Types of Brain Tumours Explained: Know the Risks

The human brain, often called nature’s most advanced computer, controls everything—from movement and memory to digestion and emotions. Like all other complex systems, the brain is also vulnerable to disease, including one of the most serious conditions, brain tumours.

What is a Brain Tumour?

A tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should. This uncontrolled growth can happen in any part of the body. It can be:

• Benign (non-cancerous): Slow-growing and less likely to spread, but still cause pressure and degradation, depending on location

• Malignant (cancerous): Fast-growing, invasive and potentially life-threatening

Early detection and treatment are the keys to completely eradicating the tumour and returning to a normal life.

Primary vs Secondary Brain Tumours

• Primary Tumours: Originate in the brain and do not tend to spread elsewhere.

• Secondary Tumours (Metastatic): Originates from other parts of the body and travels to the brain.

Benign and Malignant Tumours

• Benign Tumours: Do not contain cancer cells. They grow slowly and rarely spread to the brain tissue around them. Depending on the part of the brain they are in, they can be life-threatening. 

• Malignant Tumours: Contain cancer cells which are fast-growing, invasive, and potentially life-threatening. They can invade healthy brain tissue nearby but rarely spread beyond the brain or spinal cord.

Common Symptoms of Brain Tumours: 

See a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening headaches, especially in the morning

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred or double vision

• Balance issues or weakness in limbs

• Speech difficulties

• Fatigue, confusion, or memory loss

• Seizures (new onset)

• Hearing problems or vertigo

• Personality or behavioural changes

• Increased appetite and unexplained weight gain

Types of Brain Tumours

• Gliomas: The most common type of malignant brain tumour. Gliomas are growths of glial cells that surround and support nerve cells in the brain. Types of gliomas and related brain tumours include:

  • Astrocytoma

  • Glioblastoma

  • Oligodendroglioma

  • Ependymoma

• Choroid Plexus: Starts in cells that make the fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and can be benign or malignant. Most common in children.

• Embryonal Tumours: Begin from foetal cells and stay in the brain of babies and young children after birth. The most common type of embryonal tumour is medulloblastoma.

• Germ Cell Tumours: Start in reproductive cells. Located near the pineal gland or the pituitary gland, they are mostly benign. Most common in children

• Pineal Tumours: Originate in and around the brain's pineal gland. Pineal tumours can be both benign and malignant—Pineoblastoma, a malignant type of tumour common in children.

• Meningiomas: Start in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common type of benign brain tumour.

• Nerve Tumours: Grow around nerves. Like Acoustic Neuroma, also called a schwannoma, affects the nerve from the inner ear to the brain.

• Pituitary Tumours: Tumours begin in and around the pituitary gland. Craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumour that happens near the pituitary gland.

• Malignant Tumours: Start from immune cells in the brain. This type of brain cancer is called Primary CNS Lymphoma.

• Other Rare Tumours: May originate in muscles, blood vessels, connective tissue, or skull bone. 

 Grading of Brain Tumours

• Grade I-II tumours: low-grade, less aggressive, and slow-growing.

• Grade III-IV tumours: high-grade, more aggressive, and faster-growing.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumours

• Neurological Exam – Tests vision, reflexes, strength, and coordination.

• CT Scan – Initial imaging test using X-rays.

• MRI – More detailed imaging using magnetic fields.
  Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
  Magnetic Resonance Perfusion

• PET Scan – Uses a radioactive tracer to highlight tumour cells.

• Biopsy – Surgical removal of tumour tissue for lab analysis.

• Lumbar Puncture – Tests cerebrospinal fluid for tumour markers.

Treatment Options:

1. Surgery:

Surgical approaches for the removal of the brain tumour

• Craniotomy

• Neuroendoscopy

• Awake brain tumour surgery

• MRI-guided laser ablation

• Neuroplastic surgery

• Biopsy

2. Radiation treatment: 

Radiation therapy uses high-speed X-rays to kill cancer cells and slow down brain tumour growth. Radiation therapies include:

• External beam radiation therapy

• Stereotactic radiosurgery

• Proton beam therapy

3. Chemotherapy: Uses anti-cancer drugs that target rapidly dividing tumour cells. Understanding how to prepare for chemotherapy can help patients manage side effects better.

Living with a Brain Tumour

Living with a brain tumour is emotionally and physically challenging; it affects daily functioning, memory, mood and independence. Coping with circumstances is very difficult and stressful.

Some Tips to Help Ease Pain and Suffering

• Adopting a positive mindset.

• Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation or journaling.

• Maintaining a routine.

• Connect with support groups.

• Consider professional counselling.

• Long-term Rehabilitation includes speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. 

Raise Brain Tumour Awareness

• Promoting awareness by educating on symptoms, treatment and risk factors

• Support Events like Awareness walks, fundraisers and campaigns. 

• Wearing a Grey ribbon to honour and support those affected

• Donating to research and support groups

• Incorporate funding options for brain tumour awareness as part of CSR

• Reiterate the importance of awareness and early diagnosis

• Encourage regular check-ups for persistent symptoms

Some Reflections

Suraj, a software engineer in a metropolis in India, faced a high-grade tumour. A strong medical team, aggressive treatment and family support helped him recover. He now speaks at medical conferences about patient empowerment. "I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving," he shares proudly:

·  “A brain tumour is part of your story, not the end of it”

·  “ When the going gets tough, the tough get going”

·  “Even on the hardest days, you are stronger than your diagnosis”

·  “There always is a light at the end of the tunnel”

·  “Healing comes in many forms—treatment, love, courage and time.”

Final Thoughts:

It is always a good practice to be connected to a multi-speciality facility with all services- from emergency to outpatient consultation. Star Hospitals Hyderabad offers these services, managed by experienced healthcare workers and supported by world-class facilities. The comprehensive Neurology Department is dedicated to delivering advanced, patient-centred care for a wide range of neurological conditions. Whether you're facing a common neurological issue or a complex brain disorder, you can trust Star Hospitals to provide expert care with compassion and excellence every step of the way.