Understanding Brain Tumors: Exploring the Differences between Benign and Malignant Growth

By Dr. Manish Bummerkar in Neurosciences Neuro & Spine Surgery

Jun 11, 2024

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells that can develop in or around the brain.. They can be classified into two main types: benign and malignant. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Benign Brain Tumors: Benign brain tumors are non-cancerous growths that typically grow slowly and do not invade surrounding brain tissue. They are often encapsulated and have well-defined borders. While benign tumors are not cancerous, they can still cause symptoms and complications depending on their size and location.

Types of Benign Brain Tumors:

1. Meningiomas: Meningiomas are the most common type of benign brain tumor. They originate from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are typically slow-growing and may not cause symptoms unless they grow large enough to compress nearby structures.
2. Pituitary Adenomas: Pituitary adenomas arise from the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. These tumors can affect hormone levels and cause symptoms such as hormonal imbalances, vision changes, and headaches.
3. Acoustic Neuromas: Also known as vestibular schwannomas, these tumors develop on the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance and hearing. Acoustic neuromas can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and imbalance.

Malignant Brain Tumors: Malignant brain tumors, also known as brain cancer, are cancerous growths that can grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue. Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors do not have well-defined borders and can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.

Types of Malignant Brain Tumors:

1. Gliomas: Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumor and originate from glial cells, which provide support and protection to neurons in the brain. Gliomas are further classified based on the type of glial cell they originate from, such as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
2. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): GBM is the most aggressive and deadliest form of glioma. It grows rapidly and infiltrates surrounding brain tissue, making it challenging to treat.
3. Medulloblastomas: Medulloblastomas are malignant tumors that primarily occur in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance. They are most common in children and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and difficulties with coordination and balance.

By

Dr. Manish Bummerkar
Sr. Consultant – Neuro & Spine Surgery
Metro Hospital and Heart Institute, RLKC Pandav Nagar