The idea of cancer produces a sense of dread in anyone who hears it, and in no area is this more the case than that of brain cancer. Cancers of the brain don’t just threaten your life and wellbeing, but threaten to corrupt your mental capacity too. Treatment is invasive and comes at high risk to your body’s neurological network. Brain tumours fall into two main types – primary brain cancer involving malignant tissue growing in the brain itself, and secondary cancers that develop elsewhere in the body and become metastatic, that is, they travel to the brain by the veins and lymph system.
Anyone facing this ordeal should inform themselves at every step of the way, in order to create a sense of confidence in facing the oncoming wellness challenges. The following list provides a comprehensive guide to possible types of primary brain tumours:
Gliomas – this category of primary brain tumours includes types that start from helpful brain cells. Gliomas can be subdivided into four main types:
– Oligodendrogkiomas – a rare type of brain cancer that can occur in people of all ages. It originates in myelin-producing cells.
– Ependymomas – this type of brain cancer occurs in children and young people. It originates in the ventricle lining.
– Brain stem gliomas – a high quality form of tumour that is extremely dangerous. They start in the lower part of the brain, which controls the main body functions.
– Astrocytomas – a type of tumour affecting those of all ages. They can form in any part of the vertebrae or brain, though more commonly find a base in the cerebrum in the case of children.
Non-Gliomas – the second category of primary brain tumours includes types that originate from non-supportive cells. They include:
– Pineal tumours – originate in the pineal gland and grow at various speeds. Fortunately, this type of tumour is easy to remove.
– Medulloblastomas – originate in the basic nerve cells and can be found in the cerebellum. Medulloblastomas are also referred to as primitive neuro-ectodermal tumours.
– Craniopharyngiomas – originate in the pituitary gland. They are mostly harmless, except in cases where they create pressure on the hypothalamus gland.
– Schwannomas – originate in the Schwan cells and produce myelin, which protects auditory nerve cells.
– Meningiomas – originate in the meninges and are mostly experienced by middle-aged women. Fortunately, this kind of tumour is nearly always proved harmless.
This short guide to the minefield of primary brain tumours should provide an introduction from which you can undertake further research. As a rule, brain tumours result from the irregular pattern of cell division originating in the parts mentioned. For further information on these types of malignancy and more, consult your doctor or an authorized medical encyclopaedia.
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