Cancers that begin in brain tissue are known as primary tumors in the brain. Primary brain tumors are named according to the type of cells or parts of the brain.
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas. They begin in glial cells. There are many types of gliomas:
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas. They begin in glial cells. There are many types of gliomas:
- Astrocytoma - tumor results from the star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. In adults, astrocytomas most often occur in the brain. In children, which occur in the brain stem, cerebellum and the brain. A grade III astrocytoma is sometimes called anaplastic astrocytoma. A grade IV astrocytoma usually called glioblastoma multiforme.
- Brain stem glioma - The tumor occurs in the lowest part of the brain. Brain stem gliomas are usually diagnosed in young children and adults in middle age.
- Ependymoma - The tumor cell lines results from the ventricles or the spinal cord central channel. They are most often in children and young adults.
- Oligodendroglioma - This rare tumor arises from fat cells that make the substance that covers and protects nerves. These tumors usually occur in the brain. They grow slowly and usually do not spread into surrounding brain tissue. They are most often in middle-aged adults.
