What is Brain Tumor and Brain Cancer?
A brain tumor is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably in the brain. Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells divide uncontrollably they form a mass of tissue. The mass is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer usually refers to malignant tumors. These can invade nearby tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not spread, but it can press structures near it causing symptoms.
There are two main types of brain tumors:
- Primary brain cancer begins in the brain. It can be either benign or malignant. A small benign tumor in a bad location can cause significant problems.
- Secondary or metastatic brain cancer has spread to the brain from another site in the body. All metastatic tumors are malignant.