Primary brain cancer results from the uncontrolled growth and division of cells in the brain. The excess cells then bind together and form tumors, which can interfere with neurological functions.

Compared to other cancers, primary brain cancer is relatively rare. The most common type is glioblastoma, which develops from the precursor cells that produce astrocytes, a normal type of support cell in the brain. These star-shaped glial cells play an essential role in supporting and maintaining the health and function of neurons, the primary cells responsible for transmitting electrical signals within the central nervous system (CNS).

What is the difference between brain cancer and brain metastasis?

Primary brain cancer originates in the brain. Secondary, or metastatic, brain cancer originates in another part of the body and then spreads to the brain. In brain metastasis, cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, travel to the brain and then form a new tumor. Some common primary cancer sources of brain metastasis include the lungs, breasts, skin (melanoma), kidneys and colon. Metastatic brain tumors are far more common than primary brain tumors.

Brain cancer causes

The exact causes of brain cancer are not fully understood. The causes of brain cancer are multifactorial and likely involve a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Many types of environmental exposures have been examined to see if they cause brain tumors, and, to date, none have been definitively shown to induce these types of tumors. The only verified linkage between environmental exposure and the development of a brain tumor relates to the former use of low-level radiation to treat ringworm of the scalp, which has been shown to produce benign tumors in the lining of the brain decades later. That type of treatment for ringworm of the scalp is no longer performed.

Brain cancer risk factors

Most brain tumors are thought to occur sporadically. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a brain tumor, such as exposure to ionizing radiation, and a family history of cancer. Certain rare inherited cancer syndromes are associated with an elevated risk of brain cancer. These include:

Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2
Tuberous sclerosis
Lynch syndrome
Li-Fraumeni syndrome
von Hippel-Lindau disease
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Cowden syndrome
Gorlin syndrome

Brain cancer symptoms

The early warning signs of brain cancer can vary widely depending on the type, size, grade and location of the tumor. Common symptoms, not specific for a brain tumor, include:

Headaches – Persistent or worsening head pain or pressure, especially in the morning, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting unrelated to digestive issues
Seizures – New-onset seizures or a change in the pattern of existing seizures
Cognitive changes – Mental confusion, memory loss, impaired concentration or difficulty following simple commands
Neurobehavioral symptoms – Changes in mood, personality or behavior
Motor skill impairments – Weakness or numbness in the limbs, loss of balance, coordination problems or difficulty walking
Vision changes – Blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
Speech difficulties – Trouble speaking, slurred speech or language problems
Changes in sensation – Numbness and tingling in certain parts of the body

Persistent or worsening brain cancer symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a physician who can provide an accurate diagnosis. Many other conditions can produce these types of symptoms, some of which require immediate intervention. Early detection and intervention are crucial for effective management of brain cancer.

Brain cancer diagnostic testing

If a brain tumor is suspected based on the symptoms, a physician will typically perform a clinical assessment and order one or more diagnostic tests, such as:

A neurological examination – This comprehensive exam may include checking the patient’s vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Although it cannot confirm the presence of a tumor, difficulty in one or more areas can provide important clues about the affected area of the brain.
Imaging studies – Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can help the physician visualize the brain and identify abnormal growths or tumors.
A biopsy – A small sample of tissue from the suspected tumor is removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist, who can identify cancerous cells. For brain tumors, the diagnostic biopsy is most often obtained during removal of the tumor, and not as a separate procedure.
A genetic and molecular analysis – Advanced techniques, such as molecular profiling, may be used to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor cells, which can help guide treatment decisions.

Brain cancer types

After diagnosing a brain tumor, a pathologist will determine its type by microscopically examining the characteristics and behavior of the tumor cells. The types of brain cancer include:

Glioblastoma
Astrocytoma
Mixed glioma
Oligodendroglioma
Ependymoma
Pituitary adenoma
Schwannoma
Craniopharyngioma
Meningioma
Medulloblastoma

Brain cancer treatment

Treatment for a brain tumor can vary depending on the type, size, grade and location of the tumor and whether it is cancerous. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

If the tumor is small, benign and not causing symptoms, treatment might not be needed right away. Instead, a physician may suggest monitoring the tumor with MRI scans a few times a year. If the tumor grows more quickly than expected or begins causing symptoms, treatment may be considered at that point.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about brain cancer

The following FAQs-related articles provide additional information about brain cancer:

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s renowned Neuro-Oncology Program provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Our robust portfolio of clinical trials provides our patients with unique opportunities to be among the first to benefit from promising new therapies while under the care of a dedicated treatment team. In addition to brain cancer, we also specialize in the management of other brain-related conditions, such as CNS lymphoma, meningeal carcinoma and neurofibromatosis.

Medically reviewed by Michael Vogelbaum, MD, PhD, Program Leader, Chief of Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology Program.

You can request an appointment with a specialist in our Neuro-Oncology Program by calling 1-877-318-2560 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

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