Brain & Nervous System Cancer

Overview

Your brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Together, they control nearly all your mental and physical functions, from walking and talking to thinking and breathing. 

Nervous system cancers start from tumors that grow in the brain <link to Brain Tumors> or spinal cord <link to Spinal Tumors>. There are about 125 different types of brain tumors. They can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).  

When a tumor starts in your brain, we call it a primary brain tumor. If a tumor spreads to your brain from cancer somewhere else in your body, it’s a metastatic brain tumor. Primary brain tumors are less common than metastatic brain tumors. Each type causes unique symptoms and requires tailored treatment. 

Primary brain tumors include: 

• Gliomas—the most common kind of primary brain tumor. The three main types of gliomas are astrocytoma, glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma. They can range from slow-growing to aggressive, fast-growing cancers.
• Meningiomas—the second most common brain tumor, usually benign. They grow in the meninges, the tissues lining your brain and spinal cord.
• Acoustic neuromas—also known as vestibular schwannomas. Often benign, these tumors grow on the main nerve that runs from your inner ear to your brain.
• Pituitary tumors—tumors that grow in or near the pituitary gland at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland releases hormones that help regulate the ovaries, testes, thyroid and other glands. These tumors are usually benign.
• Primary central nervous system lymphoma—cancer that grows in the lymph tissue within your brain or spinal cord.

Many primary brain tumors have no known cause. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice unusual neurological symptoms. You may have severe headaches, trouble seeing or speaking, or balance issues.

Any existing cancer in your body can spread and cause metastatic brain tumors. However, certain types are more likely to do so. These include:

Fast, Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Brain and nervous system cancers are rare. Less than one percent of people in the US will develop a cancerous brain tumor in their lifetime. When they do occur, an accurate diagnosis can guide timely, effective treatment. Our cancer specialists use many tools to diagnose brain and nervous system cancer, including:

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan is often the first test your doctor orders if you have concerning symptoms. It uses X-rays to create pictures of your brain and skull.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

If your doctor suspects a brain tumor on a CT scan, they may order an MRI to get a better look. This test uses strong magnets to create detailed images of your brain. You may receive a contrast dye injection to help smaller tumors show up more clearly. 

Sometimes, your doctor will recommend a special type of MRI to gather more information. For example, a functional MRI shows which parts of the brain control different tasks. A magnetic resonance spectroscopy test measures certain chemical levels in the brain tumor.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer injected into a vein. As it travels through your bloodstream, the tracer collects in areas of the brain where a tumor may be present. Your doctor can view the highlighted tumors on the PET images.

Because rapidly dividing cells tend to absorb more tracer, PET scans are more effective for fast-growing cancers, such as glioblastomas.

Stereotactic Biopsy

In this minimally invasive test, your doctor collects a brain tumor sample using a thin needle. They’ll make a tiny opening in the skull to insert the needle. Imaging tests help precisely plan where the needle will go. You’ll receive anesthesia medication to stay comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Genetic Analysis and Sequencing of Biopsy Material

Your care team sends the biopsy sample to a lab for testing. Results can show whether the tumor is cancerous or noncancerous and how quickly the cells are growing. Some tests examine the tumor’s genetic makeup, which we use to create a targeted treatment plan.