Facing the Truth About Malignant Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is basically caused by cells that multiply at an abnormally fast pace. Just the mere mention of this condition can make some people extremely worried and anxious. Not all brain tumors however are causes for extreme worry. The major type of brain tumor that you should be concerned about is the malignant brain tumor.

Defining the Malignant Brain Tumor

The best way to understand what malignant brain tumors are is to first understand brain tumors in general and all other terms and concepts related to it. Brain tumors can either be benign or malignant. Benign brain tumors are a mass of cells that have clear limits and do not invade neighboring cells and tissues. Upon removal, they rarely grow back.

Malignant tumors on the other hand have cells that can multiply quickly and invade other cells nearby. In some cases, the cancer cells may invade the cells of the spine too. Another type of malignant tumor may have the characteristics of a benign tumor with cells that don’t spread but may still be called malignant because it is located in a very critical spot in the brain.

Brain tumors are also classified as primary and secondary. Primary brain tumors originate in brain cells. Primary malignant brain tumors rarely spread to other body parts other then the spine. Secondary or metastatic brain tumors are the result of cancer cells from other primary areas in the body spreading to brain cells. Breast cancer cells for example may travel and invade brain cells.

Primary Malignant Brain Tumors

There are many different types of primary tumors of the malignant kind. They are classified and named based on their traits and location. This makes it easier for specialists to determine the best kind of treatment. Here are some types of primary malignant brain tumors:

• Anaplastic Ependymoma- This begins in cells in the spinal cord’s central canal. The cells are known as ependymal cells. This malignant tumor type is not as common as its benign version.

• Astrocytoma- There are benign astrocytomas. The most malignant ones are known as high-grade astrocytomas. One high grade astrocytoma is known as glioblastoma multiforme. This tumor gets its name from astrocyte glial cells that are star shaped some of which can be found in the cerebrum.

• Malignant Meningioma- This is not a very common malignant tumor. It begins in the meninges, which are layers of membranes over the spine and brain.

• Medulloblastoma- This is a tumor with cells that can quickly spread from the cerebellum to the meninges and spine. Many children with malignant brain tumors have this type of tumor.

• Central Nervous System Lymphoma- This type of cancer begins in one of the hemispheres of the cerebrum. Just like other forms of lymphoma, it is the result of the abnormal growth of lymph cells which are a part of the lymphatic system. In this case, it is the lymph cells in the brain that are the primary origin. People with poorly working immune systems are at greater risk of developing the condition.