MenuTypes of Tumors
There are over 120 types of brain tumors. The most common are listed below, however if you don't see your tumor type please call our CareLine at 800-886-ABTA (2282) for more information.
A note regarding prognosis (prediction of life expectancy): While we have included prognosis information for some types of tumors, each person’s tumor is different. Emerging information about biological differences in tumors may explain why outcomes for some people are different than others. We recommend that you discuss prognosis for your specific tumor type with your physician.
Astrocytomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes—star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like” or supportive tissue of the brain.
Atypical Teratoid Rhaboid Tumor (ATRT)
ATRTs are rare, high-grade, fast-growing tumors that occur most often in children age 3 and younger.
Bone and Connective Tissue Tumors
Chondroma is a rare, benign tumor that forms at the base of the skull. The malignant (cancerous) form is called chondrosarcoma. These tumors are generally very slow-growing and may be present for a long time before causing symptoms.
Choroid plexus tumors arise from the tissue that lines the ventricles of the brain and produces cerebrospinal fluid. These tumors include choroid plexus papilloma and choroid plexus carcinoma.
A craniopharyngioma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor arising from small nests of cells near the pituitary stalk. Adamantinomatous (ordinary) craniopharyngioma typically occurs in children; papillary craniopharyngioma usually occurs in adults.
Though not a tumor,a cyst found in the brain is a tumor-like sphere filled with fluid. Although they tend to be benign (noncancerous), they are sometimes found in parts of the brain that control vital functions.
Ependymomas are tumors that arise from the ependymal cells lining the venrtricles of the brain and the center of the spinal cord. They are the most common brain tumor in children, and also occur in adults.
Germ cell tumors arise from various “germ cells” found in the pineal or suprasellar regions of the brain.
Glioblastomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.
“Glioma” is a general term used to identify any tumor that arises from the supportive (“gluey”) tissue of the brain. The three main types of gliomas are: astrocytoma, oligodendromas, and ependymomas.