Brain Cancer Types You Should Know?

• There are two basic brain cancer types. Those types that start or originate in the brain are known as primary brain cancer. The other type of brain cancer is called secondary brain cancer. Secondary brain cancer is a type of brain cancer that starts in other parts of the body and spreads or metastasizes to the brain. This is also known as metastasized brain cancer.

All types of malignant or cancerous brain tumors are considered life threatening, however not all benign or non cancerous tumors are as dangerous. Although both types of tumors can produce serious complications and symptoms benign tumors are generally only life threatening when they block vital systems such as arteries and veins.

It is rare for primary brain cancer to spread past the central nervous system and in most fatal cases death is caused by the tumor growing out of control within the skull and running out of room.

Metastasized or secondary brain cancer generally represents a primary cancer elsewhere in the body in very advanced stages. For this reason the mortality rate for this type of brain cancer is usually quite high. The most common cancers that spread to the brain are breast cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and colorectal cancer.

In addition to the different brain cancer types there are many types of tumors that may be associated with primary brain cancer.

Gliomas are tumors that form in the glial cells which work to protect important parts of the brain. These are often the most frequent brain tumors found in the adult population. Gliomas are broken down into different categories in relation to what types of brain cells they affect.

• Astrocytoma cells are star shaped cells that help to protect the neurons of the brain. Although cancer in these cells can spread to other parts of the brain it is rare for them to move outside the central nervous system. Cancer of these cells is separated in grades determined by the speed of progression.
• Oligodendroglioma cells produce myelin which is a fatty substance the makes a protective coating around nerve cells. Cancer of these cells are most commonly found in individuals over the age of 45.
• Ependymoma tumors affect the cells that line the passage which carries cerebrospinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord also known as ependymal cells. Although these are a rare form of tumor they are more common in children and in most cases do not spread past the ependyma.

Meningiomas affect the tissue that protects the brain and spine known as the meninges. Although these can occur at any age they are more common in those over the age of 65. These generally do not create symptoms and are slow growing. Most of these are discovered by accident.

Schwannomas or acoustic neuromas affect the nerve cells that are responsible for hearing. These types of tumors usually respond well to surgery.

It is important to know the brain cancer types in order to know which treatment will be best suited and more effective. If you have exhibited any of the symptoms associated with brain cancer you should seek medical treatment and begin testing promptly.