally, these tumours spread outside the brain to the lymph nodes or lungs.

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 affect the brain only, and are then called primary CNS lymphomas.

Pineal region tumours

The pineal gland is just below the area where the two cerebral hemispheres join. Tumours in this part of the brain are extremely rare. They can be made up of different types of cells. The most common tumours are germinomas; others include teratomas, pineocytomas and pineoblastomas.

Meningioma

Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the covering of the brain. They can occur in any part of the meninges over the brain or spinal cord and usually grow very slowly. Most meningiomas are benign and do not spread from their original site. Malignant meningiomas are very rare.

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma, neurilemmoma)

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumours that develop in the acoustic or auditory nerve, which controls hearing and balance. The nerve is covered by schwann cells. The tumour arises from these cells, so it is also known as a schwannoma. Acoustic neuromas are usually found only in adults and are more common in people who have a genetic disease called neurofibromatosis type 2. 

Haemangioblastoma

This is a rare type of tumour that develops from cells that line the blood vessels. Haemangioblastomas are benign and grow slowly. It may take several years for the symptoms to appear.

Pituitary tumours

The pituitary gland produces hormones that control and regulate the other hormone-producing glands of the body. Pituitary tumours are benign and are called pituitary adenomas. Symptoms often occur due to disturbances in vision or hormone levels.

Spinal tumours

Spinal tumours often cause symptoms by pressing on the spinal nerves. These may include numbness, tingling, leg or arm weakness and pain in the back, neck and limbs. Sometimes a tumour in the lower part of the spinal cord can lead to loss of control of the bladder or bowel.

Secondary brain tumours

Some types of primary cancers may spread to the brain, these tumours are then known as secondary brain tumours or metastases.