There are many different types of cells within the central nervous system that brain tumors can arise from. Primary brain tumors, as discussed above, are those that originate within the brain tissue. Each general type of tumor is named based on the type of cell that it arises from. Those different types of tumors include the following: Gliomas, Meningiomas, Acoustic Neuromas, Pituitary Adenomas, Medulloblastomas, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, Germ Cell Tumors and Craniopharyngiomas.
Within these classes of brain tumors, there are a variety of different brain tumors that have a degree of severity. Some of the tumors within these classes are less invasive and have a better chance of survival while others are more aggressive and have a higher mortality rate. This is just a general overview, so if it is suspected that you may have a possible brain tumor, it is imperative to speak with a board certified physician who specializes in CNS tumors.

Gliomas are tumors that can occur within the CNS, which means within the brain or within the spinal cord. Tumors within this category include: astrocytomas, ependymomas, glioblastomas, oligoastrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Each of these tumors arise from glioma cells.

Meningiomas are another class of brain tumors. These tumors actually arise within the meninges. The meninges provide covering to the brain and spinal cord. If tumors arise within the membranes or meninges of the brain/spinal cord then it is called a Meningioma. Most of the time these tumors are non-cancerous, however they can grow quite large and begin to result in symptoms that may deem intervention necessary. It is imperative with any type of tumor, cancerous or noncancerous, that you be evaluated by proper physicians, so that a better understanding of diagnosis and treatments can be established.

Acoustic Neuromas, which are also called Schwannomas. These tumors actually develop along the route of the nerves and are typically non cancerous. These tumors affect the nerves that run from the brain to the inner ear and are responsible for hearing and balance. When tumors develop along these nerve routes, the patient will begin to experience symptoms accordingly. Those symptoms will include loss of balance; balance difficulties, and hearing difficulties.

Pituitary Adenomas are the most common form of tumor. Most of the time these tumors are noncancerous, but they do have the potential to also be malignant. These tumors will produce symptoms based on the hormones that they affect within the pituitary gland. For example, a Prolactinoma, is a pituitary adenoma that secretes prolactin. There are many different types of pituitary adenomas, and those tumors will have a variety of symptoms.

Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumor in children. These types of tumors spread from the posterior portion of the brain down through the cerebrospinal fluid. These tumors usually do not occur in adults, but that doesn’t mean that they are never present. There have been reported cases in which adults have been diagnosed with this malignant tumor.

PNETs, which are also known as Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, are a type of malignant tumor of the brain. These tumors are named accordingly, because the tumor actually begins within the fetal brain cells and can occur at any location within the brain.

Craniopharyngiomas are a type of rare, malignant primary brain cancer. These tumors begin in the area of the pituitary gland. This is a very slow growing tumor that will affect all the structures within its reach including, but not limited to, the pituitary gland.

Each and every different form of primary brain cancer deserves the chance to be evaluated by a specialist. While some of these tumours are commonly non-cancerous, there is still a possibility that they may be malignant. If there is any possibility that brain tumours may be malignant, it is a standard of medicine to perform due-diligence and evaluate the patient for their specific signs and symptoms to determine a further course of treatment based on clinical findings and clinical evidence based medicine.