Brain tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form within the brain or around the brain's outer covering, known as the meninges. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The three main types of brain tumor are:
1. Primary brain tumors: These are tumors that originate in the brain tissue itself. The most common types of primary brain tumors are gliomas, which start in the glial cells that surround and support nerve cells. Other types of primary brain tumors include astrocytomas, meningiomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas.
2. Metastatic brain tumors: These are tumors that originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain. The most common types of metastatic brain tumors are lung cancers, breast cancers, and melanomas.
3. Germ cell tumors: These tumors start in the reproductive cells and can spread to the brain. The most common type of germ cell tumor is a germinoma.
No matter what type of brain tumor a person has, they should be seen by a doctor right away if they experience symptoms such as headaches, seizures, blurred vision, nausea, balance problems, or changes in behavior. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates and quality of life.