What are brain tumors?

Also known as: malignant brain tumors, benign brain tumors, primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors.

The term brain tumor refers to an unusual growth of tissue seen in the brain irrespective of the nature and cause of the growth. Primary tumors of the brain may be benign or non-cancerous and be discovered incidentally or cause symptoms, while others are cancerous (malignant). Any tumor that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the brain, is known as a metastatic tumor.

It may be stated that brain tumors are one of the most common tumors seen in the pediatric population.


Reviewed by: Gregory W Hornig, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM

© 2024 Nicklaus Children's Hospital. All Rights Reserved.