Types of brain tumors, ranging from benign to malignant

There are many types of brain tumors. Each type of tumor can cause symptoms and require different treatment. Therefore, recognizing these types of brain tumors can help you understand your condition and determine the right treatment. So, what types of brain tumors often occur?

Classification or division of types of brain tumors

A brain tumor is a mass formed by abnormal cells that occur in the brain, either that grows by itself (primary) or the result of metastasis or the spread of cancer cells from other organs (secondary). In primary brain tumors, WHO classifies this condition based on the origin of tumor cells and the level of malignancy of the tumor in the brain.

Based on the origin, tumors can grow and form in almost all types of tissue or cells in the brain. However, most primary brain tumors occur in glial cells, which are cells that connect nerve cells to the brain.

Meanwhile, based on the level of malignancy, brain tumors can be divided into benign and malignant. Benign brain tumors tend to develop slowly and do not spread to other parts of the brain. On the other hand, malignant brain tumors, also known as brain cancer, tend to grow and spread rapidly, requiring more intensive care.

Types of brain tumors that often occur

Based on the classification or division above, WHO says there are more than 130 types of brain tumors that have been identified. Of the hundreds of types, there are some that often occur in humans. The following are some types of brain tumors that are commonly found:

1. Meningioma

Meningioma is a type of brain tumor that occurs in the meninges, which is the layer of tissue that surrounds the outside of the brain and spinal cord. This type of tumor can start in any part of the brain, but generally in the cerebellum and cerebellum.

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, especially women. Most cases of meningioma tumors are benign or are at a low level (I). However, in rare cases, the disease can grow and develop rapidly until it reaches level III or can even spread to the face and spine.

Meningioma tumors can cause various symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, seizures, headaches, behavioral and cognitive changes, to visual disturbances. The treatment of meningioma tumor is surgery or radiotherapy. If it is benign or at low levels, treatment is generally not needed, but doctors will still carry out regular monitoring with MRI tests.

2. Pituitary adenoma

Pituitary adenoma or pituitary tumor is a type of brain tumor that grows on the pituitary gland, which is a gland that controls various body functions and releases hormones into the bloodstream. This type of tumor is usually found in adults, and generally has a low level of malignancy (benign).

The symptoms caused by pituitary tumors depend on the activity of the tumor, namely whether it produces hormones or not. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Headaches and visual disturbances due to pressure from the tumor.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Cognitive changes.
• Stop menstruating.
• The appearance of abnormal hair in women.
• Discharge from the breast.
• Impotence in men.
• Unusual weight gain and growth of hands and feet.

The treatment of pituitary adenoma or pituitary tumors includes doctor supervision (especially if it does not cause symptoms), surgery, radiotherapy, drugs to lower hormone levels, or drugs to replace hormones.

3. Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma is a type of benign brain tumor that starts in Schwann cells. Acoustic neuroma generally occurs in Schwann cells, which are located on the outside of the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is the nerve that connects the brain to the ear and controls hearing and balance.

Acoustic neuroma tumors generally grow slowly and are benign. Therefore, sufferers may not have symptoms for some time. However, some of the symptoms of acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma that may arise are hearing and balance problems, ringing or ringing in one or both ears, dizziness or vertigo, and facial numbness.

The treatment for acoustic neuroma includes doctor's supervision (if there are no symptoms), surgery, or radiotherapy.

4. Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma or craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor that occurs in the area of ​​the brain adjacent to the eye or around the lower part of the brain adjacent to the pitutari gland. This type of tumor can occur in children and the elderly and is benign (non-cancerous).

The symptoms caused by craniopharyngioma tumors are visual disturbances, headaches, hormonal changes in adults, or growth problems in children. While the treatment of this disease includes surgery, radiotherapy, or hormone replacement therapy.

5. Pineal gland tumor

This type of brain tumor starts in the pineal gland or the surrounding tissue. The pineal gland is located in the middle of the brain, just behind the brain stem, and functions to produce the hormone melatonin, which controls sleep. Pineal gland tumor malignancy can vary from low to high, and is generally more common in children and young adults.

Meanwhile, the main symptoms of pineal gland tumors, namely fatigue, headache, weakness, difficulty remembering, nausea and vomiting, and the potential to cause hydrocephalus.

6. Glioma brain tumor

Glioma is a type of malignant brain tumor that most often occurs in adults. The American Association of Neurological says, about 78 percent of total cases of malignant brain tumors are classified as gliomas.

Glioma brain tumors begin in the glial cells. This type is subdivided into several subtypes based on the type of glial cells affected. Several subtypes of glioma brain tumors, namely:

Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma tumors occur in glial cells called astrocytes. This type of tumor has varying severity. At low grade (level I or II), astrocytoma is most often found in children, but at high grade (level III or IV) it is more common in adults. As for astrocytoma at level IV or with the highest malignancy, it is also known as glioblastoma.

Oligodendroglioma

These brain tumors start in glial cells called oligodendrocytes. This type usually occurs in the front and periphery of the cerebrum and interferes with the formation of the myelin membrane which functions to deliver impulses to nerve cells. Most of these diseases are found in adulthood, but children can experience them too.

Ependymoma

Ependymoma tumors start in glial cells called ependymal, which are cells that line the part of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced. This type of tumor can occur in that part of the brain or in the spinal cord. Generally, ependymoma is found in children or adolescents, but this disease can also occur in adults. The tumor can cause an enlarged head due to fluid (hydrocephalus).

Brainstem glioma

Most cases of brain stem glioma occur in children under 10 years of age. These tumors attack the lower part of the brain and can occur with low to high malignancy.

Optic nerve glioma

This type of brain tumor is found mostly in infants and children, but it can also be experienced by adults. This condition is characterized by the growth of tumors around the nerves that connect the eyes and brain. If not treated immediately, this condition can lead to progressive blindness.

Mixed glioma

As the name implies, this type of glioma is a mixture of several types of glioma with a high degree of malignancy.

Patients with glioma type brain tumors generally experience a variety of symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, behavior changes, changes in cognitive abilities, and / or difficulty walking or paralysis. The treatment for glioma brain tumors includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

7. Central nervous system lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer that grows and develops in the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the body including the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Lymphoma cancer that grows in the brain generally starts at the front of the brain or is called the cerebrum.

This type of tumor usually occurs in the elderly and is very malignant (aggressive), so it tends to be difficult to treat. The symptoms caused by this disease, such as headaches, blurred vision, seizures, changes in behavior, or difficulty walking and balance.

8. Metastatic brain tumor

In addition to various types of primary brain tumors, brain tumors can also occur secondary to or are called metastases. These types of tumors generally originate in other organs of the body, such as the lungs, breasts, kidneys, colon, or skin.

Most of these brain tumors are located in the cerebrum, but can also attack or spread to the cerebellum and brainstem. The symptoms caused include headaches, seizures, behavioral and cognitive changes, and decreased body coordination.