Article Sections

Introduction

Brain tumors are abnormal growths from cells in the cranial cavity.  These growths can be benign or malignant.

Primary brain tumors originate from the cells of the brain itself or the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.  Different types of primary tumors occur in adult patients versus pediatric patients.  This article discusses the general pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of primary brain tumors and lists the common types of pediatric and adult tumors.  Details of each type of adult and pediatric brain tumor are described in separate dedicated articles.

Metastatic brain tumors are secondary tumors that spread to the brain from cancer elsewhere in the body.  This article also addresses the diagnosis and management of brain metastasis as well.

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