Brain Tumor Scan
MRI demonstrating a large mass in a patient with glioblastoma.

Brain Tumors

Brain and spinal cord tumors (collectively known as central nervous system tumors) represent a group of diseases that have in common the abnormal development of mass lesions in the brain, spinal cord or its coverings. An estimated 87,000 new cases of central nervous system are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2019 (https://www.cbtrus.org). These tumors may spread to the brain from distant sources in the form of metastases or they may arise primarily in their site of occurrence.

There are many types of brain tumors which may be benign and easily managed by surgery or highly aggressive, requiring multidisciplinary treatment with a variety of specialized physicians. See grading and classification for review of the different types of brain tumors that may develop in patients.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

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Brain Tumors in Children and Adolescents

Brain tumors may affect patients of any age, but currently are the most common solid tumors and the number one cause of cancer death in children. An estimated 3,700 children in the United States in 2019 are expected to be affected with central nervous system tumors (https://www.cbtrus.org).

Some pediatric brain tumors may be slow growing or highly aggressive, making them challenging to treat—and associated with neurologic impairment and high mortality.