Raising awareness about brain tumours: the different types
We are focusing this article on the different types of brain tumours. Approximately 12,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year. These include tumours in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, like the spinal cord and meninges. Of these, about half are cancerous. Additionally, many people are diagnosed with secondary brain tumours, which originate elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain.
Primary and secondary tumours
Brain tumours can be broadly classified into primary and secondary tumours; primary tumours starting in the brain and secondary tumours spreading from other parts of the body. Common types of primary brain tumours include meningiomas, gliomas (astrocytoma, ependymoma, and oligodendroglioma), and rarer tumours like acoustic neuromas and pituitary tumours.
Primary brain tumours
Acoustic Neuroma: These tumours develop on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain.
Astrocytomas: These develop from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes.
Craniopharyngiomas: These are benign tumours that develop near the pituitary gland. A subheading such as H3 and H4 helps divide broader topics into smaller sections that are easier to read.
Ependymomas: These tumours develop from ependymal cells, which line the ventricles of the brain.
Glioblastoma: A highly malignant and aggressive type of glioma, originating from astrocytes.
Gliomas: These arise from glial cells, which support and protect neurons. Gliomas include:
Oligodendrogliomas: These originate from oligodendrocytes, another type of glial cell.
Medulloblastoma: A malignant tumour that typically occurs in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance.
Meningiomas: These tumours develop in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Pituitary Tumours: These develop in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that controls hormone production.
Secondary brain tumours
These tumours occur when cancer cells spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
Symptoms of a brain tumour
Changes in behaviour or personality: mood, memory and personality can all be affected.
Coordination Issues: Difficulty with balance or coordination.
Difficulty with speech
Drowsiness: Feeling unusually sleepy.
Headaches: These are a common symptom and may be worse when lying down.
Hearing Problems
Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in the morning.
Problems with vision
Seizures: This can include your body/limbs jerking or twitching, of which you may not be aware.
Paralysis or weakness: usually affecting one side of the body.
Please consult your GP if you have any of the above symptoms.
About Caremark Cheltenham and Gloucester
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