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Brain Tumor: Types

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

A brain tumor is the appearance of abnormal cells in a person’s brain that can grow over time. There are many types of brain tumors, such as:

  • Acoustic neuroma;
  • Astrocytoma;
  • Meningioma;
  • Craniopharyngioma;
  • Glioblastoma;
  • Oligodendroglioma;
  • Pineoblastoma.

Some of them are benign, and some are malignant. The worst type of brain tumor is cancer. Cancer is a malignant tumor. 

How fast a tumor grows depends on its type. At the same time, the tumor’s location shows how it will affect the functions of the nervous system.

Treatment options for a tumor also depend on its type, size, and location. In fact, there are over 120 types of brain tumors. However, we will tell you about a few common types. If you don’t feel well, contact a neurologist for advice.

In this article, we will talk about what tumors of the brain are, where they are located, and their characteristics.

Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is also known as vestibular schwannoma. It is a benign brain tumor and usually a slow-growing one. It forms on the main (vestibular) nerve, which runs from the inner ear to the brain. Branches of this nerve affect balance and hearing.

  • Age. This type of tumor can begin at any age. However, such a problem can often appear from 30 to 60 years.
  • Symptoms. Quite often, the symptoms of such a brain tumor are invisible in the early stages of the disease. However, over time, patients may notice hearing loss that occurs only on one side or is more pronounced on one side, ringing in the affected ear, and loss of balance while walking. Also, it can be dizziness, facial numbness, and muscle weakness.
  • General information. Typically, such a tumor grows rather slowly. Rarely enough, patients are faced with the fact that such a tumor begins to grow too quickly and becomes large enough to put pressure on the brain and interfere with life. Although an acoustic neuroma usually grows slowly and is controlled by doctors, it can sometimes become large enough to be life-threatening. Among the possible causes, doctors note the problem of a gene on chromosome 22. Scientists have not yet established the cause of this disease at the gene level. It is also worth noting that this defective gene is inherited in type 2 neurofibromatosis.
  • Treatment. Acoustic neuroma treatment includes regular monitoring, radiation, and surgical removal.

Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is one of the types of brain cancer that appears in the brain or spinal cord. This problem starts in astrocytes. These cells are essential for the support of nerve cells.

  • Age. Most often, this type of tumor appears in 40 years. However, it can happen at any age. In addition, with age, the likelihood of astrocytoma increases.
  • Symptoms. Signs of this type of brain cancer depend on where it is located. If an astrocytoma occurs in the brain, the patient may experience headaches, nausea, and seizures. If this type of tumor originates in the spinal cord, patients may experience weakness and disability in the area affected by the tumor.
  • General information. An astrocytoma can proceed both slowly and too quickly. Depending on how quickly cancer develops, it is possible to predict the further course of events and choose a treatment.
  • Treatment. Treatment for astrocytoma includes surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and supportive care.

Meningioma 

Meningioma

Meningioma is one of the most common types of brain tumors that patients experience. 

However, no one is immune from this disease. Let’s find out the basic information that is associated with this disease.

  • Age. It should also be said that most often, this type of tumor occurs in women of advanced age. 
  • Symptoms. Usually, such a tumor grows rather slowly, and patients do not feel symptoms. However, if the meningioma begins to act on the brain tissue, vessels, or nerves that are near it, patients may experience disability. Symptoms of this type of brain tumor usually appear slowly and may not be noticeable for a long time. However, if we talk about signs that may indicate this disease, we can distinguish visual impairment (double vision or blurring, headaches, especially if they are most intense in the morning, and hearing loss. Also, it can be tinnitus, memory loss, loss of smell, convulsions, and weakness in limbs.
  • General information. Meningioma is another type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges. These membranes surround the brain and spinal cord. In fact, this is not a brain tumor, but it is also included in this list. This is due to the fact that a meningioma can compress the neighboring brain, as well as nerves and blood vessels.
  • Treatment. Treatment for meningioma can be in the form of periodic consultations with a doctor to monitor the situation, surgery, and radiation therapy. If the tumor is only at an early stage, the neurosurgeon may schedule regular follow-ups to keep the situation under control. If the tumor has begun to grow, the patient may be scheduled for surgery. During it, part of the bone is removed from the skull to gain access to the tumor. After that, a part of the tumor is cut out. Another replaces the missing bone. After the operation, the patient undergoes measures to restore and test cognitive abilities. The patient may also be given radiation therapy. With it, parts of tumors are removed, especially where it is difficult to approach them, or there are critical objects nearby.

Craniopharyngioma 

Craniopharyngioma

 

Craniopharyngioma is the next type of brain tumor. Such a tumor is not cancer and is considered benign.

  • Age. Such a benign brain tumor can appear in patients at any age. However, it most often occurs in children and the elderly. 
  • Symptoms. Symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, frequent urination, and headaches. If a child has encountered this type of tumor, growth retardation may be found in him.
  • General information. Craniopharyngioma originates near the pituitary gland, which is responsible for hormone production. This type of tumor grows quite slowly, but it can affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and other brain structures that are close to it.
  • Treatment. Treatment for this type of tumor can be surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. It is removed if the tumor can be completely cut out without negative consequences for the patient’s life. If it is located in a dangerous place or is difficult to access, it is partially removed, and other treatment methods are used. The patient may also be prescribed radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy. In the latter case, the patient is prescribed special chemicals to destroy cancer cells. In addition, people with this type of tumor may be offered clinical trials during which the latest technologies and drugs will be tested. This method has its risks, but it can also be effective.

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma, unfortunately, is an aggressive type of cancer. It can appear both in the brain and in the spinal cord. 

  • Age. This type of tumor can appear at any age but is more common in older people. Causes of glioblastoma include headache, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
  • Symptoms. Symptoms of this type of tumor depend on its size, location in the brain, and growth rate. Signs that may indicate the presence of glioma are headache, nausea or vomiting, and confusion. Also, deterioration of the work and functions of the brain, memory loss, personality changes, irritability, loss of balance, urinary incontinence, vision problems, and seizures.
  • General information. This type of tumor originates from cells called astrocytes. These cells support nerve cells. Glioblastoma is very difficult to treat, and sometimes treatment does not work. However, timely detection of such a tumor helps slow its progression and improve the patient’s condition.
  • Treatment. Such a type of cancer is very difficult to treat and often fails. Treatment. As a treatment, the patient may be recommended surgery to remove glioblastoma. However, because this type of tumor grows into normal brain tissue, sometimes doctors cannot completely remove it. Therefore, the patient may be prescribed radiation, or chemotherapy after the operation. Also another treatment for such a tumor may be tumor field therapy (TTF). This method consists in applying adhesive pads to the scalp. It helps the tumor cells multiply. Other treatment options include targeted drug therapy, clinical trials, and supportive care when the condition worsens.

Oligodendroglioma

 

Oligodendroglioma

This type of tumor occurs in the brain or spinal cord. It is formed by brain cells producing a substance that protects nerve cells.

  • Age. A similar disease can occur at any age, but older patients are more likely to experience it. 
  • Symptoms. Symptoms of oligodendroglioma include headaches and seizures. Also, patients may notice weakness in those parts of the body controlled by nerve cells that were affected by the tumor.
  • General information. Oligodendrogliomas typically appear in the white matter and cerebral cortex. However, they can appear anywhere in the CNS. There are several stages of oligodendroglioma, the last of which are malignant. The success and possibility of treatment depend on the examination results and the disease stage.
  • Treatment. The usual treatment for this tumor is surgery to remove it. If the oligodendroglioma recurs, doctors may prescribe additional procedures to fight it. Complementary treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care that aims to improve the patient’s well-being. Also, patients with this type of tumor can try to participate in clinical trials. It is a rather risky move. However, it can help treat the tumor.

Pineoblastoma

Pineoblastoma

It is another type of cancer in the brain that starts in the pineal gland of the brain. This gland is located in the center of the brain, and its main purpose is to produce melatonin. 

  • Age. Pineoblastoma can appear in patients at any age. However, young children are most often affected. 
  • Symptoms. Among the main symptoms, patients note headaches, drowsiness, and changes in eye movement. 
  • General information. Typically, such a tumor begins as an overgrowth of cells in the pineal gland. Cells grow fast enough and can begin to penetrate healthy tissues of the body and destroy them.
  • Treatment. Treatment may be surgery to reduce the amount of fluid or remove the tumor. Also, the patient may be prescribed radiation, chemotherapy, radiosurgery, and clinical trials.

Bottom Line 

Thus, we have considered a number of brain tumors. Some of them are malignant; some are benign. If patients have a malignant brain tumor, it is cancer. And also, some brain tumor types develop outside the brain and spread to it, while others appear directly in the brain. In most cases, doctors suggest surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and other procedures. A brain tumor is certainly a serious and dangerous disease. However, with timely access to a doctor, the patient can cure the disease or alleviate the condition. 

If you feel unwell, see a neurologist. We advise you to come for a consultation at our clinic Lone Star Neurology. We employ highly qualified specialists who help patients detect and treat all neurological diseases. Make an appointment with a doctor right now by phone: 214-619-1910.

FAQs 

  • What are the first warning signs of a brain tumor?

You should immediately consult a doctor if you have frequent headaches, nausea, and vomiting for no reason, blurred vision, numbness of the limbs, or loss of balance. These signs may indicate the appearance of a brain tumor.

  • How many types of brain tumors are there?

There are more than 120 different types of tumors and cysts in the brain. All these types of tumors differ in the place of their occurrence, the cells of which they are composed, as well as their complexity. Some of these tumors may be benign, and some malignant.

  • How serious is a brain tumor?

Brain tumors are quite dangerous, as they can put pressure on healthy areas of the brain or grow in them. Some types of tumors can be malignant and seriously disrupt a person’s life, depriving him of vision, hearing, and the ability to walk or move his limbs.

  • Can you survive a brain tumor?

On average, a patient with a brain tumor lives in 36% of cases for five years. In comparison, ten years of life after the onset of brain cancer occurs in 31% of cases. The chance of cure and survival for a brain tumor depends on its location, size, and stage at which it was discovered.

  • How long is brain tumor surgery?

Surgery to remove a brain tumor can take 3 to 5 hours if the patient needs a simple craniotomy. If a craniotomy is performed while awake, it may take about 5-7 hours. However, a large amount of time takes up postoperative time, which is necessary for the restoration of neuronal functions.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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