Brain Neoplasm

Brain neoplasms are abnormal growths of cells in or around the brain that can range from slow-growing masses to aggressive cancers, affecting people of all ages and requiring specialized care tailored to each individual tumor type.

Table of contents

• What is a Brain Neoplasm?
• Types of Brain Neoplasms
• How Common Are Brain Neoplasms?
• Risk Factors
• Signs and Symptoms
• How Brain Neoplasms Are Diagnosed
• Treatment Options
• Impact on Daily Life
• Coping Strategies and Support

What is a Brain Neoplasm?

A brain neoplasm, also called a brain tumor, is a growth of cells in the brain or near it that develops when cells change and grow in ways the body cannot control. These abnormal cells group together to form a solid mass. Brain neoplasms can happen in the brain tissue itself or in nearby areas including nerves, the pituitary gland (a structure that controls hormones in the body), the pineal gland (which makes melatonin), and the meninges (the membranes that cover the surface of the brain).^[1]

Brain neoplasms that begin in the brain are called primary brain tumors. Sometimes, cancer spreads to the brain from other parts of the body, such as the breast or lungs. These are called secondary or metastatic brain tumors. Together, tumors of the brain and spinal cord are known as central nervous system (CNS) tumors.^[1][2]

The brain controls everything the body does, from complex functions like language and thoughts to basic needs like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. When a tumor grows in the brain, it creates pressure on surrounding brain tissue and changes how that part of the brain works. This can cause various signs and symptoms, even if the tumor is not cancerous.^[1][6]

• Brain tissue
• Nerves
• Pituitary gland
• Pineal gland
• Meninges (membranes covering the brain)
• Spinal cord

Types of Brain Neoplasms

Researchers have identified more than 150 different types of brain tumors. These tumors are classified in several ways: whether they are cancerous or not, where they started, and what type of cells they came from.^[2][3]

Noncancerous (Benign) Brain Neoplasms

Not all brain neoplasms are cancer. Some are noncancerous, also called benign. Only about one-third of brain tumors are cancerous. However, whether cancerous or not, brain tumors can impact brain function and health if they grow large enough to press on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissue.^[1][2]

Common types of benign brain neoplasms include:

• Meningiomas: These are the most common type of primary brain tumors. They typically develop slowly and form in the meninges. In rare cases, a meningioma can be malignant.^[2][5]
• Pituitary adenomas: These tumors form in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. They are usually slow growing and may release excess hormones.^[2]
• Schwannomas: These are common benign brain tumors in adults that develop from cells in the peripheral nervous system or cranial nerves. Acoustic neuromas are the most common type and occur on the nerve that leads from the inner ear to the brain.^[2][5]
• Chordomas: These slow-growing tumors typically begin at the base of the skull and the bottom part of the spine. They are mostly benign.^[2][5]
• Craniopharyngiomas: These tumors usually arise from a portion of the pituitary gland and are difficult to remove because of their location near critical structures deep in the brain.^[2][5]

Cancerous (Malignant) Brain Neoplasms

Malignant brain tumors are brain cancers. These tumors may grow quickly and can invade and destroy brain tissue. Approximately 78% of cancerous primary brain tumors are gliomas, which develop in the supportive glial cells that surround and assist nerve cells.^[2]

Types of gliomas include:

• Astrocytomas: These are the most common type of glioma. They form in star-shaped cells called astrocytes and most commonly occur in the cerebrum (the largest part of the brain).^[2]
• Glioblastomas (GBM): These tumors form in glial cells called astrocytes and are the fastest-growing type of brain tumor.^[2]
• Ependymomas: These tumors often occur near the ventricles in the brain and develop from ependymal cells.^[2]

Primary brain tumors rarely spread to other areas of the body, but they can spread to other parts of the brain and to the spinal axis.^[13]

How Common Are Brain Neoplasms?

Brain neoplasms affect both children and adults. According to data from the United States, the combined incidence of brain and other CNS tumors is 6.2 cases per 100,000 people per year. The mortality rate is 4.4 deaths per 100,000 people per year.^[13]

Estimated new cases and deaths from brain tumors and other nervous system tumors in the United States in 2025 include 24,820 new cases and 18,330 deaths.^[13]

Worldwide, approximately 321,476 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in 2022, with an estimated 248,305 deaths.^[13]

There are more than 100 distinct types of primary brain tumors, each with its own spectrum of presentations, treatments, and outcomes. Brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life. Despite years of research, brain cancer survival rates have remained little-changed in recent years, even while survival rates for many other cancers have been significantly improved.^[3]

Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. Most brain tumors occur in people without any known risk factors. The exact cause of most brain neoplasms is not known. However, there are some things that may increase the risk.^[6][13]

Known risk factors include:

• Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation to the brain or head, including previous radiation therapy, can increase risk.^[6][13]
• Certain inherited syndromes: About 1 in 20 brain tumors may be linked to genetic conditions including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or 2 (NF2), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis, Turcot syndrome, and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.^[6][13]
• Family history: Having family members with brain tumors may increase risk.^[6]
• Age: Brain tumors are more common in children and older adults, though they can occur at any age.^[6][8]
• Epstein-Barr virus infection: This has been linked to primary CNS lymphoma.^[13]
• Weakened immune system: Transplant recipients and patients with AIDS have a substantially increased risk of primary CNS lymphoma.^[13]

In general, the incidence of primary CNS tumors is higher in White individuals than in Black individuals, and mortality is higher in men than in women.^[13]

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of brain neoplasms vary depending on the tumor’s location, size, and how fast it is growing. Some parts of the brain are less active than others. If a brain tumor starts in a less active part of the brain, it might not cause symptoms right away, and the tumor could become quite large before it is found.^[1]

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Headaches: These are among the most common symptoms.^[1][13]
• Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can cause seizures.^[1][13]
• Nausea and balance problems: The tumor can create pressure that affects these functions.^[1]
• Vision changes: Problems with eyesight can occur depending on tumor location.^[1][13]
• Difficulty communicating: Speech and language problems may develop.^[19]
• Cognitive issues: Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration can occur.^[19]
• Weakness or numbness: These can affect different parts of the body.^[7]
• Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion is one of the most common and debilitating challenges.^[17]

Some brain tumors are found when they are very small because they cause symptoms that people notice right away. Other brain tumors grow very large before they are found because they do not cause noticeable symptoms initially.^[1]

How Brain Neoplasms Are Diagnosed

If a healthcare professional thinks a person might have a brain tumor, several tests and procedures are needed to make a diagnosis.^[9]

Neurological Examination

A neurological exam tests different parts of the brain to see how they are working. This exam may include checking vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. If there is trouble in one or more areas, this provides clues about what part of the brain might be affected. A neurological exam does not detect a brain tumor by itself, but it helps healthcare professionals understand what part of the brain might be causing symptoms.^[9]

Imaging Tests

Several imaging tests help visualize brain neoplasms:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): This test uses X-rays to make pictures of the brain. It is widely available and results come back quickly. A CT scan can detect problems in and around the brain.^[9]
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses strong magnets to create pictures of the inside of the body. It shows the brain more clearly than other imaging tests and is often used to detect brain tumors. Often a dye is injected into a vein before an MRI to make certain details more clear and make it easier to see smaller tumors.^[9]

Biopsy

A biopsy involves taking a sample of tumor tissue to examine under a microscope. This helps doctors identify the exact type of tumor and how aggressive it is. The biopsy sample can be obtained during surgery to remove the tumor or through a separate procedure.^[9]

Treatment Options

Treatment for brain neoplasms depends on the type of tumor, where it is located, its size, how fast it is growing, and the patient’s overall health. The main treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Many people receive a combination of treatments.^[10][12]

Surgery

Surgery is often the first treatment for brain neoplasms. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue. Surgery can help reduce symptoms by relieving pressure on the brain. For some people, surgery can remove the entire tumor. For others, especially when the tumor is in a difficult location or near critical structures, only part of the tumor can be safely removed.^[10][12]

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, uses high-energy X-rays to treat brain tumors. It can be used after surgery to destroy any remaining tumor cells or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible. Different types of radiation therapy are available, and the treatment team will choose the best option based on the specific tumor type and location.^[10][12]

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy tumor cells. It is used for some types of brain tumors, often in combination with surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be given as pills or through an IV (into a vein). The specific drugs used depend on the tumor type.^[10][12]

Other Treatments

Additional treatment approaches are being developed and studied, including:

• Targeted therapy: These treatments attack specific features of cancer cells.^[14]
• Immunotherapy: This approach helps the body’s immune system fight the tumor.^[14]
• Clinical trials: Research studies test new treatments that may be more effective than current options.^[12]

Symptom Management

Medicines are often given to help control symptoms of brain tumors, such as medications to reduce swelling in the brain, prevent seizures, or manage pain.^[10]

Impact on Daily Life

Living with a brain neoplasm is a complex journey that can significantly influence various aspects of everyday life. Because each diagnosis and situation is unique, what a patient’s day-to-day life looks like can vary greatly. However, many individuals dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis can still maintain a good quality of life with personalized supportive care, clear communication with their healthcare team, and emotional support from loved ones.^[20]

Physical Effects

Brain neoplasms and their treatments can affect nearly every part of a person. Common physical challenges include:

• Fatigue: This is one of the most common and debilitating challenges. Unlike ordinary tiredness, this type of fatigue can be relentless and impact every aspect of daily life.^[17][19]
• Changes in energy level: Many people sleep more than usual, sometimes 12 to 15 hours a day, especially during chemotherapy.^[19]
• Physical functioning: Depending on the tumor location, people may experience difficulty with movement, coordination, or daily activities.^[19]

Cognitive and Emotional Impact

Brain neoplasms can affect thinking, memory, and emotional well-being. More than any other cancer, brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life.^[3]

People may experience changes in thinking and memory, difficulty concentrating, and problems with communication. The emotional impact can be profound, with individuals facing a range of emotions from fear to sadness.^[19][20]

Work and Activities

Many people find it difficult to work full-time during treatment. The ability to maintain employment and participate in activities depends on the individual’s health history, the tumor’s location, treatment side effects, and support system at home.^[19]

Coping Strategies and Support

Coping with a brain neoplasm can be difficult. Finding out about a brain tumor can feel overwhelming, as though things are out of control. People may feel shocked, upset, frightened, uncertain, confused, angry, guilty, or sad. Sometimes it is hard to take in the fact of having a brain tumor at all. All these feelings are natural.^[18]

Acknowledge Emotions

One of the first and most important steps after a diagnosis is to allow yourself to feel and acknowledge the emotions that come with it. Experiencing different feelings is a natural part of coming to terms with the disease. One day a person might feel positive and able to cope, but the next day feel the exact opposite. This is normal.^[16][18]

Common emotional responses include shock, denial, anger, guilt, anxiety, depression, and eventually acceptance. It is crucial to validate these emotions as completely normal reactions to a brain tumor diagnosis.^[20]

Seek Professional Support

Professional support can be invaluable:

• Counseling: Some people find that counseling can help them cope. Counseling can help reduce stress and improve quality of life.^[18]
• Mental health care: Seeing a psychologist can help with life changes after treatment and the uncertainty that comes with the diagnosis.^[19]
• Physical therapy: After surgery, physical therapy can help gain more independence and strengthen the body.^[19]

Accept Support from Others

Support from family and friends is essential. Talking to relatives about the brain tumor can help and support patients, though some people may be scared of the emotions this could bring up. Video chats with family, receiving pictures and messages, and having help with daily tasks can make a significant difference.^[19]

Connecting with others who have similar experiences can also be helpful. Many organizations offer support groups where people affected by brain tumors can share experiences and find information and support.^[18][19]

Use Wellness Activities

Activities that support well-being can help manage symptoms and stress:

• Mindful meditation: Practices such as focused breathing or guided meditation can bring a sense of tranquility.^[20]
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions can be therapeutic.^[20]
• Physical activity: Movement and activity are essential, though more is not always better. Activities should be appropriate for the individual’s condition.^[19]
• Nutrition: Focusing on good nutrition can help the body feel better.^[19]
• Complementary techniques: Massage, acupuncture, and yoga may help release stress and improve physical comfort.^[19]

Stay Informed and Ask Questions

Being informed helps people feel more able to cope and make decisions. Information about the tumor type and its treatment helps individuals know what to expect. It is normal for taking in information to be difficult at first. Making a list of questions before seeing the doctor, taking someone along to appointments, and asking doctors and nurses to explain things again when needed are all helpful strategies.^[18]

Asking a lot of questions, doing research, and being a knowledgeable patient creates a partnership with the healthcare team. Finding the right medical team and resources allows people to feel positive and have the strength to face the challenges ahead.^[19][23]

Focus on Quality of Life

Contrary to popular belief, many individuals dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis can still maintain a good quality of life. Personalized supportive care and treatments, clear communication and collaboration with a great healthcare team, and a solid framework of emotional support from loved ones are key to living with this disease.^[20]

Having faith in the medical team, maintaining a strong support system of family and friends, and finding ways to participate in meaningful activities all contribute to a better quality of life. Every year of continued health is a blessing, and many people find strength they did not know they had.^[23]