Grades I and II are considered lower-grade (less aggressive) tumors. These types of tumors tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to affect nearby tissues. Grades III and IV are higher-grade (more aggressive) tumors that tend to grow more quickly.

Secondary brain tumors, also known as metastatic brain tumors, are tumors that grow within the brain after spreading from another area of the body, such as the lung, colon, kidneys, breasts or prostate.

• Gliomas: These tumors occur in the brain and spinal cord and are the most common type. There are subtypes of gliomas, including astrocytoma, ependymoma and oligodendroglioma tumors.
• Medulloblastoma: This is the most common type of cancerous brain tumor and sometimes spreads to other parts of the brain and spinal cord.
• Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma: CNS tumors are rare, cancerous tumors that form from lymph tissues in the brain or spinal cord.
• Meningioma tumors: These tumors grow in the meninges (membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and can compress nerves and vessels
• Pituitary tumors: Tumors can form on your pituitary gland, which produces hormones that affect growth and the function of glands throughout the body.
• Schwannoma: A schwannoma occurs when a tumor forms on the tissue surrounding the nerves. Often, this type of tumor is not cancerous.

The symptoms of a brain tumor can be similar to many other conditions and include:

• Balance issues
• Increased head pressure
• Hearing problems
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Personality changes
• Changes in hearing
• Seizures
• Severe or frequent headaches
• Slurred speech
• Sudden vision problems
• Trouble swallowing

Having any of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have a brain tumor. But it’s worth talking to your doctor to find out what’s going on.

A brain tumor's cause is often unknown, but certain factors can raise your risk:

• Age: Brain tumors can develop at any age, but the risk is higher for adults 65 and older and for children.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop a brain tumor than women.
• Family history: Having a family member with a brain tumor raises your risk.
• Health history: Seizures and head injuries can increase the chance of developing a brain tumor.
• Other risk factors: Previous radiation exposure, certain infections, viruses and allergens can increase your risk.

Diagnostic tests for brain tumors include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs use radio waves and magnets to create 3D images of the brain. Our team uses 3 Tesla MRI technology, which has twice the strength of standard 1.5 Tesla scanners, for highly detailed imaging that allows for more precise treatment.
• Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans: These use X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.
• Spinal tap: This removes fluid from the spine to test and help make a diagnosis.
• Bone scans: These are nuclear imaging tests that support diagnosis.
• Biopsies: These involve removing a small tissue sample with a thin needle or during surgery then examining it under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.

Radiation uses targeted energy to control or destroy cancer cells. Types of radiation therapy include:

• External beam radiation: Specialized technology that sends radiation to the tumor from outside the body.
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): Cone beam CT scans target tumors. Doctors use this for cancers in areas that move during treatment.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): Creates a 3D image of the tumor to deliver high-precision radiation that fits the tumor's exact outline.
• Internal radiation: Targets the tumor using safe levels of radiation delivered from within the body.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): Delivers precise, high doses of radiation shaped tightly around the tumor, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Planning brain tumor surgery begins well before any procedure. Your team will gather detailed information on brain anatomy and function using imaging and neurophysiological studies to map out the safest approach.

Whenever possible, surgeons use minimally invasive techniques alongside live imaging and neurological monitoring. One option is laser ablation therapy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser probe to treat tumors by burning rather than removing it. This approach often means a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

For tumors that are hard to reach or can't be removed surgically, you’ll have access to CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery. It’s a noninvasive option that delivers high doses of targeted radiation to complex tumors anywhere in the body without incisions. That often means quicker treatment, less pain and a faster recovery. We offer CyberKnife at the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.