Neuro-Oncology
Neuro-Oncology - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| Brain, Cranial Nerves, Meninges, Pituitary, Spinal Cord |
| Tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Some types of brain tumours are benign and some are malignant. A benign tumour is made of slow-growing cells and is unlikely to spread. However, a benign tumour may cause problems because it takes up space inside the skull. It may press on the brain or important nerves that come out of the brain (called cranial nerves). The pressure may affect the normal function of these structures. It may raise the pressure in the skull and cause headaches and/or nausea. It is common for begnin brain tumours to be treated successfully. Types of benign brain tumours include: • Meningiomas, which grow from the meninges (brain coverings) • Neuromas, which grow from nerves • Pituitary tumours, which grow from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain • Carnio-pharyngiomas, which grow from structures just above the pituitary • Juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas, a type of glial cell tumour which grows from the supporting cells of the brain. Tumours are less common in the spinal cord than in the brain. A tumour in the spinal cord will affect the spinal cord by pressing on it. This may stop the flow of messages along the nerves between the brain and body and can affect the control of some parts of the body. Most commonly, this can cause difficulty with using the arms or legs or difficulty controlling the bladder or bowel. There may also be changes to the feeling in the skin. Tumours may start in the spinal cord itself or grow from the coverings of the spinal cord. They can be begnin or malignant. Like brain tumours, they are named for the type of cell from which they grow. For more information on brain, spinal and other neurological cancer types and service, go to Neuro-Oncology Service. |
