Brain Tumor Types
At UI Health, our expert doctors and surgeons are here to help you and your loved ones understand and treat brain tumors. We care for every patient with skill, compassion, and the most up-to-date treatments available. There are two main kinds of brain tumors:
- Primary Brain Tumors
- These tumors start in the brain. Some are benign (non-cancerous), and others are malignant (cancerous). They're named based on the kind of brain cell they come from or the part of the brain where they begin.
- Metastatic Brain Tumors
- These tumors start in another part of the body, like the lungs, breast, colon cancer, kidney cancer, or skin (melanoma), and then spread to the brain. Other cancers, like gastrointestinal, prostate, and various types of lymphoma, can also spread to the brain.
Our team of experts treats both the original cancer and the tumor in the brain to give you the best possible care.
Types of Primary Brain Tumors
Our team at UI Health has deep experience treating all types of brain tumors with personalized plans that may include surgery, medicine, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Diffuse Gliomas
These tumors grow from glial cells – supportive brain cells that make up more than 90% of the brain. Specifically, gliomas come from the type of glial cells called astrocytes or oligodendrocytes which help protect and support brain function. Gliomas often show up in the frontal, parietal, or temporal lobes. They can spread inside the brain, but rarely leave the brain.
- Astrocytomas
- These come from star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. There are three types (grades 2, 3, and 4), depending on how fast they grow. Grades 2 and 3 are usually found in younger people, while grade 4 astrocytomas are found more in older adults. Our team tests these tumors for special gene changes, like the IDH mutation. If the tumor has this gene change, a new medicine called Vorasidenib may help slow it down and delay the need for radiation.
- Oligodendrogliomas
- These tumors start in brain’s glial cells called oligodendrocytes. In most cases, the tumors are slow-growing and considered low-grade. They are more common in people between the ages of 35 and 44. Imaging is needed and following a biopsy, if it is found that the tumor has the IDH mutation, our team may treat it with Vorasidenib, a new medicine that helps slow the tumor and delay radiation. Other treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, sometimes in addition to chemotherapy and radiation.
Glioblastomas (GBM)
The most common brain cancer in adults. GBM grows quickly and usually does not have the IDH mutation. Our expert team treats GBM with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to give you the best chance for care and recovery.
- Meningiomas
- These grow from the covering of the brain called the meninges. Most are benign (non-cancerous) or grade 1 and can be treated with surgery alone. Others (Grades 2 or 3) may need radiation and/or chemotherapy after surgery.
- Primary CNS Lymphoma
- This is a rare brain cancer that starts in the brain, eyes, or spine. It is diagnosed with a biopsy and treated with chemotherapy, and sometimes a bone marrow transplant. Radiation may be needed over time.
- Pituitary Tumors
- These start in your brain’s pituitary gland, a structure at the base of the brain that controls your hormones. Many pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous), can be diagnosed with blood work, and treated with medication. Others that are malignant (cancerous) may need surgery or radiation.
Other Brain Tumors
Some brain tumors are rare, such as:
- Pilocytic astrocytoma
- Ganglioglioma
- Hemangioblastoma
These are usually treated with surgery, and most people do not need radiation or chemotherapy afterward.
At UI Health, we understand how scary a brain tumor diagnosis can feel. That’s why our team of expert doctors, surgeons, and nurses works together to give you the best care possible, with advanced treatments, compassion, and support from day one.
