What is a brain tumor?
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in the brain. Brain tumors can be malignant, which means they are cancerous, or benign, which means they are non-cancerous. A brain tumor can also develop in other areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which makes up the brain and spinal cord.
Whether malignant or benign, a brain tumor can affect memory, thoughts and sensations, as well as your brain’s ability to coordinate bodily functions, such as movement and speech.
Types of brain tumors
Brain tumors, also called brain neoplasms, fall into two general categories: primary and metastatic. A primary brain tumor starts in the brain or surrounding central nervous system. A metastatic brain tumor forms in another part of the body, such as the lungs or the breast, and spreads to the brain through the bloodstream. Metastatic tumors are cancerous.
More than 150 different types of brain tumors exist. Some of the most common include:
Craniopharyngiomas
These usually form near the pituitary gland, a structure that controls many hormones. Although typically benign, most people require hormone replacement therapy.Germ cell tumors
These form in germ cells, which are reproductive cells. When germ cells grow abnormally, malignant or benign tumors can form anywhere in the body, including the brain.Gliomas
The most common adult brain tumor, gliomas make up 78% of malignant brain tumors. Gliomas develop in the glial cells, which are the brain’s supporting cells.Medulloblastomas
A type of glioma prevalent in children, medulloblastomas usually form in the cerebellum, which helps regulate motor movement and balance.Meningiomas
These are the most common type of benign brain tumor, although in rare cases, they can be malignant. Meningiomas start in the meninges, which is a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Pituitary tumors
These form in the pituitary gland, which is found just below the brain at the base of the skull. Pituitary tumors are almost always benign but can still cause major health problems.Pineocytomas
These generally benign brain masses develop in the pineal gland, which helps regulate bodily rhythms. They usually grow slowly.Schwannomas
These are common brain tumors that form along nerves in adults. Typically benign, schwannomas are made up of cells that usually provide insulation for nerve cells.Brain tumor symptoms
Symptoms of brain tumors vary greatly depending on several factors, including the tumor’s size, location in the brain and speed of growth. Small brain tumors may not cause noticeable symptoms. As brain tumors grow, signs and symptoms include:
- Abnormal eye movements
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Drooping on one side of the face
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness, weakness or loss of movement in one area or on one side of the body
- Seizures
- Trouble speaking or finding words
- Trouble swallowing
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you. Your provider can perform a physical exam and order additional tests to determine if your symptoms are related to a brain tumor or other health problems.
However, some brain tumor symptoms may be signs of an emergency.
Call 911 if you suddenly have any of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness or difficulty walking
- A first-time seizure
- A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes
- A terrible headache that you would describe as the worst headache of your life
- Trouble talking or understanding speech
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Weakness or numbness in the arm, leg or face
What causes brain tumors?
Brain tumors form when cells grow and multiply quickly and uncontrollably, forming an abnormal mass of cells. Experts do not fully understand what causes this to happen.
In general, changes in cell DNA lead to the development of cancer. In the case of brain tumors, these changes could happen in brain cells due to rare inherited conditions, but most occur because of gene changes during a person’s lifetime. Researchers have not determined what causes these gene changes.
Brain tumor risk factors
Researchers believe that most brain tumors develop randomly without a known outside cause. However, there are a few known risk factors:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having an inherited syndrome that causes DNA changes in cells, such as:
- Neurofibromatosis 1 and 2
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Lynch syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Cowden syndrome
- Gorlin syndrome.
- Exposure to radiation, such as from radiation therapy
How are brain tumors diagnosed?
Medical history and exam
Your doctor will likely begin by going over your complete medical history and talking to you about your symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam, testing your muscle strength, reflexes, vision, eye and mouth movement, balance, coordination and alertness.
If the results of your exam suggest a brain tumor could be present, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for a more thorough neurological exam, which may involve tests of your balance and reflexes, as well as your vision and hearing.
Imaging and tests
Imaging tests can show your doctor detailed pictures of your brain and spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are the most common imaging tests used to diagnose brain tumors. If a tumor is present, it will almost certainly appear on these tests.
- MRI: This type of imaging provides the best results for looking at the brain and spinal cord. A brain MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images. You may also receive an injection of gadolinium, a contrast material that helps details appear more clearly in the image.
- CT: A doctor might order a head CT scan if MRI is not a good option. For example, if you have a medical device that’s not compatible with an MRI or you are claustrophobic. A CT scan can also show clearer details of the bones near a tumor.
- PET scan: A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a procedure used to detect cancer cells in the body. In this process, a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into your vein. As the PET scanner rotates around the body, it creates images that show the cancer cells using the glucose. PET scans can also help differentiate between an actively growing tumor and inflammation from treatments, like radiation.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes tissue from the tumor and sends it for analysis in a lab. While imaging tests can show a brain mass that is likely to be a tumor, often a biopsy is needed to determine what type of tumor it is.
Neurosurgeons can sometimes perform biopsies during a craniotomy surgery to remove a brain tumor. If this surgery is too risky due to the location of the tumor, your neurosurgeon may perform a stereotactic, or needle, biopsy. This procedure is done with general or local anesthetic and requires the surgeon to drill a small hole in the skull.
Precision medicine
Precision medicine diagnoses cancer by studying very specific genetic and molecular changes in each brain tumor. Because most cancers develop from abnormal genes, understanding these changes can help diagnose and target treatment more effectively.
- Tumor marker test: This procedure tests blood, urine or tissue to measure certain substances made by organs, tissues or tumor cells. When these substances, known as tumor markers, are found at high levels, they can signal specific types of cancer, such as germ cell tumors.
- Gene testing: This lab test examines a blood or tissue sample for chromosome changes associated with a specific type of brain tumor. It can help diagnose inherited syndromes.
- Molecular profiling: This test checks for genes, proteins or other molecules that may be a sign of cancer. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can identify molecular markers to help diagnose conditions and predict how a person will respond to treatment.
- Immune profiling: Immune profiling looks at the immune system's response to brain tumors. It can help identify targets for immunotherapy.
- Liquid biopsy: A liquid biopsy is a lab test that uses blood, urine, saliva or other fluids to find cancer cells or tumor DNA. It can help detect cancer early, monitor the condition's progress and plan personalized treatment plans.
Brain tumor treatment
Your treatment will depend on the type of brain tumor you have. Your doctor will discuss your options and the benefits and risks of each to help determine the best course of treatment for you.
Often, your neuro-oncologist or neurosurgeon will combine different treatments to effectively treat a brain tumor.
Watchful waiting
For some tumors, such as those found unexpectedly on MRI or CT scans while checking for other health conditions, doctors often recommend a period of observation before deciding on a treatment plan. Watchful waiting is also commonly used to monitor small tumor fragments left after surgery. Most people with brain tumors will have follow-up MRI scans after treatment to check for any signs of tumors coming back, known as recurrence.Surgery
For some types of brain tumors, doctors can perform surgery to remove all or part of the tumor, treat symptoms or prevent complications. Surgery can also be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Craniotomy: The most common surgical approach for brain tumors is a craniotomy, where a surgeon creates an opening in the skull to reach the tumor. After the procedure is complete, the surgeon replaces the piece of skull bone and fastens it in place with metal screws and plates, special stitches or wires.
- Surgery for CSF flow blockage: Used for tumors that block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), this procedure involves a surgeon placing a shunt (a silicone tube) to help drain fluid.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and limit tumor growth. The method of radiation therapy depends on the type of tumor and its location in the brain or spinal cord.
- External beam radiation therapy: The most common type of radiation therapy for brain tumors is delivered from a source outside the body. Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, is sometimes used and delivers a constant dosage of radiation from an implant inside of your body.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery: Depending on your tumor, you may benefit from a type of radiation therapy called radiosurgery. Also called Gamma Knife, radiosurgery uses a single high dose of radiation to remove the tumor. The procedure does not involve incisions like traditional surgery, and it causes less damage to nearby tissues.
- Proton therapy: Proton therapy uses protons, a type of particle, to deliver radiation. This treatment may be ideal for certain tumors, as it delivers less radiation to healthy tissue around the tumor compared to other methods.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or taken orally. Sometimes, it's done at the same time as radiation therapy. For some brain tumors, the drugs can enter the body through a thin, flexible tube known as a ventricular access catheter, which is inserted through a small hole in the skull. This allows the drugs to be given directly to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Your healthcare provider may suggest chemotherapy after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells or to stop tumor cells from growing back.
Targeted therapy
Targeted drug therapies are medications designed to specifically target certain traits of tumor cells to prevent their spread. Unlike chemotherapy, they focus on the tumor while sparing healthy tissue, which typically results in fewer and milder side effects. These therapies are commonly used for metastatic brain tumors and are often combined with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation.Consultations and second opinions
Getting a second opinion can help make sure you have the right diagnosis and treatment options. If you've already been diagnosed, you can receive a second opinion from our neuro-oncologists.
To request a second opinion, ask your healthcare provider to send a summary of your diagnosis and pathology slides to our team.
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center - College Station
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center - Round Rock
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center - Dallas
3410 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center - Waco
150 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock
300 University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Neuro-Oncology Associates
3410 Worth St Ste 820, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Neuro-Oncology Associates - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 785, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Neuroscience Center
9101 N Central Expy Ste 400, Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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Are brain cancers solid tumors?A brain tumor is a solid mass of abnormal cells growing in the brain. A brain tumor can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
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What does a brain tumor feel like?Headaches caused by a brain tumor are often worse when waking up several hours after falling asleep, because pressure is greatest during nonrapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. Headaches may get worse over time and become more intense when lying down. However, it’s important to note that most headaches are not caused by brain tumors.
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How common are brain tumors?Brain tumors are rare, with less than 100,000 people in the United States diagnosed each year. The chances of developing a malignant brain tumor during your lifetime are less than 1%.
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Are brain tumors genetic?In rare cases, brain tumors run in families, as certain genetic disorders can put you at higher risk. But most people with brain tumors do not have a family history.
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Is smelling smoke a sign of a brain tumor?Rarely, smelling smoke or other “phantom smells,” a condition called phantosmia, can be a sign of certain types of brain tumors. These tumors affect the part of the brain that controls the olfactory sense.