Types of Brain Tumors

Approximately ½ of all the brain tumors are collectively together known as Gliomas. They are in fact the cancerous kind of glial cells. They are the building block cells responsible for the connective or supportive tissue of the central nervous system. There are various kinds of glial cells and from these the different types of cancer results:-

Astrocytomas- the primary kind of brain tumors developed from the astrocytes. They are star shaped cells. The astrocytes are responsible for providing nutrients, insulation and support to the nerve cells. They are the primary neurological cells of the body.

Oligodendrogliomas- they also grow from the oligodenrocyte glial cells. They are the tissues which from the protective coating around the nerve cells. Rare cases of pure Oligodendrogliomas are noted while the mixed Gliomas are common.

Ependymomas- as the name suggests they are derived from the ependymal cells. The cells line in the ventricles they are the cavities that are fluid filled and are found ion the lower part of the brain connecting the canal of the spine. Approximately 6% of Gliomas are constituted by them.

Mixed Gliomas- as the name tells they are the mixed from of malignant brain tumors. It also has been observed that ½ of the tumors have both oligodenrocyte glial cells and astrocytes glial cells of cancerous nature. They also have cancer cells of other types.

Meningiomas- Meningiomas are tumors of benign nature. They develop in the membrane of the brain and the spinal cord. They are not technically brain tumors but have similar symptoms. They are more prominent in women than in men. The malignant form of tumor is anaplastic meningiomas and hemangioperictyomas.

Cerebellar Astrocytomas- such Gliomas develop inside the brain and occur in the cerebral hemispheres.

Brain stem Gliomas-such tumor develop in the lower part of the brain. The brain stem is attached to the cerebrum to the spinal cord.

Medulloblastomas- Medulloblastomas are located in the cerebellum. They are found at the base at the back of brain. They show 3% of all brain tumors.

Pituitary tumors- they develop in the pituitary glands and are 10% of primary brain tumors.

Other tumors of the brain- the optic nerve Gliomas happen in the optic nerve of brain. They are located at the back of the eye.