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University of Florida Health physicians provide specialized care for adult patients and children with brain tumors. Receiving the diagnosis of a brain tumor may be the most frightening news anyone can get. It's only natural to begin searching for all the information you can about brain tumors - causes, symptoms, treatments. We hope you will find some answers at University of Florida Health.

Understanding brain tumors

Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells form growth within brain tissue or from surrounding structures. Tumors can be classified as primary brain tumors, originating in the brain itself, or metastatic brain tumors, spreading to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body.

Currently, it's unclear why brain tumors occur. Although multiple large epidemiologic studies have been undertaken, no specific risk factors for brain cancer have been found. Risk certainly increases with age, but otherwise, no specific environmental or genetic factor has been linked to these tumors. The exception is prior radiation therapy, which has been shown to increase the risk of glioma and meningioma formation. Primary brain tumors are diagnosed in about 17,000 patients every year, including 3,500 pediatric brain tumor cases in children under the age of 20.

Types of primary brain tumors

Primary brain tumors originate from different cells within the brain, including:

• Astrocytomas: These tumors form from astrocytes, or cells that support brain tissue. Brain tumor treatment typically involves surgery, and the long-term outlook can vary significantly based on the tumor grade.
• Colloid Cysts: Usually benign, colloid cysts can block fluid movement within the brain, leading to increased pressure. Minimally invasive procedures are often successful.
• Choroid Plexus Tumors: These rare tumors primarily affect young children and can cause fluid buildup (hydrocephalus).
• Ependymomas: These tumors form from ependymal cells that line fluid-filled spaces in the brain. Treatment involves surgery, radiation oncology, and chemotherapy.
• Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): A highly aggressive form of astrocytoma common in adults over 55. Treatment typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
• Meningiomas: Typically benign tumors originating from membranes covering the brain. They can often be successfully treated with surgery or targeted radiation.
• Neurocytomas: Generally benign tumors occurring within brain cavities that may cause increased pressure.
• Oligodendrogliomas: Arising from myelin-producing cells, these tumors often respond well to cancer treatment, particularly when specific genetic markers are present.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Benign tumors of the pituitary gland affecting hormone levels, potentially causing hormonal disorders.
• Schwannomas: Usually benign tumors affecting nerves around the brain, often treated successfully with surgery or radiosurgery.

Metastatic brain tumors

Metastatic tumors in the brain, also known as brain metastases, are more common and originate from cancers elsewhere in the body. Approximately 170,000 brain tumor patients are diagnosed with metastatic brain tumorseach year. All metastatic tumors are malignant, and their behavior varies widely according to the originatingcancer types. The most common types of metastatic brain tumor, in order of frequency, are: 1) lung cancer, 2) breast cancer, 3) renal cell cancer, 4) melanoma, and 5) colon cancer.

Clinical trials for brain tumor research and treatment conducted at the University of Florida can provide brain tumor patients with access to innovative approaches in cancer care. For more information, please visit our clinical trials web page.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms depend on the tumor鈥檚 location and size and may include headaches, seizures, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, or issues with vision, hearing, or swallowing. Symptoms usually develop gradually.

Diagnosing brain tumors

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are the primary method for brain tumor diagnosis. These scans help doctors clearly visualize the tumor tissue and plan appropriate treatments.

Treatment options

Our multidisciplinary team 鈥� including neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists 鈥� collaboratively develops personalized treatment plans through regular discussions known as the Brain Tumor Board.

Primary brain tumor treatment

Treatment for primary brain tumors and metastatic tumors may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The mainstay of this treatment is surgical resection whenever possible, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Surgery involves an incision on the scalp, removal of bone over the area of tumor (craniotomy), and removal of the tumor. Most patients remain in the hospital for two to three days after surgery.

Radiosurgery is another treatment option, most often for benign lesions (meningioma, schwannoma) or metastatic tumors. This technique allows for a very high one-time dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while sparing surrounding brain structures. This treatment is only acceptable for lesions that are less than 3cm in diameter, separate from the brain, and easily delineated on MRI or CT imaging.

Metastatic tumor treatment

Metastatic tumors are slightly more boundaried but also tend to recur in the location of previous treatment or elsewhere in the brain. Surgery, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and participation in clinical trials are options frequently used in combination. Each cancer patient should discuss optimal strategies with their doctor.

After your treatment

Post-treatment cancer survivorship care involves regular follow-ups, including MRI scans, to monitor for recurrence of brain tumor symptoms or tumor cells, and manage long-term effects.

• Brain radiation - discharge
• Brain surgery - discharge
• Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor
• Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor
• Stereotactic radiosurgery - discharge

Follow-up

Following brain tumor treatment, most patients will need serial follow-up, including exams and MRI scan brain imaging to evaluate for recurrence or other long-term effects of the tumor or treatment.

Support and resources

The BOB体育 Cancer Center provides comprehensive information about ongoing brain tumor research, innovative clinical trials, support groups, and specialized care programs dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

Brain tumor patients and families can access additional information and support from cancer and brain tumor organizations including:

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