Primary brain tumors develop when healthy cells inside the brain begin to grow and function differently, forming a mass called a tumor. Unlike other cancers, primary brain and spinal cord tumors don’t usually spread to distant organs. But they can grow into nearby areas, pressing on nerves or damaging brain tissue. Doctors grade tumors I through IV, with grade IV being the fastest growing and needing the most intensive treatment.

Brain or spinal cord metastases are tumors that spread to the brain, spinal cord or spine from cancer that came from somewhere else in the body — like the lung, breast, kidney or colon. Metastatic tumors actually happen 10 times more often than primary brain tumors. Your neuro-oncology team is experienced in treating both primary and metastatic tumors.

According to the American Cancer Society, the risk for developing a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord during your lifetime is less than 1%. Overall, men have a higher risk (about 1 in 143) than women (about 1 in 185).

Often, a brain tumor’s cause is unknown. However, certain risk factors can increase your risk:

• Age: Brain tumors can develop at any age, but the risk is higher for adults 65 and older and children.
• Sex: Men are more likely to develop a brain tumor than women.
• Family history: If you have a family member who’s been diagnosed with a brain tumor, your risk is higher.
• Health history: Certain aspects of your health history, including seizures and head injuries, can increase your risk.
• Other risk factors: Previous radiation exposure and certain infections, viruses and allergens may also raise your risk of developing a tumor.

Brain tumor symptoms can be similar to many other conditions. You may have:

• Balance issues
• Increased head pressure
• Changes in hearing
• Headaches (severe or frequent)
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Personality changes
• Seizures
• 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 rule out any other health issues.

Your doctor may use some or all of these tests to diagnose a brain tumor:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs create 3D images of the brain. Our team uses 3 Tesla MRI technology, which operates at twice the strength of traditional MRI scanners. This strength gives your team highly detailed images and allows them to treat tumors more accurately.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans: CT scans use X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the brain.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Your doctor will remove fluid from your spine to help make a diagnosis.
• Bone scans: Bone scans are nuclear imaging tests that help your doctor make a diagnosis.
• Biopsies: Your doctor removes a small tissue sample with a thin needle and then examines it under a microscope to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

A neuro-oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancers of the brain, spinal cord and spine. Beyond treating tumors directly, they also care for patients whose cancer treatments are causing neurological symptoms like memory loss, seizures and cognitive changes.

A neuro-oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating brain and spinal cord cancers using medications, therapies and coordinated care. A neurosurgeon performs surgical procedures on the brain and spinal cord.

While their roles are different, they work closely together, and your neuro-oncologist may refer you to a neurosurgeon if surgery is a part of your treatment plan.