Healthcare providers often use the terms "brain tumor" and "brain cancer" interchangeably, as they often refer to the same thing: an overgrowth of cells inside the skull. Brain tumors are the most common type of cancer that occurs in children, aside from
leukemia and lymphoma. In adults, these tumors are usually the result of cancer that has spread from another part of the body, such as the breast or lungs.
Brain tumors can be malignant or benign, primary or secondary. The most common type of primary tumor is a glioma. Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes brain tumors; however, risk factors may include:
- Being male
- Race
- Age
- Family history
- Exposure to radiation or to certain chemicals.
(Click Brain Cancer for more information on the different tumors, possible symptoms, how the condition is diagnosed, and treatment options.)
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