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.
True pineal tumors, including pineocytoma and pineoblastoma, originate from normal cells in the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain and is involved in the secretion of specific hormones.
Two types of tumors arise from the pituitary gland—pituitary adenoma and pituitary carcinoma. Adenomas are benign and slow-growing; carcinomas are fast-growing and malignant.
PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumor) is a type of highly malignant tumor that occurs primarily in the cerebrum, but tends to spread to other parts of the central nervous system. PNET is most common in very young children.
Schwannoma is a slow-growing, benign tumor of the 8th cranial nerve, also known as the acoustic or vestibulocochlear nerve. Common symptoms are one-sided hearing loss and buzzing or ringing in the ear.