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Brain Tumor Program / Brain Tumor

Brain Tumor - Neurosurgery UCLA

Brain Tumor

The term "brain tumor" corresponds to an abnormal growth of cells found in the brain tissue itself, or located just outside the brain but still within the skull. Brain tumors are generally classified as either primary or secondary. Primary brain tumors originate from within the brain cavity, whereas secondary brain tumors originate elsewhere in the body, and then spread (metastasize) to the brain. Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors are cancerous by nature, whereas primary brain tumors can be either benign or malignant (cancerous).

Image: Primary Brain TumorPrimary brain tumors are generally named based on the type of cells from which they originate. The nerve cells (neurons) of the brain rarely divide, and therefore generally do not produce tumors, whereas the support cells for neurons, glial cells, are responsible for most primary brain tumors. Tumors originating from glial cells are called gliomas, and include astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and oligodendroglioma. The covering of the brain, called the meninges, gives rise to meningiomas (the second most common primary brain tumor).

Alphabetical List: Brain Tumors (A - Z)

View alphabetical list of brain tumors and brain cancer. Learn about brain tumor symptoms, definitions, descriptions, treatment options, images and understand brain cancer.


Download brain tumor program update (PDF) Brain Tumor Program Update (PDF)

Brain Tumor Vaccine for Brain Cancer


Dr. Linda Liau has created a vaccine to protect brain cancer patients.
Brain Cancer Video Featuring Dr. Linda Liau >>