Types of tumors

Types of Brain Tumors – Classification

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists 120 types of central nervous system tumors. The term "central nervous system tumors" is used synonymously with the term "brain tumors," although it can also refer to spinal cord tumors, for example. There are primary brain tumors, in which the brain tissue itself is the source of the proliferation. There are also secondary brain tumors: these are metastases or spreads of cancers in another part of the body. Tumors are further classified based on their location, the nature of the affected tissue, and the degree of malignancy.

Primary brain tumors

Astrocytomas and Oligodendrocytes

The most common primary brain tumors originate in the supporting brain tissue, also called glial cells . There are two types of glial tissue: astrocytes and oligodendrocytes . The names of the corresponding tumors are astrocytomas and oligodendrocytes . Both categories together are also called gliomas.
These tumors are further classified into grades depending on the rate of growth.

Low-grade tumors: grade I and II - have a slow growth,

High-grade tumors: grade III and IV – have a faster growth rate.

Fourth-degree astrocytomas are also called glioblastoma multiforme, or glioblastoma (GBM) .

Mixed forms can also occur. For example, a low-grade brain tumor can gradually develop into a high-grade brain tumor. Note: this isn't always the case. High-grade brain tumors can also present as such immediately.

Low -grade brain tumors progress (very) slowly and therefore do not always pose a threat to health or life in the short term. Therefore, it is sometimes an option to closely monitor the tumor at regular intervals.

High -grade brain tumors progress rapidly and always pose a threat to health and life. After diagnosis, the multidisciplinary team will almost always decide on immediate treatment.

Another common tumor is the meningioma , which originates from the meninges. They are more common in women than men. They are usually low-grade tumors that, depending on their location, can be treated effectively.

For the sake of completeness, here are some other species that occur:

Vestibular schwannoma or transverse angle tumor.

Benign tumor of the auditory nerve. Can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.

Schwannomas can also arise on other nerves in the body

Medulloblastoma

Malignant brain tumor in children, especially in the cerebellum.

Causes headache, nausea, and problems with walking or balance.

Craniopharyngioma

Benign tumor of the pituitary gland, often in children.

Causes complaints such as poor vision, headaches and growth problems.

Primary CNS lymphoma

Malignant tumor of lymph cells in the brain or spinal cord.

Can lead to behavioral changes, memory problems and paralysis.

Pituitary tumors

Non-functional pituitary adenoma

Benign tumor of the pituitary gland that does not produce hormones.

May cause headaches and poor vision due to pressure on surrounding structures.

Somatotropic pituitary adenoma (acromegaly)

Tumor that produces growth hormone.

Causes growth of hands, feet and face in adults.

Adrenocorticotropic pituitary adenoma (Cushing's)

Tumor that produces ACTH, leading to too much cortisol.

Causes weight gain, moon face and muscle weakness.

Prolactin-secreting adenoma (prolactinoma)

Tumor that produces prolactin.

Causes milk secretion, menstrual disorders or impotence.

Ependynoma ,

Pineal gland tumor

But as already mentioned, there are many variants and it is difficult to make a complete list.

Secondary brain tumors

Secondary brain tumors are metastases of cancers elsewhere in the body. For example, lung cancer can spread to the brain. There are more secondary brain tumors than primary ones, but they are considered the same as the cancer from which they originate.