Find cutting edge cancer clinical trials near you using the new Victorian Cancer Trials Link.

Search now

Brain tumours


Overview

What is a brain tumour?

A brain or spinal cord tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and form a mass or a lump. The brain and spinal cord are made up of two main types of cells, neurons and glial cells. 

Tumours in the brain are often classified as benign or malignant. These terms are also used for tumours in other parts of the body, but with brain tumours the difference is not as clear. Both types can be serious and may need urgent treatment. 

  • Benign brain tumours usually grow slowly and are unlikely to spread. They may also be called low-grade or non-malignant tumours. A benign tumour may grow and affect how the brain works. This can be life-threatening and may require urgent treatment. Sometimes a benign tumour can change over time and become high grade.
  • Malignant brain tumours can grow rapidly. They are considered life-threatening because they may spread within the brain and spinal cord, or come back after treatment. A malignant brain tumour may be called brain cancer. Unlike malignant tumours in other parts of the body, malignant brain tumours usually do not spread outside the brain and spinal cord. 

A brain tumour that first develops in the brain is called primary brain cancer. It may spread to other parts of the nervous system, but rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Cancer that starts in another part of the body and then travels through the bloodstream to the brain is known as a secondary cancer or metastasis. The cancers most likely to spread to the brain are melanoma, lung, breast, kidney and bowel. A metastasis keeps the name of the original cancer. 

The brain and spinal cord

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). Together, the different parts of the CNS control the activities of the mind and body.

  • The brain – receives and interprets information carried to it via nerves from the sensory organs that control taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing. It also sends messages via nerves to the muscles and organs. The brain is responsible for memory, personality and behaviour. The main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem.
  • Spinal cord – extends from the brain stem to the lower back. It is made up of nerve tissue that connects the brain to all parts of the body through a network of nerves called the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord lies in the spinal canal, protected by a series of bony vertebrae called the spinal column.
  • Meninges – thin layers of protective tissue (membranes) that cover both the brain and spinal cord.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid – found inside the skull and spinal column. It surrounds the brain and spinal cord and protects it from injury.
  • Pituitary gland – found at the base of the brain and is about the size of a pea. The pituitary gland releases chemical messengers (hormones) into the blood, which control many body functions, including growth and development, and also tell other glands to start or stop releasing hormones. 

The central nervous system

The parts of the brain

Your guide to best cancer care

A lot can happen in a hurry when you’re diagnosed with cancer. The guide to best cancer care for brain tumours (high grade glioma) can help you make sense of what should happen. It will help you with what questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step.

Read the guide

Types of brain tumours

The brain is made up of different tissues and cells, which can develop into different types of tumours. There are more than 40 types of primary brain and spinal cord tumours (also called central nervous system or CNS tumours). They can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord.

Tumours are classified based on the type of cell they start in and how the cells are likely to behave (based on their genetic make-up). 

Glioma tumours

This is the most common category of brain tumour. Gliomas are tumours that start in the glial (neuroglia) cells of the brain. They include:

  • astrocytoma – most common type of glioma, which starts in glial cells called astrocytes
  • ependymoma – starts in glial cells called ependymal cells, more common in children than adults
  • glioblastoma (GBM) – a type of high-grade astrocytoma that makes up more than half of all gliomas, common in both adults and children
  • oligoastrocytoma – mixed glioma tumour that contains both oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma
  • oligodendroglioma – starts in glial cells called oligodendrocytes, more common in children than adults.

Non-glioma tumours

  • medulloblastoma – high-grade tumour that starts in the cerebellum, more common in children and rarer in adults
  • meningioma – common primary brain tumour that starts in the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord, usually benign and slow growing
  • pituitary tumour – starts in the pituitary gland, usually benign
  • schwannoma – starts in Schwann cells which surround nerves in the brain, usually benign, includes acoustic neuromas.

How common are brain tumours?

Every year an estimated 2000 malignant brain tumours are diagnosed in Australia and they can affect people of any age. About 100 children aged 0–14 are diagnosed each year. Benign brain and spinal cord tumours are more common than malignant tumours. 

Learn more about brain tumour statistics and trends

Risk factors

The causes of most brain and spinal cord tumours are unknown, but factors known to increase the risk include:

  • Family history – while it is rare for brain tumours to run in families, a fault in the genes, usually passed down from either the mother or father, can increase the risk of developing a brain tumour. 
  • Radiation therapy – people who have had radiation therapy to the head, particularly to treat childhood leukaemia, may have a slightly higher risk of developing a brain tumour. 

Mobile phones and microwave ovens

Many people are concerned that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones or microwave ovens may cause a brain tumour. Evidence to date does not show that using a mobile phone causes cancer.

Studies are continuing to look at the potential long-term effects of mobile phone use. If you are concerned about potential harm from mobile phones, you could consider using a hands-free headset, limit the time you spend on your mobile phone or send a text rather than calling.

Microwave ovens have been in widespread use since the 1980s. There is no evidence that ovens in good condition release electromagnetic radiation at levels harmful to people.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on where the tumour is in the brain or spinal cord, and how quickly it is growing. Many symptoms are likely to be caused by other factors. You should speak to your doctor about any new, persistent or worsening symptoms.

Brain tumours can increase pressure inside the skull (known as intracranial pressure), because the tumour itself is taking up too much space or because it is blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. This increased pressure can lead to general symptoms such as:

  • headaches – often worse when you wake up
  • nausea and vomiting – often worse in the morning or after changing position (e.g. moving from sitting to standing)
  • confusion and irritability
  • blurred or double vision
  • seizures (fits) – some jerking or twitching of your hands, arms or legs, or it can affect the whole body
  • loss of consciousness
  • weakness in parts of the body
  • drowsiness – a later symptom.

Childhood brain tumours

Brain tumours tend to be different in children. They often form in different areas and may have different treatment and outlook.

Children are more likely to develop tumours in the lower part of the brain, which includes the areas that control sleep functions, movement and coordination. Gliomas and medulloblastomas are the most common types of brain tumours in children.

In general, children diagnosed with a malignant tumour will have a better outlook than adults. In many children, treatment will cause all signs of the cancer to disappear. Because a child’s nervous system is still developing, some children may have a physical, behavioural or learning disability as a result of the tumour or treatment.

Health care professionals who specialise in treating children and young adults are called paediatricians. Some hospitals have play therapists, music therapists or art therapists, who can help children cope with the challenges of treatment. Rehabilitation will also be important for a child’s recovery.

The hospital social worker can provide practical and emotional support. You can also call 13 11 20 to speak to our compassionate cancer nurses. Organisations like Camp Quality, Canteen and Redkite offer support for families, young adults and children affected by cancer. 

Learn more about talking to kids about cancer

Health professionals

Your general practitioner (GP) or another doctor will arrange the first tests to assess your symptoms. If these tests do not rule out a tumour, you will usually be referred to a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon or neurologist, who will examine you and arrange further tests.

Often these will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. 

During and after treatment you will see a range of health professionals, which may include a medical oncologist, neuropathologist, rehabilitation specialist and exercise physiologist, who specialise in different aspects of your care. 

Understanding Brain Tumours

Download our Understanding Brain Tumours booklet to learn more.

Download now  

 

 

Expert content reviewers:

A/Prof Andrew Davidson, Neurosurgeon, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Dr Lucy Gately, Medical Oncologist, Oncology Clinics Victoria, and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, VIC; Melissa Harrison, Allied Health Manager and Senior Neurological Physiotherapist, Advance Rehab Centre, NSW; Scott Jones, Consumer; Anne King, Neurology Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Health Department, WA; Dr Toni Lindsay, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Allied Health Manager, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Elissa McVey, Consumer; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Dr Claire Phillips, Deputy Director, Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.

Page last updated:

The information on this webpage was adapted from Understanding Brain Tumours - A guide for people with brain or spinal cord tumours, their families and friends (2020 edition). This webpage was last updated in July 2021.

Talking bubbles icon

Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse