Primary Brain Tumors

Primary brain tumors originate from brain cells; whereas, secondary or "metastatic" tumors arise in other organs and spread to the brain through the bloodstream. The most common primary brain tumors are called gliomas. These tumors arise from "glial" cells, which are the supporting cells of the central nervous system. In contrast, "neurons" or nerve cells of the brain rarely give rise to tumors. There are three main types of gliomas: astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas.

Secondary Brain Tumors

Secondary or metastatic brain tumors arise in other organs and spread to the brain through the bloodstream. As a result, metastatic tumors are often multiple. Frequent sources of metastatic brain tumors are the lung, breast, skin (melanoma), kidney and colon.