Of the more than 125 types of known brain cancers, most of them can be grouped into two categories: high-grade category and low-grade category, also known as rapidly growing or slow-growing categories respectively.

Our team of well-trained healthcare professionals at Premier Oncology cares for patients that are dealing with diagnoses of all types of brain tumors. Take a look at some of the most common brain tumors:

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

This is a type of benign tumor that starts in the Schwann cells around the peripheral nerves in the ear. Acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma causes trouble hearing, as well as balance issues. As an acoustic neuroma grows, it squeezes the nerves and blood vessels nearby. The problems associated with an acoustic neuroma grow as well. As it affects the surfaces of the brainstem and cerebellum, the pressure caused by this can cause neurological problems as well.

Glioma

A glioma is a tumor in the glial cells or the neuroglia, which are non-neuronal cells and a part of the central nervous system. They are involved in several brain functions. There are many types of gliomas, including low-grade glioma and glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma

This is the most aggressive form of brain tumor that develops in adult patients. A glioblastoma starts in the astrocyte cells, which provide the function of supporting the nerve cells in numerous ways. This tumor metastasizes or spreads across brain tissue, making it a challenge to remove surgically. In recent years, neurologists across the globe including those at Premier Oncology have been studying distinct molecular subtypes such as this tumor, in the hope that it may enable experts in the field to formulate a targeted approach to treat the cancer that is safe for our patients.

Pineal Region Tumors

This form of cancer begins in the cells that surround the pineal gland, a part of the small endocrine system situated deep in the brain. The pineal gland secretes hormones directly to the bloodstream, so tumors of this region can cause several problems. These can occur when the tumor compresses brain tissue, affect the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, or affect hormone production or circulation. Pineal region tumors can be low grade or high grade tumors.

Germ cell tumors, which begin in the reproductive cells surrounding the pineal gland, and pineal cell tumors, which start out in pineal parenchymal cells are two of the main types of pineal region tumors. Some gliomas also can begin in the pineal gland.

Pituitary Tumors

These tumors usually start developing in the epithelial cells that form the lining of the pituitary gland. This gland controls the production and secretion of hormones in other glands of the endocrine system. It is possible that pituitary tumors could be caused by excessive pituitary hormone secretion, which could also lead to a number of other disorders in the body.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

This is a type of tumor that develops beginning in the lymphocytes, which are part of the lymphatic system and help the body fight infections and diseases. Lymphocytes cover your brain and spinal cord (also known as the meninges). These cells could begin to grow rapidly and become cancerous, spreading uncontrollably. The primary central nervous system lymphoma or the PCNSL is a tumor that is most common in patients that have a weak immune system. Another form of this is ocular lymphoma, which is the central nervous system lymphoma that occurs in the eye.

Meningioma

This type of tumor develops in the membranes inside the skull and surrounding the brain. Most meningiomas are benign, and grow at a moderate rate. However, some of these could grow to be cancerous. Meningiomas are known to cause seizures in about 25% of people.