Types of Brain Tumors


The following information lists some of the more common types of brain tumors, the symptoms they typically cause, and their usual treatment.

The experts of the INI have extensive experience in treating the majority of brain tumors, and we can offer the most advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including intraoperative imaging systems, no-stitch surgery and endoscopic-assisted pituitary surgery .

Gliomas
 Gliomas (astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas) are common brain tumors that arise in the substance of the brain tissue. They can occur at any age but become increasingly common after the age of 40. The most common type of glioma is the astrocytomas, and the second is the oligodendroglioma. Gliomas are different from most tumors in that there is not a sharp demarcation between benign and malignant tumors. Because of this, they are typically graded I-IV. Grade I is uncommon and includes benign tumors, whereas Grade IV includes very malignant tumors. Grades II & III are intermediate types. Other than Grade I tumors, all of the other types of gliomas have a high propensity for recurrence, no matter what treatment is given, including radiation, surgery or chemotherapy. Frequently, they can recur as a higher-grade tumor or a more malignant type.

The INI Brain Tumor Center has had extensive experience with treating gliomas, including the uses of surgical intervention, radiation, Gamma Knife treatment and chemotherapy. Dr. Jasti Rao's lab at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria is presently researching how malignant gliomas develop and invade the brain. Hopefully, his research efforts will lead to new treatment options for patients with gliomas.

Meningiomas
Meningiomas are common, typically benign tumors that arise from the covering of the brain, called the meninges. They are much more common in women and older people. They can present in many different ways, from totally asymptomatic to causing headaches, seizures or neurological symptoms. Depending on their location, many can be cured with surgery; however, those occurring deep in the brain may best be treated by radiosurgery, such as Gamma Knife treatment.

Acoustic Neuromas
 Acoustic neuromas are relatively common tumors that typically present with hearing loss. Because there are many other causes of hearing loss, in order to tell whether the person has an acoustic neuroma, they have to have an imaging test, typically an MRI scan. If your MRI scan shows an acoustic neuroma, there are several options for treatment. If the acoustic neuroma is very small and not causing many symptoms and you are elderly, close observation may be your best option. If the tumor is growing or moderate in size, then Gamma Knife treatment is frequently a good treatment option, in addition to open surgery. If you have a large tumor, typically this would require an open surgery.

As acoustic neuromas grow, they can cause symptoms other than hearing loss, such as difficulty with one's balance or numbness in the face, facial weakness and headache. If you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, the INI Brain Tumor Center would be happy to review your case and go over the treatment options with you.

Pituitary Adenomas
Pituitary adenomas are typically benign tumors that arise in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, and it regulates many of the hormones that are secreted throughout the body. These tumors can present with signs of excess secretion of those hormones, or not enough secretion of those hormones. They can also enlarge and compress the visual apparatus, causing vision loss. Some of these tumors can be treated with medications, while others require surgery. Typically, surgery is done through the nose rather than through brain because it is safer and reduces recovery time.