Brain Tumor Types

Glioblastoma is a high-grade glioma. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive, treatment-resistant and most common type of primary brain tumor. These tumors begin in the glial cells, specifically the astrocytes. 

High-grade gliomas are tumors that grow from the cells that make up the brain tissue. The higher grade means the tumor is more aggressive than a lower-grade tumor. Types of these tumors include astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma. Treatment is surgery followed by combined radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment in a clinical trial may also be offered. 

There are many types and subtypes of primary brain tumors, some can be slower growing, and some grow more aggressively and can spread to other parts of the nervous system, though rarely to other organs. The following is a list of primary brain tumors and their treatments: 

Low-grade gliomas (grade 2) include astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Treatment after surgery may include radiation or chemotherapy. If these tumors are not considered high risk, growing rapidly or causing symptoms, sometimes they will just be observed without other treatment. Treatment in a clinical trial may also be offered. For very low-grade gliomas (grade 1) such as Juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas, which grow from cells that make up brain tissue, surgery alone is generally the treatment but is sometimes followed by radiation and chemotherapy if complete resection is not achieved. 

An astrocytoma is a tumor arising from mutated or damaged astrocytes – star-shaped glial cells in the brain. Astrocytomas can range from grade 1, juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, to grade 4, also called glioblastoma. Treatment for these tumors varies and typically consists of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. 

Oligodendrogliomas are primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, meaning they begin in the brain or spinal cord, originating from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrogliomas are commonly found in the white matter and the outer layer of the brain, called the cortex, but can form anywhere in the CNS.

Beginning in the brain or spinal cord, diffuse midline gliomas are primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. All diffuse midline gliomas are grade 4 tumors, which means they are cancerous and fast-growing. 

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma originates from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the brain. Primary CN lymphoma is malignant, but with correct treatment, it can be cured with chemotherapy. In some cases, it’s also treated with radiation therapy. 

Meningiomas grow from the lining of the brain and are graded 1, 2 or 3. Grade 1 is the most common type and is generally treated with surgery alone. Grade 2 meningiomas, also referred to as atypical meningiomas, are less common and are treated with surgery followed by radiation in most cases. Grade 3, also known as anaplastic meningiomas, is rare and more aggressive. Therefore, treatment includes surgery followed by radiation. Grade 2 and 3 meningiomas can recur. Chemotherapy may be considered for aggressive and recurrent meningiomas. Clinical trials offer patients access to experimental treatments for this type of brain tumor. 

Ganglioglioma and gangliocytomas are tumors that come from cells or nerves that comprise brain tissue. They are not very common in adults and generally are grade 1 but rarely can be malignant. Treatment for low-grade tumors is surgery alone. Radiation may be required for higher grade or an incomplete resection of a low-grade tumor. 

Schwannomas are tumors that come from the nerve cell, most commonly the vestibular nerve, which can affect hearing. The tumors are usually very slow growing, but, depending on the location, they can cause compression of surrounding structures such as the brainstem, nerves or spinal cord. Treatment is surgery and/or radiation therapy.  

Ependymomas grow from ependymal cells, specific glial cells that line the ventricles. Treatment of low-grade ependymoma is surgery alone. Treatment for higher-grade ependymoma will likely involve radiation after surgery. Chemotherapy may be considered for aggressive and recurrent diseases.

Subependymomas grow from the lining of the ventricles. Surgery alone is generally the treatment. These are usually low-grade tumors.  

Hemangioblastomas are tumors that come from blood vessel cells. The most common location is the cerebellum. They are generally low-grade tumors. Treatment is surgery, possibly followed by radiation if the entire tumor is not removable. 

Pineal tumors come from the pineal gland in the center of the brain. Pineal gland tumors are rare, and several types can arise from the pineal gland, requiring different treatments. 

Medulloblastomas are tumors that come from undeveloped cells in the cerebellum. These tumors are malignant, but with correct treatment, can be cured. These tumors usually occur in children and rarely in adults. 

Pituitary adenomas grow from the pituitary gland. Some, but not all, tumors secrete hormones. Treatment is usually surgery. Radiation may be recommended if the tumor cannot be safely removed with surgery or if the tumor grows back after surgery. Other doctors who are experts with hormones will also be part of your care. 

Craniopharyngiomas come from pituitary gland embryonic tissue. They are benign tumors. These tumors are more common in children but also affect adults. Treatment is surgery, and radiation is used sometimes if the entire tumor is not removed.