Types of brain tumours

There are over 130 different types of brain tumours. Tumours can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from.

The most common type of brain tumours in adults is called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). 

Tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Cancer that has spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body is called secondary brain cancer or brain metastases.

Primary and secondary brain tumours

Primary brain tumours start in the brain. Secondary brain cancer spreads to the brain from somewhere else in the body.

Glioma

Gliomas start in the glial cells and are the most common type of brain tumours. Astrocytomas, oligodendroglioma and glioblastomas are all types of glioma.

Ependymoma

Ependymoma is a rare type of brain tumour that starts from ependymal cells. It can develop in children and adults.

Oligodendroglioma

Oligodendrogliomas develop from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. They are a type of glioma. 

Vestibular Schwannoma

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign brain tumour. It is also called acoustic neuroma.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a non cancerous (benign) brain tumour that can affect children and adults.

Haemangioblastoma

Haemangioblastomas start in the cells lining the blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord and brain stem. They are non cancerous (benign) tumours.

Lymphoma of the brain or spinal cord

This is also called primary CNS lymphoma. It starts in the lymph tissue of the brain or spinal cord.

Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumours that start in the layers of tissue (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. 

Pituitary tumours

Pituitary tumours are also called pituitary adenomas. There are different types of pituitary gland tumours. 

Pineal region tumours

There are different types of tumours that start in the pineal region. The most common type are germ cell tumours.

Embryonal tumours

Embryonal tumours are a type of brain tumour. They used to be called primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs).

Spinal cord tumours

Tumours that start in the spinal cord are called primary spinal cord tumours. There are different types. 

Last reviewed: 
21 Aug 2019