A brain or spinal cord tumour starts when abnormal cells grow and form a mass or lump. The tumour may be benign or malignant, but both types can be serious and may need urgent treatment. Brain and spinal cord tumours are also called central nervous system or CNS tumours.
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What is a tumour?
A tumour is an abnormal growth of cells. Cells are the body’s building blocks – they make up tissues and organs. The body constantly makes new cells to help us grow, replace worn-out tissue and heal injuries.
Normally, cells multiply and die in an orderly way, so that each new cell replaces one lost. Sometimes, however, cells become abnormal and keep growing. In solid cancers, such as a brain tumour, the abnormal cells form a mass or lump called a tumour.
This section is for adults with brain tumours. Brain tumours in children often form in different parts of the brain to adults, and may have different treatments and outlook.
Learn more about brain tumours in children.
How are brain tumours classified?
Brain tumours are often classified as benign or malignant. These terms are also used for tumours in other parts of the body. But with brain tumours the difference is not as clear.
| Benign tumours | Many benign brain tumours grow slowly and are less likely to spread or grow back (if all of the tumour can be successfully removed). But a benign tumour may still affect how the brain works. This can be life-threatening and need urgent treatment. Sometimes a benign tumour can change over time and become malignant or more aggressive. |
| Malignant tumours | A malignant brain tumour may be called brain cancer. Some malignant brain tumours can grow relatively slowly, while others grow rapidly (see Grading tumours). They are considered life-threatening because they may grow larger, spread within the brain or to the spinal cord, or come back after initial treatment. |
| Primary cancer | A cancer that starts in the brain is called primary brain cancer. It may spread to other parts of the nervous system. Unlike other malignant tumours that have the potential to spread throughout the body, primary brain cancers usually do not spread outside the brain and spinal cord. |
| Secondary cancer | Sometimes cancer starts in another part of the body and then travels through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the brain. This is known as a secondary cancer or metastasis. The cancers most likely to spread to the brain are melanoma, lung, breast, kidney and bowel. A metastasis keeps the name of the original cancer. For example, bowel cancer that has spread to the brain is still called metastatic bowel cancer, even though the person may be having symptoms because cancer is in the brain. |
The brain and spinal cord
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). This CNS controls how the mind and body works.
| The brain | The brain receives and interprets information carried to it by nerves from the sensory organs that control taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing. It also sends messages through nerves to the muscles and organs. The brain controls arm and leg movement and sensations, memory and other thinking skills, personality and behaviour, and balance and coordination. The main parts of the brain are the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem (see Parts of the brain). |
| Spinal cord | The spinal cord extends from the brain stem to the lower back. It is made up of nerve tissue that connects the brain to all parts of the body through a network of nerves called the peripheral nervous system. The spinal cord lies in the spinal canal, protected by a series of bones (vertebrae) called the spinal column. |
| Meninges | These are thin layers of protective tissue (membranes) that cover both the brain and spinal cord. |
| Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | Found inside the skull and spinal column, CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord and protects them from injury. |
| Pituitary gland | Found at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is about the size of a pea. It makes chemical messengers (hormones) and releases them into the blood. These hormones control many body functions, including growth, fertility, metabolism and development. |
The central nervous system
The parts of the brain and their functions
The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum. It is divided into 2 halves called hemispheres. Each hemisphere is divided into 4 main areas – the frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes.
The other main parts of the brain are the cerebellum and the brain stem. The cerebellum is found at the back of the head. The brain stem connects the brain to the spinal cord. Each part of the brain controls different bodily functions.
Top view
Side view
Who gets brain or spinal cord tumours?
Every year an estimated 1900 malignant brain tumours are diagnosed in Australia. They are more common in men than women. Malignant brain tumours can affect people of any age. About 110 children (aged 0–14) are diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour each year.
Benign brain and spinal cord tumours are more common than malignant tumours. The risk of being diagnosed with a brain tumour increases with age.
What types of tumours are there?
The brain is made up of different types of tissues and cells, which can develop into different types of tumours. There are more than 40 main types of primary brain and spinal cord tumours. They can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord.
Tumours are grouped together based on the type of cell they start in and how the cells are likely to behave (based on their genetic make-up). These groups include glioma and non-glioma tumours. Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumour.
Common types of primary brain tumours
Glioma tumours
These tumours start in the glial (neuroglia) cells of the brain.
| astrocytoma |
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| glioblastoma (GBM) |
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| oligodendroglioma |
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| ependymoma |
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Non-glioma tumours
These tumours start in other types of cells found in the brain.
| meningioma |
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| medulloblastoma |
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| pituitary tumour |
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| schwannoma |
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What causes brain or spinal cord tumours?
The cause of most brain and spinal cord tumours is unknown. As we get older the risk of developing many cancers, including brain cancer, increases.
Other things known to increase a person’s risk include:
Family history – It’s rare for brain tumours to run in families, though some people inherit a gene change from their parent that increases their risk. For example, a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis can lead to mostly benign tumours of the brain and spinal cord. Having a parent, sibling or child with a primary brain tumour may sometimes mean an increase in risk.
Radiation therapy – People who have had radiation therapy to the head, particularly for childhood leukaemia, may have a slightly higher risk of brain tumours, such as meningioma, many years later.
Chemical exposure – A chemical called vinyl chloride, some pesticides, and working in rubber manufacturing and petroleum refining have been linked with brain tumours.
Overweight and obesity – A small number of meningioma brain tumours are thought to be linked to high body weight or obesity.
Mobile phones and microwave ovens
Research has not shown that mobile phone use causes brain cancer, but studies continue into any long-term effects. If you are worried, use a hands-free headset, limit time on your phone, or use messaging.
There is no evidence that microwave ovens in good condition release electromagnetic radiation at levels that are harmful to people.
→ READ MORE: Brain cancer symptoms
More resources
Prof Lindy Jeffree, Director of Neurosurgery, Alfred Health, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Director, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, QLD; A/Prof Hao-Wen Sim, Medical Oncologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Trevethan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy – Cancer and Lymphoedema Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Chris Twyford, Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Health Services, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, ACT; Dr Adam Wells, Clinical Academic Consultant Neurosurgeon, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
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