Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Brain and spinal cord tumors are cancers of the central nervous system. There are many types, but the most common are gliomas and meningiomas. Other types include medulloblastomas, gangliogliomas, schwannomas, and craniopharyngiomas. Nearly 23,000 new cases of malignant brain and spinal cord tumors are diagnosed in the United States each year. Survival rates vary depending on the tumor type, location, and how widely it has spread. Most types of brain and spinal cord tumors do not have a direct cause. Risk factors include radiation exposure and certain genetic and immune disorders. Symptoms of brain tumors may include headaches, seizures, and changes in mood, behavior, or mental function. Symptoms of spinal cord tumors include weakness in the legs, loss of coordination, and reduced control of the bladder or bowels. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, drug therapy, or a combination of these.