Types of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer is not a single disease, but a diverse group of tumour types defined by the cells they arise from and how they behave. Explore the main types of brain cancer to better understand diagnosis, treatment options and what each diagnosis may mean.
Understanding the Diversity of Brain Tumours
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.
How Many Types of Brain Tumours Are There?
There are many different types of brain tumours. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (5th Edition) categorizes over 130 types of brain tumours based on molecular profiles and histology, shifting from solely microscope-based diagnosis to integrating genetic markers (e.g. IDH-mutant) for improved, personalised diagnosis. These are classified as:
Primary brain tumours: These are tumours that originate in the brain or surrounding tissues and rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Secondary brain tumour: These are tumours that originate in other parts of the body, such as the lung, breast, or skin (e.g., melanoma), and spread to the brain through metastasis.
Brain Cancer Types
For a full breakdown of brain tumour names and detailed information on each, see our dedicated pages for each tumour type.
Optic Pathway Glioma
Optic pathway glioma (OPG) is a low-grade glioma that develops along the visual pathway, including the...
Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendrogliomas are primary central nervous system tumours that arise from cells of the oligodendroglial lineage.
Brainstem Glioma
A glioma is a type of brain or spinal cord tumour that begins in glial cells,...
Astrocytoma
Astrocytomas are one of the most common types of glioma. They arise from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial...
When determining the best course of action, medical teams assess whether a tumour is benign or malignant, how it interacts with the surrounding brain tissue, and whether it can be safely removed. Other important factors include the tumour’s location, grade, and molecular characteristics. While some tumours primarily affect adults, others, such as germ cell tumours, are more frequently seen in children and young adults.
Because tumour cells can vary significantly in their genetic makeup, treatment is increasingly personalised. Standard approaches may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy depending on the tumour type. Some patients may also consider clinical trials that provide access to emerging therapies.
Although the exact causes of most brain tumours remain unclear, advances in molecular profiling are helping doctors better classify tumours and guide treatment decisions, which may improve patient outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, knowing what the different types of brain tumours are can help you make informed decisions. Learning about the different types of brain tumours, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, ensures you can discuss options with your healthcare team and access the right support.
You can also visit our dedicated Support Hub for information on how to access services and support for you and your family following a brain cancer diagnosis.
Disclaimer: All Cure Brain Cancer Foundation website content is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek your own medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health professionals.
References
Louis DN, Perry A, Wesseling P, Brat DJ, Cree IA, Figarella-Branger D, Hawkins C, Ng HK, Pfister SM, Reifenberger G, Soffietti R, von Deimling A, Ellison DW. The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System: a summary. Neuro Oncol. 2021 Aug 2;23(8):1231-1251. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/noab106. PMID: 34185076; PMCID: PMC8328013.