Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is a tumor in the brain. However, not all brain tumors are cancerous. Cancerous (malignant) brain tumors usually grow quickly and spread into surrounding tissues. Noncancerous (benign) brain tumors grow much slower and typically do not spread.

There are two main categories of brain cancer tumors: primary and metastatic.

Primary brain tumors begin in the brain and tend to stay in the brain. They are most common among children and older adults.

Metastatic brain tumors start as cancer somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain. They are more common among adults. The cancers that spread most often to the brain are breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

The cause of brain cancer and the reasons people get it are unknown. Research shows that genetics may play a part, along with environmental factors such as exposure to large amounts of radiation.  

Some brain cancers are caused by a cancer that started in a different part of the body and spread to the brain.

If you have any symptoms of brain cancer, your provider will begin by performing a physical examination and a review of your health and family history.  

If additional testing is needed, they may recommend one or more of the following:

• Neurological exam. This involves looking for changes or issues with your balance, coordination, hearing, vision, reflexes, or mental abilities. This can help your provider determine where in your brain there may be a tumor.  
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These scans can help your provider see the exact size and position of your tumor. Your provider can also use this to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Computed tomography (CT). These scans can help your provider see the exact size and position of your tumor. This is a good alternative for those who can’t undergo an MRI.
• Spinal tap. This involves inserting a small needle into your spine to remove cerebrospinal fluid. They will then look at the fluid in a lab to see if there are cancer cells present.  
• Biopsy. This test involves taking a sample of your tumor and viewing it under a microscope to see if any cancer cells are present.

Treatments for brain cancer depend on your age and health as well as the tumor type. Many brain tumors can be treated with surgery. However, if the cancer has grown and spread, or if you are not healthy enough for the surgery, other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be used.

We also offer clinical trials, which are research studies that give you the opportunity to receive the most recent, advanced treatment options, such as drugs that are not yet on the market and other promising treatments that could increase your chances for recovery and improve your quality of life. Holden researchers also are actively involved in cutting-edge studies funded by the National Cancer Institute that are testing new ways to treat brain cancer.