Types of Brain Cancer

Brain tumours are abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. They are not a single disease, but a diverse group of conditions classified by the type of cell from which they arise and where they develop in the brain or spinal cord. There are many types of brain cancer and tumours, each with unique genetic changes, biological behaviours, and treatment approaches.

All brain cancers are brain tumours, but not all brain tumours are cancer. Some tumours are cancerous and grow aggressively, while others are non-cancerous but can still affect brain function depending on their size and location. Understanding these differences helps patients, families, and carers navigate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care

Tumours vs Cancer 

It’s important to understand the difference between a tumour and cancer. A tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. Not all tumours are cancerous — these are called benign tumours. Benign tumours are often slow-growing and usually have well-defined borders, making them easier to remove surgically, depending on their location. They can often be removed completely through surgery alone, without the need for additional treatment.

Cancerous tumours, however, are malignant and can grow aggressively, spread to other parts of the brain, and cause serious health problems. These tumours are usually treated with a combination of therapies to control their spread and achieve the best possible outcomes, as they tend to be highly infiltrative.

In short: all brain cancers are tumours, but not all tumours are brain cancer.