Types of Brain Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells in the brain. Brain cancer refers to malignant brain tumors that present an additional danger in their ability to grow and spread through the brain. Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) treats all types of brain cancer at locations near you throughout New Jersey. CNSO’s emphasis on conservative and minimally invasive treatments helps patients find peace of mind in their care.

Quick Facts About Brain Cancer

• A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. They can be benign, typically slow-growing with a low tendency to invade or injure the brain, or malignant, which are much more aggressive, grow rapidly, and often spread beyond their borders into the brain. Malignant brain tumors, or brain cancer, originate from the cells in and around the brain or spread there from elsewhere in the body.
• Brain cancer can originate from the cells in and around the brain, called a primary malignant brain tumor or cancer. The most common types of primary brain cancer include glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), Grades II and III astrocytoma, Grade III oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma (much more common in children and young adults).
• Brain cancer can also arise and spread to the brain from other tissues or organs, called a secondary (metastatic) brain cancer. Common types of metastatic brain cancers spread from the breast, lung, colon, and skin (melanoma being the most common).
• Brain cancer symptoms depend on where the tumor forms. Patients may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, sensory changes, cognitive changes, memory loss, balance problems, and seizures.
• Treatment approaches for brain cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and new targeted therapies.

Understanding Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is caused by a DNA change that provokes out-of-control cell growth. This change creates a mass of abnormal cells that eventually crowd out healthy tissue, compressing and sometimes damaging surrounding structures. Primary brain cancer develops from the cells in and around the brain, whereas secondary brain cancer spreads from the primary cancer, for instance, the lung, through the blood, lodging in the brain, and grows into a brain cancer. As the malignant tumor grows in the brain, it starts to compress, invade, and damage nearby structures, causing neurological signs and symptoms.

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors

Tumors fall into one of two categories: benign or malignant. Benign tumors remain localized to their place of origin. Malignant (cancerous) tumors may invade other tissues and even spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Primary vs. Secondary Brain Cancer

As discussed above, brain cancers may also be classified as primary or secondary tumors. Primary brain cancer originates from tissue in the brain. Secondary brain cancer originates elsewhere in the body, usually the breast, lung, colon, kidneys, or skin, before spreading into the brain.

Common Types of Brain Cancer

The brain contains multiple types of cells, including neurons, glial cells, connective tissues, and others. Primary brain cancers are classified based on which tissue they develop from, with some brain cancers more common than others. CNSO offers treatment for the following types:

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant, highly aggressive type of cancer that forms from glial cells. These cells provide structure and protection for nerves. Glioblastoma is also called Grade IV astrocytoma.

Astrocytoma

Astrocytomas are tumors that form from astrocytes, a type of glial cell with a star-shaped structure. They can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Grade II are indolent, low-grade cancers that have an overall favorable prognosis. Grade III astrocytomas are more aggressive and have a less favorable prognosis. In middle-aged and older adults, Grade II and III astrocytoma have a tendency to evolve into a Grade IV astrocytoma, also known as a glioblastoma.

Oligodendroglioma

Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors that form from oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin to insulate neurons. Oligodendrogliomas may be slow-growing Grade II or fast-growing, aggressive Grade III. Oligodendrogliomas typically have a more favorable prognosis than astrocytomas, but on rare occasions, they can evolve into glioblastomas.

Ependymoma

Ependymomas arise from the cells that line the fluid-filled spaces in the brain called the ventricles. They are more common in the posterior fossa in children and young adults and in the spine in older adults. They can be low-grade Grade I and II and considered benign, or Grade III or “high” grade and are considered a brain cancer.

Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas are fast-growing, cancerous tumors that form near the brain stem. Unlike other types of brain tumors, these are more common in children, with most diagnoses happening under age nine.

Brain Cancer Symptoms Across Types

Brain cancer does not always cause symptoms while the tumor is small. Symptoms develop as the tumor grows large enough to press against nearby brain tissue or cause brain swelling (edema), impeding its function. The symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

• Headaches
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or loss of movement on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or finding words
• Changes with sight, hearing, or smell
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Memory loss
• Confusion or difficulty thinking
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Dizziness and difficulty with balance
• Memory loss
• Persistent sleepiness or fatigue

Which specific brain cancer symptoms a person experiences are related to where the tumor forms. For example, if the tumor is located near the optic (vision) pathway, then the patient may experience vision changes or loss. Every patient’s combination of symptoms is unique.

Diagnostic Process for Brain Cancer

When patients report symptoms that may be caused by brain cancer, their physician begins with a thorough evaluation and diagnostic process. Tests that may be used include:

• Medical history: The physician reviews the patient’s medical history to learn more about their symptoms, other conditions, and overall health.
• Neurological exam: This type of physical examination is used to test a patient’s neurological function for deficits that may be caused by cancer.
• Medical imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to examine brain structures to locate a tumor and determine its size.

Treatment Options for Brain Cancer

Diagnostic tests help the medical team rule out other conditions and form a complete understanding of the patient’s cancer. The medical team will then propose a treatment plan, which may include:

Surgery

If a tumor can be safely removed, brain tumor surgery is the best and most effective treatment to improve overall prognosis and life expectancy for nearly all types of brain tumors. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function and, thereby, quality of life. Surgery is often followed by additional treatment, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, to eliminate any cancer cells that may be left.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells with a concentrated beam of radiation. The radiation kills cancer cells and prevents further growth, though it does not remove the tumor or relieve existing symptoms. It is most often used to treat small tumors in locations that cannot be safely removed through surgery or after surgery to kill remaining cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are highly toxic to fast-growing cells, especially cancer cells. Chemotherapy is targeted to the type of brain cancer and varies widely. For instance, the primary chemotherapy for most malignant primary brain tumors is an oral agent called Temodar. Most secondary brain cancers use chemotherapy agents targeted to the primary cancer that can also penetrate the brain.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses molecular science to attack cells that have certain proteins or mutations. This effectively kills cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue, reducing side effects. When available, it offers an easier and more effective alternative to chemotherapy.

Living with Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a frightening and life-altering diagnosis. It is important to work with a highly qualified medical team that patients can trust to deliver the highest level of care.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

Prognoses for brain cancer can vary widely. How long patients will survive, and whether the cancer is curable, depend on the following factors:

• The patient’s age and overall health
• The type, size, location, and grade of the primary brain cancer
• How much the tumor affects everyday function
• How widely the cancer has spread within the brain
• The prognosis of the primary cancer
• How widely it has spread throughout the body

After a successful treatment, regular follow-up appointments are essential to make sure that brain cancer does not return. The patient’s care team will help them understand what to expect from their diagnosis, prognosis, and potential rehabilitation.

Why Choose CNSO?

Patients looking for high-quality cancer care in New Jersey can find it at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. CNSO is the state’s most comprehensive brain and spine treatment center, led by an award-winning team of neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and others. CNSO delivers comprehensive and personalized care for a full range of brain tumor and brain cancer diagnoses, helping patients find hope in achieving the best possible treatment outcomes.

Find Expert Brain Cancer Care Near You in New Jersey

Though brain cancer is frightening, patients find hope at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. CNSO treats all types of brain cancer at convenient locations near you across New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties. To learn more about its services or to schedule an appointment, contact CNSO today.

FAQ About Brain Cancer

What are the main types of brain cancer?

In middle-aged and older adults, brain cancer is nearly evenly split between primary and secondary brain cancer. The main types of primary brain cancer include glioblastoma multiforme, Grade II and III astrocytoma, Grade II and III oligodendroglioma, high-grade ependymoma, and medulloblastoma (in children). The most common type of secondary brain cancer originates and spreads from the lung, breast, colon, kidney, and skin.

What is the prognosis for different brain cancers?

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive form of brain cancer and has the poorest prognosis. Other types of brain cancer have longer survival rates, especially if diagnosed early.

Can brain cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Secondary (metastatic) brain cancer, by definition, spreads to the brain but also to other parts of the body distant from the primary site. Primary brain cancer can spread throughout the brain and, less commonly, into the spinal cord, but rarely to other parts of the body. Regardless, it is important to diagnose all forms of brain tumors and brain cancer early to provide the very best prognosis for the specific condition.

What research is being done on brain cancer?

Researchers are currently studying the biology and genetics of brain tumors and developing new treatments for brain cancer, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The genetics of all brain tumors are analyzed, which helps develop treatment plans individualized to the patient to maximize prognosis and quality of life. New treatments for brain tumors and brain cancer continue to evolve and are intended to be more effective at eliminating cancer with fewer side effects, enabling longer patient survival with a higher quality of life.