A brain tumor is a group of malignant cells that are abnormally dividing and are not able to be controlled. Brain tumors are classified by the kind of cell from which they arise and their behavior pattern, and some are graded on how malignant or aggressive they are. The American Brain Tumor Society states that there are over 120 different kinds of brain tumor types, but some are more commonly diagnosed than others.
Medulloblastoma
This kind of brain tumor is typically found on the cerebellum or close to the brainstem. It can be classified as a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which is a kind of tumor that is aggressive and fast-growing. Medulloblastoma cells can travel through cerebrospinal fluid and spread to the spinal cord. Children younger than 10 years old are most commonly affected by medulloblastomas, but they can strike anyone. Symptoms of a medulloblastoma can include early morning vomiting, headaches, double vision, personality changes and lethargy.
Astrocytomas
Three out of 10 brain tumors are types of gliomas called astrocytomas, according to the American Cancer Society. These kinds of tumors start in glial cells that are called astrocytes. These kinds of tumors can spread through the brain tissue and blend in with healthy brain tissue, which can make surgery very difficult. They typically do not spread past the brain or spinal cord. They are classified as low-grade, intermediate grade or high-grade, depending on how the cells look microscopically.
Meningiomas
Meningiomas are tumors that grow from layers of tissue that lay over the brain and spinal cord called meninges. These tumors press on brain tissue as they grow, causing symptoms. They are typically not malignant or are low-grade tumors, but can still cause serious problems and be life-threatening due to the pressure they can place on the brain. Many meningiomas are slow-growing, but there are some that grow fairly quickly. Symptoms can include seizures, headaches, vision changes, behavioral changes and nausea or vomiting.
Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendrogliomas typically grow in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain, and comprise approximately three percent of diagnosed brain tumors, according to the American Brain Tumor Society. They can be either low-grade or high-grade, and are most often found in individuals ages 20 to 40, but can be diagnosed at any age. Symptoms of this kind of tumor can include seizures, weakness or paralysis, headaches and cognitive changes.
Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngiomas are commonly found near the base of the brain, near the optic nerves, but can also grow in the hypothalamus. These tumors tend to be low-grade, and are often found with cysts. They are typically diagnosed in both children and individuals over 50 years old, and these tumors start from fetal cells that are leftover from early development. Symptoms include weight gain, headaches, delayed development in children and changes in vision.
